He continued in that capacity until 1890. In that year, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity from Manitowoc, Wisconsin took over the teaching in the school. Beginning with three sisters in a two-room classroom the school grew to sixteen classrooms in a grade school and a completely equipped high school. Over 300 Franciscan Sisters have taught at St. Francis during their century of service. In the annals of the rectory there is a reference to a school being built in 1885.
History is unclear in the matter.
The parishioners built this first bona-fide school building facing Howard Street. In 1902, when it was moved into the present school yard, it faced Michigan Street. It was used until 1927 when it was replaced by the present grade school. It had nine classrooms. This is the older portion of the present day school.