As early as 1852 there are records of the existence of a school in Old Mines, but there are no records of enrollment or teachers. In 1924, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word came to Old Mines to teach in the parish school. Many changes have been witnessed since that date. The present building dates back to 1949, with the second floor being added in 1950. In the fall of 1977, a Kindergarten class began. The fall of 1991 brought about the opening of a Pre-Kindergarten program. A Daycare facility was opened in the fall of 1993, which also provides extended care for school children.

“Who is St. Joachim?” St. Joachim is the husband of St. Ann, the father of Mary, our Blessed Mother, and the grandfather of Jesus. His feast day, along with St. Ann’s, is celebrated on July 26 each year.

St. Joachim is a rural, Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis that embraces the fourfold mission of Catholic education: to proclaim the Gospel Message, to build community, to provide worship experiences, and to render service to those in need. In doing this, we help our students to grow in personal holiness and in their relationship with God. 

We believe that every child is a gift who can learn. We strive for academic excellence by expecting each child to work to his/her potential. As a small, multi-grade school, we are able to address individual learning styles and needs. In addition, we work cooperatively with local agencies and the public education system to ensure that every child’s needs are addressed. We provide religious education, an Archdiocesan aligned curriculum, social experiences, field trips to enhance the curriculum, and extra-curricular activities that make for a well-rounded individual. 

We strive to provide a safe and healthy environment where students can grow spiritually, academically, socially, aesthetically and physically. In addition, students are encouraged and supported to fulfill their education responsibilities in the formation of healthy, knowledgeable and productive Christian children.

We believe that “it takes a village to raise a child” and that is the responsibility of the whole community to provide the opportunity for a Catholic education for the children of Washington County. 

St. Joachim encourages strengthening Christian values, supporting families, developing partnerships, enlightening minds and building foundations.