History of Calvert High School

Located at 152 Madison Street, Tiffin, Calvert High School has been a part of the local community since 1923.  During that year, the Bishop of the Toledo Diocese, Samuel A. Stritch, asked the Ursuline Sisters to open a high school for both boys and girls in the Tiffin area.  The Sisters had been operating a girls' academy on the Jefferson Street convent grounds since 1863. Under the guidance of Rev. Francis Macelwane, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools, the girls' school was phased out and Tiffin Central Catholic was opened in the former academy building on Sept. 10, 1923, with a freshman class of 40 girls and 32 boys.

The school received its charter from the State of Ohio in 1925, and on January 21, 1926, the name Calvert High School was chosen by the Bishop.  Cecil Calvert, for whom which the school was named, was an English nobleman who founded he state of Maryland as a haven, not only for persecuted Catholics, but for all victims of religious intolerance.

The Madison Street entrance of the current building displays the Calvert Shield.  The left two quarters of the shield contain the Spanish Tower, emblem of the diocese of Toledo, and the crown of the Blessed Virgin, patron of the school.  The right two quarters are taken from the coat of arms of the family of Cecil Calvert. The lamp symbolizes learning.

By 1949, enrollment had risen to 250, so fund raising began for $600,000 to construct a new building.  In 1954, one section of the present building, including the auditorium/gymnasium and 16 classrooms, was dedicated.  By 1961, additional classrooms were added at a cost of $400,000.  The school could then accommodate 850 students. The staff consisted of Principal Rev. Edward C. Dunn, two priests, eleven Ursuline Sisters, three Franciscan Sisters, five lay teachers, and several part-time teachers.  Tuition in 1961 was $40 per student.  The convent buildings were razed in 1975.

Calvert High School became part of the Catholic School Council of the Tiffin Area (CSCTA) in 1990, under the leadership of Father Raymond Ensman. In July of 2007, Calvert High School became part of the Calvert Catholic Schools, which include grades K-3 at the St. Mary Campus, grades 4-8 at the St. Joseph Campus, and grades 9-12 remaining at the Calvert Campus. The Campuses are under the direction of the Board of Trustees, with Superintendent Ted Rombach. Patricia Haley is K-8 Principal and Anthony Mass is 9-12 Principal.

Although religion is a focal point at Calvert, enrollment is open to students of every faith, race and ethnic origin. School chaplain, Father James Halleron, offers a weekly Mass for all Calvert students at 8:45 a.m. and optional Mass at 7:30 a.m. in the 3^rd floor Chapel.  

Precepts of the Roman Catholic Church are taught in religion classes, following the Diocese of Toledo’s Religion Course of Study and community service is a required component in the religion curriculum.     Reconciliation, May Crowning, First Friday Breakfast and Benediction are other religious celebrations in which students participate, as well as annual class retreats, highlighted by the Senior Kairos Retreat.

Academics are a priority at Calvert, as evidenced by the performance on state mandated testing and ACT scores. Students may pursue college preparatory, advanced placement, and general courses.  Vocational education programs are available in cooperation with Sentinel Career Center.  Both Heidelberg College and Tiffin University allow high school students to obtain credits before graduation as part of the Post-Secondary Options program. About 93% of Calvert’s graduates go on to higher education.

Some Calvert traditions include its publication, the Calvertana yearbook, which has continued from its inception in 1927 to the present time. Numerous extra-curricular activities are also part of the Calvert tradition.  The school emblem is the Seneca Indian, and school colors are royal blue and white.

Calvert Athletics have been affiliated with the Midland Athletic League since 1986. Calvert fields teams in many interscholastic sports for both boys and girls. Students may also join one of many clubs and musical groups.

Calvert High School is fortunate to have continuing support from parents, alumni and the Tiffin community. The Academic/Spiritual, Athletic, and Music Boosters conduct various fund-raisers during the year. The Calvert High School Educational Foundation, established in 1973, provides approximately a portion of the school’s operating budget and serves as a “safety net” for emergencies.  The Calvert Alumni and Friends Association keeps in touch with the more than 7,000 graduates and friends of Calvert. Local businesses and organizations give financial support by advertising in the yearbook and athletic programs and making donations to the annual Patron Drive.

As Calvert High School enters its 85th year of service, the students and faculty look forward to continuing to provide and engage in an Excellent Catholic Secondary Education and plan to maintain an active role in the Tiffin Community.

Principals of Calvert High School

Rev. Anthony J. Gallagher, S.T.D.       1924-1938

Rev. George C. Jaeger                    1938-1951

Rev. Joseph D. Shenk                     1951-1956

Msr. Edward C. Dunn                       1956-1969

Rev. Frank Nieset                         1969-1973

Rev. Robert J. Yeager                     1973-1980

Rev. Jeffrey Sikorski                     1980-1984

Mr. Jack Altenburger                      1984-1988

Mr. Joseph Noonan                         1988-1994

Mr. James Wright                         1994-2000

Mr. Anthony J. Mass 2000-present

Calvert High School’s website is: www.calverths.org

Calvert Catholic Schools: www.calvertcatholicschools.org

1/21/09