The first sisters of the St. Joseph Order arrived in Jerusalem in the Holy Land in 1848, and from there they expanded to many other regions in our country. On June 4, 1887, four sisters traveled from Jerusalem to Nazareth, the city of Christ, arriving on June 7, 1887. They stayed for six and a half months as guests of the Poor Clare Sisters.

Afterward, they rented a house for two years, where they received patients from Nazareth and its surrounding areas, such as Yafat an-Naseriyye, al-Reineh, Saffuriyya, and Daburiyya. Manuscripts indicate that the sisters received about 440 patients daily, in addition to visiting the sick in their homes.

In 1890, they opened the first daycare for children, enrolling 130 boys and girls in memory of the Infant Jesus of Nazareth. In January 1896, the sisters purchased a house, and on August 8, 1896, they began building a new residence that was completed on July 8, 1897. This became the official convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition in Nazareth, where the original St. Joseph Elementary School was located (next to the Basilica of the Annunciation in the Old City).

In 1905, the sisters purchased land and built another establishment, where the current St. Joseph Sisters’ Comprehensive School stands today. This building played a significant role in supporting the poor, the needy, and the sick from Nazareth and the nearby villages. Many found refuge there in times of hardship, receiving both moral and, at times, material assistance.

Anyone reading the preserved manuscripts can clearly see the sisters’ dedication to continuous, tireless work to offer help to everyone without exception. They maintained warm and positive relationships with all members of the community, emphasizing unity and mutual support among the people of the region.

Through persistent and sincere efforts, the sisters were able to purchase land piece by piece and build their first convent in the Old City, followed by the second convent near the Austrian Hospital (the site of today’s school). This building was originally intended to be a hospital, but authorities objected due to its proximity to the Austrian Hospital, so it was converted into an orphanage and later into a boarding school for girls from Nazareth and beyond. Over the years, the school expanded in response to growing needs and eventually included a daycare, an elementary school, and a high school. These institutions have served, and continue to serve, the people of Nazareth and the surrounding villages for generations, thanks to God’s grace and care.

Our message is to nurture younger generations in a way that reflects the best of both the individual and society. We strive to instill a deep love for humanity, strengthen respect for others, and build self-confidence and responsibility, so that our students grow into thoughtful and active citizens who contribute positively to their community.

We aim to help shape a distinguished and forward-looking society founded on meaningful participation, social solidarity, and enlightened citizenship. We want every student to find joy in what they do, feel fulfilled, and be prepared for life in both the present and the future.

At the same time, we are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience supported by an inspiring and engaging learning environment. We encourage creativity, nurture curiosity about the reasons behind outcomes, and develop a spirit of persistent inquiry within each student. Through this approach, we help them build the resilience and attitudes needed to face social pressures in a rapidly changing world.

We equip our students with essential life skills, enrich their language abilities, and strengthen their clarity and precision of expression. Ultimately, we guide them toward pursuing higher education in all its forms and climbing the academic ladder with lasting ambition.