History
Archbishop Stepinac High School opened in 1948, named for Blessed Aloysius Stepinac, a revered 20th-century Croatian figure. Established through the generosity of Westchester County’s Catholic community and the leadership of Archbishop Francis Cardinal Spellman, the school initially provided both a college preparatory program and a commercial course for careers in business and trades. Originally staffed by an all-male faculty of diocesan priests and religious brothers, Stepinac built a legacy of discipline, faith, and academic rigor.
Since becoming independent in 2009, the school has been governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees, while maintaining its Catholic identity within the Archdiocese of New York. The Archdiocese of New York retains ownership of the campus and supports major capital improvements. Today, a diverse faculty of religious and lay professionals upholds the school’s mission to form young men of character, grounded in Christian values and Catholic tradition. The Stepinac community fosters an environment of unity, compassion, and purpose, encouraging students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally.
About Blessed Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac
Named in honor of Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac, Archbishop Stepinac High School draws inspiration from his life of faith, courage, and service.
Born on May 8, 1898, in a small Croatian village near Krašić, Stepinac grew up in a large farming family. After serving in World War I and briefly studying agriculture at the University of Zagreb, he pursued the priesthood, earning doctorates in theology and philosophy in Rome and being ordained in 1930.
Appointed Archbishop of Zagreb in 1937, Stepinac became a steadfast advocate for justice during World War II, sheltering persecuted groups, including Jews and Serbs, and publicly condemning violence. His moral stance led to his conviction in a politically motivated trial by Yugoslavia’s communist regime in 1946, resulting in a 17-year sentence, of which he served five years in prison, followed by house arrest until he died in 1960. In 1953, Pope Pius XII named him a cardinal, and in 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified him, recognizing his legacy as a figure of compassion and integrity celebrated by Catholic, Jewish, and Serbian Orthodox communities.