For more than thirteen decades, Scotus Central Catholic has proudly served the needs of Catholic education in the Columbus, Nebraska area. First established by Franciscan Sisters on November 4, 1878 and given the name, St. Francis Academy in 1884, the school initially served primary through 10th grades. By 1910, the school offered 12 years of study and in 1915 the first organized Alumni Association for the school was established. Ten years later (1925), St. Bonaventure parish purchased St. Francis Academy and the school’s name was changed to St. Bonaventure School. It was a free school serving both elementary and high school grades. St. Bonaventure High School received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1941 and in 1952 the elementary classes were moved to a new grade school building. The science wing was constructed in 1956, Memorial Hall was opened in 1958 and the northwest addition for art, music and shop was added in 1963. The last class of seniors graduated from St. Bonaventure H.S. in 1965.
On November 25, 1964, a corporation was formed to establish a central Catholic high school supported by nine Columbus area parishes. A new 20 multi-purpose classroom and administrative facility was constructed and July 1, 1965, the school’s name became Scotus Central Catholic High School. St. Bonaventure parish joined with eight other Columbus area parishes to form Scotus Central Catholic on July 1, 1965. The name for the high school was chosen to commemorate the Franciscan scholar, John Duns Scotus, and in tribute to the Franciscan tradition of the school.
Today, Scotus is supported directly by the three parishes in Columbus and serves approximately 382 students in grades 7-12. The school also counts nearly 3,800 active alumni. Scotus offers a disciplined, safe and supportive environment. A dress and grooming code is enforced and several active parent and friend booster clubs assist the school with financial as well as volunteer support. Mass is celebrated daily in the chapel, each class period begins with prayer and Scotus students contribute more than 7,000 hours of community service each year through the school’s “Living the Faith” program.
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John Duns Scotus (Scotus is Latin for “the Scot”) Born 1266, Duns, Scotland into the family of Duns Entered the Franciscan Order at age 15; Sent to Oxford University for higher studies in 1288 Ordained to the priesthood on March 17, 1291; Acquired Masters Degree in 1305 from the University of Paris Professor at Oxford University, University of Paris and University of Cologne In depth of thought, he was unsurpassed by any of his contemporaries Wrote theological works, which earned him titles: Subtle Doctor–for the acuteness of his mind, Greatest Doctor–for the greatness of his works; Marian Doctor–for his defense of the Immaculate Conception Died in Cologne at age of 42 on November 8, 1308 Declared “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II, 1993 Feastday is celebrated on November 8th
Mission Statement: Scotus Central Catholic High School assures all students the opportunity to receive a faith-based Catholic education through academic excellence and diverse extracurricular activities.
Accreditation: Scotus Central Catholic High School is accredited by the North Central Association of College and Secondary Schools dating continuously from the year 1941. Scotus Central Catholic Junior and Senior High School is also accredited by the State of Nebraska Department of Education and is on the list of Class A accredited schools as established by the members of the State Accreditation Committee. Scotus Central Catholic is also a member in good standing of the Secondary School Department of the National Catholic Education Association.