The importance and contributions of Catholic schools to our Church and our nation are well documented.   For over a century Catholic schools in Saginaw have played a vital role in the life of our parishes and surrounding community.  It was nearly two centuries after Father Nouvel’s visit to Saginaw that the first Catholic high school came into existence, St. Mary High School in 1868.  By the mid-1960s, Saginaw was home to nine Catholic high schools; St. Mary, St. Joseph, St. Andrew, SS. Peter & Paul, Holy Family, Sacred Heart, Holy Rosary, St. Paul Seminary and St. Stephen.  Great population shifts led to declining enrollment, and by the early 1980s, only three high schools remained in operation.  A prudent decision was made by the Diocese of Saginaw to merge the three remaining high schools; St. Mary, SS. Peter & Paul and St. Stephen, into one.  Nouvel Catholic Central High School opened its doors in the fall of 1984.

Many family members of Nouvel students are graduates of one of the nine former high schools.  The school follows the path of its Legacy Schools toward the future; continuing the mission of forming young people as disciples of Jesus Christ. They remain committed to helping each student reach their fullest potential, educating the whole student - mind, body and soul. 

Beginning in fall 2014, the schools of St. Stephen and St. Thomas Aquinas merged to form Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary for students pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.  Brought together to secure the future of Catholic education in the community and provide a sustainable financial model while maintaining a tradition of excellence in academics, arts and athletics.