Why lavender and white? These are the colors of St. Stephen’s High School. This Episcopalian school stands in Manila’s Binondo district. It holds the distinction of being the first Christian Chinese school in Luzon.
St. Stephen’s High School began as St. Stephen’s Girls’ School on July 22, 1917. St. Stephen’s Mission founded it. The rector and Chinese church members comprised the mission. Known as Seng Kong Hoe, it started with 19 girls. Their first classroom was on Reina Regente Street.
By 1921, the lavender and white uniform was adopted. The Elementary Department opened by 1925. Bishop Mosher, Rev. Hobart Studley, and S.C. Choy secured a property on Calle Magdalena now Masangkay Street in 1928. The school relocated there in 1939.
A mission home and a 15-room building were built. Renovated dormitories also appeared. In 1941, a Rizal Stadium benefit raised funds for new construction. A new building on the La Torre side housed a library and classrooms. It finished in December 1941.
World War II disrupted St. Stephen’s High School. On December 8, 1941, operations ceased during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese military sealed the school. The mission house became a Japanese doctor’s residence. Staff were forced out. American and British staff became prisoners of war. They were confined at the University of Santo Tomas. The unused new building was demolished. Chinese guerillas used the mission house as headquarters during liberation.
St. Stephen’s High School reopened in December 1945 under Huang Ong Bi Gim. The school served those unschooled for five years. Nancy L. Yao became principal in 1946. Constance Bolderston was directress.
Rebuilding followed. It was officially renamed St. Stephen’s High School. A five-story high school building was completed in 1963. In 1969, a three-story building for elementary students was added. The old Mosher Hall was demolished in 1980. A five-story annex replaced it in 1982.
Old elementary buildings were replaced in 1991 and 1994. St. Stephen’s High School is a Chinese Filipino school. It teaches English, Filipino, and Chinese. The school is accredited.
Beyond classrooms, St. Stephen’s High School provides facilities. There is an auditorium and a multi-purpose hall. The Nancy L. Yao Library is a treasure. Other facilities include science labs, computer labs and a gymnasium.
Varsity teams represent St. Stephen’s High School in many sports. These include swimming, volleyball, and basketball. The school hosted the 37th Season of the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Stephenian Math Society hosts the Lord of the Math inter-school competition. St. Stephen’s High School marked its 90th anniversary in 2007. The celebration included competitions and concerts. St. Stephen’s High School stands as a testament to faith and education. Its history reflects resilience and commitment to students.