Skip To Main Content

mobile-menu

mobile-top-container

cta-nav

mobile-main-nav

header-container

logo-container

logo-image

intro-panel

Intro Logo

middle-container

right-container

quicklinks-nav

search-container

search-popup

header-container

logo-container

logo-image

middle-container

right-container

quicklinks-nav

search-holder

Find It Fast

cta-nav

Horizontal Nav

Breadcrumb

History of Regis

A parking lot filled with cars is in the foreground, while a school with a playground and surrounding trees is in the background.

The school was founded in 1991 and became the first and only Pre-K3 through Eighth Grade all-boys school in Houston.

As an Independent, Catholic, and Sacred Heart School, Regis fulfilled a need in Houston's Catholic community and continues to be the only school of its kind in the city. Take a look back at the history of Regis and some of the milestones along our 35-year journey.

History of Regis

1990

A monogram of the letters S, T, R, J, and F in a dark red color is centered on a plain white background.

Regis Gets its Name

Three Duchesne Academy families form a corporation, The Catholic Elementary School for Boys, in the fall of 1990. Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza approves the school. Regis bears the name of St. John Francis Regis, a 17th century Jesuit priest, the favorite saint of St. Philippine Duchesne.

1991

A smiling woman with gray hair and a floral jacket is in the foreground, with a plain, light-colored background behind her.

Regis Opens, Anne Storey Carty Becomes Head of School

Regis opens with 38 boys at the nearby leased location, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, on August 19, 1991 with Mrs. Anne Storey Carty as the first Head of School.

1992

A brick building with %22THE REGIS SCHOOL%22 written on it is visible behind a black fence and trees in the foreground, with more trees and a clear sky in the background.

School Moves to Westview Location, Bishop Fiorenza Blesses Building & Grounds

Regis begins its first year in its present location. Bishop Fiorenza blesses the building and grounds. 

1995

A dark blue cross stands to the left of the text %22TEXAS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE%22 and %22Department of Education%22 on a white background.

Regis Accredited by TCCED

The Texas Catholic Conference Educational Department (TCCED) accredits Regis in January 1995.

1996

A black metal fence encloses a building with a blue tarp covering its side, set against a backdrop of green trees and a bright sky.

Pavilion Built at Regis

The Pavilion is built for athletic instructional programs through the generous contributions of several Regis families.

1998

A red heart-shaped ribbon encloses a world map and a red cross against a white background.

Regis Becomes Full Member of the Network

The National Network of Sacred Heart Schools votes in Regis as a full member in April 1998 making it the first school admitted to the Network since 1962, and the first school founded by lay people to gain acceptance.

1999

A flagpole with an American flag stands in front of a brick building with large windows, set against a backdrop of green grass and manicured bushes.

Regis Becomes The Regis School of the Sacred Heart, Launches First Capital Campaign

The school's name officially changes to The Regis School of the Sacred Heart in February 1999.

Based on quadrupled enrollment, the Regis Board launches a capital campaign to acquire the remaining properties and build a new Lower/Middle School facility.

2001

A modern brick building with large windows and a prominent cross stands behind a leafy green tree on a sunny day.

Kelley Building Construction Begins, Regis Opens New Athletics Field

Construction of the Kelley Lower/Middle school building, a parking lot, and carpool area begins.

The first rugby game is played in the newly completed Regis soccer/rugby field.

2002

Kelley Building Dedication

Kelley Building Dedication

Blessing and dedication of The Kelley Building housing the Lower and Middle School takes place.

2004

A circular logo with the letters %22TG%22 in the center, surrounded by the words %22GURIAN INSTITUTE%22 and the tagline %22LEARNING THROUGH A GENDER LENS%22 below, is set against a white background.

First Gurian Model School in U.S.

Regis becomes the first Gurian Institute Model School in the U.S.

2006

A smiling woman with short, dark hair sits in a patterned armchair against a plain wall.

Dr. Nancy Taylor Becomes Head of School

Dr. Nancy Taylor becomes the second Head of School of Regis in July 2006.

2008

Regis Old Logo

Strategic Planning Commences

Board conducts strategic planning and forms Building Committee to assess additional facility needs.

2010

A stylized floral graphic with text %22ISAS Independent Schools Association of the Southwest%22 is presented on a white background.

Regis Gains ISAS Accreditation, Launches Second Capital Campaign 

Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) accredits and accepts Regis.

Board approves launching a Student Life Center Capital Campaign to accelerate the school's growth in athletic, fine arts, and academic programs.

2011

A construction site with a crane and workers in the foreground, and a dark, curved building in the background.

Miller Family Student Life Center Construction Begins

The twentieth year celebration begins at Regis with the celebration of St. John Francis Regis' birthday.

Regis demolishes the Pavilion in July 2011 to make way for the new Student Life Center. Construction for the new facility commences in September 2011.

2012

2012 Dedication of the Student Life Center

Dedication of Miller Family Student Life Center

Blessing and dedication of the new Student Life Center.

2014

A smiling man in a suit stands in front of a blurred building and trees.

Dennis Phillips Becomes Head of School

Mr. Dennis Phillips joins Regis as the third Head of School.

In addition, with the completion of the kitchen, Regis opened the St. Francis Café doors. This kitchen allowed for a more expansive lunch offering for students in the Miller Family Student Life Center (SLC).

2016

A red shield with a white cross is centered above the words %22REGIS SCHOOL 25 YEARS%22 on a white background.

Regis Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Successfully Retires Debt

Regis celebrates its 25th Anniversary throughout the 2016-2017 school year.

Regis launches the Investing in The Regis Experience campaign with the goal of retiring the schools' debt. Under the leadership of Dennis Phillips, Head of School, and the Strategic Plan Committe, the campaign was a success, raising over $2 million.

2017

Hurricane Harvey Cleanup Regis 2017

Hurricane Harvey Hits Houston

In the fall of 2017, Hurricane Harvey rocked the Texas coast and caused catastrophic flooding in the Houston area. The Regis community banded together to support one another and utilized the Sacred Heart Goals & Criteria as a guiding light throughout the school year, creating and utilizing the hashtag #goalstrong.

2020

Two masked boys in school uniforms work together at a desk with papers and a laptop, while a world map hangs on the wall behind them.

COVID-19 Pandemic Rocks the World

In March of 2020, along with schools around the world, Regis closed its doors to in-person learning and pivoted to a remote environment for the remainder of the school year. After diligent preparations over the summer, Regis opened its doors to in-person learning in August and September of 2020. The school continued to hold classes in person for the entirety of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school year.

2020

Two smiling children in the foreground stand before a blue background with the text %22SHAPING OUR FUTURE%22 and %22THE REGIS SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2020-2025%22.

Shaping Our Future: Regis Strategic Plan,
2020-25

During the 2019-20 school year, Regis' Board of Directors worked diligently with Dennis Phillips, Head of School, to create a new five-year strategic plan entitled Shaping Our Future. The plan was officially adopted in May of 2020 and focuses on four key areas: Mission & Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, Operational Vitality and Governance & Leadership.

2021

A large yellow %2230%22 is in the foreground, with the Regis School logo inside a circle to its right, all set against a white background.

Regis Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Regis celebrates its 30th Anniversary throughout the 2021-2022 school year

2022

A smiling man in a suit and tie stands in front of a blurred brick building.

Steven R. Turner, Jr. Becomes Head of School

In the fall of 2021, Regis’ Board of Trustees appointed Mr. Steven R. Turner, Jr. as the School’s fourth Head of School. Mr. Turner’s tenure began in the summer of 2022.

2022

Two boys collaborate on a 3D design project on computers, with shelves and cabinets visible in the background.

Regis Becomes Apple Distinguished School

In October 2022, Regis earned recognition as an Apple Distinguished School for the School’s innovative incorporation of Apple technology in classrooms and beyond. 

Measured by tangible evidence of academic achievement, Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Regis’ demonstrated use of Apple technology inspires creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in learning. 

Being an Apple Distinguished School is a globally recognized and renowned distinction, and Regis is one of only three Houston-area schools to hold this honor. Additionally, Regis is the only Apple Distinguished School in both the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. 

2024

Regis Knights on the Pitch

Coach Gary Holub Field Dedication

In May 2024, Regis officially renamed the athletics field to the Coach Gary Holub Field in celebration and honor of Coach Holub’s 25 years of service to Regis. To commemorate the occasion, the School installed a new athletics scoreboard with funds generously raised by Paddles Up at the 2024 Auction & Gala. 

2025

A group of young boys in school uniforms pile their hands together in the foreground, with a school building and trees visible in the background.

Impelled to Action: Regis Strategic Plan 2025-30

During the 2024-25 school year, Regis' Board of Trustees worked diligently with Steven R. Turner, Jr., Head of School, to create a new five-year strategic plan entitled Impelled to Action. The plan was officially adopted in May of 2025 and focuses on five key pillars:  

  • Pillar I: Living Our Sacred Heart, Catholic, Independent, and All-Boys’ Identities  
  • Pillar II: Expanding Our Academic, Experiential, and Social Awareness Programming 
  • Pillar III: Strengthening and Nourishing the Regis Community 
  • Pillar IV: Improving Our Facilities to Support Our Programs 
  • Pillar V: Committing Ourselves to a Financially Sustainable Future 

2026

A circular logo with the letters %22TG%22 in the center, surrounded by the words %22GURIAN INSTITUTE%22 and the tagline %22LEARNING THROUGH A GENDER LENS%22 below, is set against a white background.

Regis Reinstated as a Model School by The Gurian Institute, Spring 2026 

Regis was reinstated as a Model School by The Gurian Institute for our refined techniques tailored to boy-centered learning needs. The Gurian Institute offers brain-based, research-driven professional development to schools and educators across the country.