Father Cullinan realized the importance of sound Christian education as did his parishioners, and he began St. Brigid's first school. To be sure, it was a far cry from our present one, but that one-room, ungraded school was the beginning of a long and proud tradition of dedication to academic excellence. We still owe thanks to the efforts of those early lay teachers who so ardently strove to educate our youth.

After Father Cullinan's death in 1882, Father James A. Curtin became our new pastor. One of Father Curtin's main concerns was the partial renovation and expansion of the church and tiny school. A sacristy was added, doubling the seating capacity, a bell was purchased, and other necessary improvements to the church were made.

He purchased land known as the Sague property on the southwest corner of Groton and Mansion Streets. One building was used as the rectory, with others to be converted into a school and a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph. Until their residence was completed, these dedicated Sisters used to row across the Hudson in good weather to fulfill their duties. During the cold winter months, they walked across the frozen river.

This original school is still used for grades three through eight. At the time it was erected, St. Brigid's School was acclaimed as one of the finest schools in the capital district. With the acquisition of an academic charter in the name of Watervliet Academy in 1898, St. Brigid's was also the first school to offer a high school course in West Troy, as that part of Watervliet was then called.

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