St. John’s Area School was built by St. John’s Parish in 1963 to serve the children in Foley and the surrounding areas. The school was originally named “St. John’s School”, and it first opened its doors on September 3, 1963. Grades 1, 2, and 3 were offered, and the total enrollment was 93. A grade was then added to St. John’s each year until 6th grade was opened in 1967. In 1993, the school was incorporated to include the surrounding area parishes and was subsequently renamed, St. John’s Area School.
The entire teaching staff was comprised of Francisan sisters from Little Falls. The first principal was Sister M. Michaela Moos. Franciscan sisters taught at St. John’s School until 1986. St. John’s Area School now hosts Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Grade and continues the excellence of Catholic education in the Foley community.