In 1902, the Jesuit Fathers answered an invitation from the Bishop of Alexandria to establish a parish and school in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

As the Jesuit Fathers and Bishop Durier came to an agreement, a document was signed leading to the establishment of a Catholic parish and a college for boys in Shreveport. On October 26, 1902, when the upper two stories of the Jesuit residence were completed, Father O’Connor moved his residence to 1564 Texas Avenue. In January 1903, within a few months of completion of the first large white-frame residence building, Father O’Connor received word from his Jesuit superior that he was authorized to construct the second building. In 1913, the college department was discontinued and the high school department remained. The school name remained St. John’s College, with “high school department” added as the subtitle until 1941, when the name officially changed to St. John’s High School. The Jesuits purchased the Walter B. Jacobs Estate in the 900 block of Jordan Street with the intention to build the future church, residence, and school. Plans were discussed during Father Druhan’s term as pastor. He felt strongly that a Catholic education should become a reality for every child in the parish.  In 1946, the property located next to the church on Jordan Street was purchased for a school, as well as the Ingersoll property on Margaret Place as a convent for the Daughters of the Cross, who would be teaching at the school. Sister John Roberta was the school’s first principal in 1949 when the school opened with 6 grades and a staff of six sisters. During Father A. B. Kearn’s term as pastor, 1955-1961, the grade school addition with the Multi-Room, cafeteria, and Parish Hall was completed.

Major renovations have been made to update the facility, making it a safe and modern school that enhances our students’ academic formation. In 2017, an expansion and renovation of the 4100 square foot Library/Technology Center was completed and dedicated to Mrs. Jo Cazes in honor of her retirement as principal and in the school’s appreciation for her love and dedication to the growth of the school.