Our History | Salesianum School

Salesianum was founded in 1903 by Rev. Charles Fromentin, Rev. Louis Jacquier, and Rev. James Isenring — three French-speaking Oblate priests who took the train from New York City to Wilmington’s Trolley Square.

Invited by the Most Rev. John Monaghan, the Bishop of Wilmington, the priests wanted to establish a boys’ secondary school for the city’s growing immigrant and industrial base. The result was The French School. Funded by the Sisters of the Visitation, the school began at a house at the corner of 8th and West Streets.

By the fall of 1903, the school’s name had changed to reflect its roots in Saint Francis de Sales’ teachings — Salesianum, or the House of Sales. In September, the school welcomed its first 12 students. And in 1907, four graduates became the first Salesian Gentlemen.

As the school grew, it kept those three priests’ focus on tenacity, patience, and optimism. Later leaders continued making strides — and taking risks — for its students.

In 1950, Salesianum became the first school in Delaware to integrate by choice. In the early 1960s, the school welcomed waves of Cuban immigrants, part of Operation Pedro Pan. And in 1957, the school moved to its current location, expanding its footprint to serve more young men.

Today, the school has served over 19,000 alumni who live in all fifty states, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. And while a lot has changed, Salesianum still reflects the heart of those three founding Oblates, whose 120-year journey feels like it’s just getting started.