The story of Saint Philomena School began in 1954 when Father John Feeney travelled to the interior of Liberia, specifically Zwedru, to establish a mission. After fifteen years of dedicated work and preparation, Father Feeney returned to the St. Saviour Convent in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to discuss his mission in Zwedru. He highlighted the challenges faced by many girls who were unable to attend school due to early marriages and domestic responsibilities imposed by their parents.

In response to these challenges, in 1970 and 1971, four SSNDs—Sisters Helen Reed, Kathleen Wahl, Marie Daniel Dooley, and Sean Maura Killilea—traveled to Liberia to support the education of young Liberian girls.

Saint Philomena School officially started in 1958, with classes initially held under the trees in the parish compound, each in a mud-block room. The SSNDs also initiated a boarding facility and various other projects to support the school's development.

The Sisters began their ministry by focusing on curriculum planning and teacher training. They also established an administrative structure, with Charles Chea, Sr. serving as the first principal. Key figures include Father John Feeney of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Father Philip Bagnasco, the Provincial Superior of the SMA Fathers, and the four School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSNDs) who arrived in Zwedru. Their contributions have greatly shaped the school's commendable legacy.

Beginnings

The story of Saint Philomena School began in 1954 when Father John Feeney travelled to the interior of Liberia, specifically Zwedru, to establish a mission. After fifteen years of dedicated work and preparation, Father Feeney returned to the St. Saviour Convent in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to discuss his mission in Zwedru. He highlighted the challenges faced by many girls who were unable to attend school due to early marriages and domestic responsibilities imposed by their parents.

In response to these challenges, in 1970 and 1971, four SSNDs—Sisters Helen Reed, Kathleen Wahl, Marie Daniel Dooley, and Sean Maura Killilea—travelled to Liberia to support the education of young Liberian girls.

The School

Saint Philomena School officially started in 1958, with classes initially held under the trees in the parish compound, each in a mud-block room. The SSNDs also initiated a boarding facility and various other projects to support the school's development.

The Sisters began their ministry by focusing on curriculum planning and teacher training. They also established an administrative structure, with Charles Chea, Sr. serving as the first principal.

 Principals Since 1958

1. Charles Chea, Sr.

2. Laura Saydee

3. Walter Deah

4. Cherbetu Quayeson

5. Jonny Kahn

6. Shadrick Teah

7. Waylee Kwiah (Incumbent)

*Reference Book: "I Hold Your Foot" by Sister Mary Leonora Tucker, SSND.*

The St. Philomena Catholic School mission is :

To empower young people by imparting knowledge and instilling moral discipline, guiding them to become better individuals capable of positively transforming society.

The St. Philomena Catholic School core values are: 

1. Love: We nurture a caring and compassionate environment for all.

2. Respect: We honor the dignity of every individual, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.

3. Honesty: We maintain transparency and integrity in all our actions.

4. Professionalism: We strive for excellence through training and professional conduct.

5. Cooperation: We promote teamwork and collaboration to achieve common goals.

6. Creativity: We encourage innovation and creative thinking in problem-solving.

7. Law-Abiding: We adhere to legal and ethical standards in all our operations.

8. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions.