Preston History

Preston History

Preston High School was established in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion as an independent, college‑preparatory Catholic school for young women. The original school building — affectionately known as “the mansion” by students and faculty — was once the 19th‑century waterfront home of railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington.

The estate was purchased by the Sisters in 1927 and became the House of the Holy Family, a residence and vocational school for girls. In 1947, it was transformed into Preston High School, named in honor of Monsignor Thomas Preston, who, together with Mother Mary Veronica (Mary Caroline Dannat Starr), founded the Religious of the Divine Compassion. The school expanded in 1960 and again in 1965 to accommodate growing enrollment.

The school’s motto, “Virtus Mille Scuta” — Latin for “Virtue is a Thousand Shields” — continues to guide Preston’s mission of educating young women to lead with dignity, honor, respect, and compassion.

The Sisters of the Divine Compassion Tradition

The congregation was founded in the late 19th century by Mary Caroline Dannat Starr and Msgr. Thomas Preston. Their mission began as a response to the plight of New York City’s poor children, providing shelter, training, and religious education to girls who were abandoned or forced into street begging. Most importantly, the Sisters offered safety, love, and hope.

Recognizing the need for stability, Mary Starr became Mother Mary Veronica, and together with Msgr. Preston, formally established the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. Their first ministry was at the House of the Holy Family on Second Avenue in Manhattan, where they began their lifelong work of education and service.

By the 1920s, the Sisters staffed seven parish schools and established a residence and vocational training school at the Huntington mansion in the Bronx. They also developed Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy and Good Counsel College in White Plains, expanding their reach in Catholic education.

Over the years, the Sisters transformed the House of the Holy Family into Preston High School and served as educators in more than 25 parishes across Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, and Putnam counties. Their legacy continues today as Preston High School remains a beacon of faith, compassion, and academic excellence.

For more information on the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and their ministries, please visit www.divinecompassion.org.