History

Discover the remarkable journey of Stella Maris College, Inc. Quezon City—from its humble beginnings to becoming a Christ-centered institution committed to academic excellence, faith formation, and service.

Stella Maris College
OUR STORY

A Legacy Rooted in Faith

Stella Maris College is under the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, a religious institute founded in India on January 6, 1877 by Helene Philippine de Chappotin, known as Mother Mary of the Passion. Today, the congregation consists of more than 8,000 sisters representing over 80 nationalities and serving in 76 countries around the world.

Twelve Franciscan Missionaries of Mary arrived in the Philippines on December 10, 1912 through the invitation of Msgr. Petrelli, the first Bishop of Lipa. Believing that education was the most effective means of evangelization and empowerment, they established schools across the country. Today, Stella Maris College Quezon City continues this mission alongside the remaining FMM schools.

HISTORY TIMELINE

Milestones Through the Years

1954

Foundation Begins

The cornerstone of Stella Maris College was laid on August 15, 1954, marking the beginning of a new Catholic educational institution in Quezon City.

1955

Official Opening

Stella Maris College officially opened on June 13, 1955 with more than 900 students offering Elementary, High School, and College education.

1961

Expansion

The St. Francis High School Building welcomed students as enrollment continued to grow.

1968

College Building

A dedicated college building was inaugurated to support higher education programs.

1975

New Direction

The College Department was phased out while the building became the home of the Lumen Christi Catechetical Center.

2000

St. Hermine Building

A modern three-storey building was completed to accommodate the growing student population.

2011

CVIF-DLP-SCC

The Dynamic Learning Program was introduced beginning with the High School Department.

2015

60th Foundation Anniversary

Stella Maris College celebrated six decades of excellence while inaugurating the new Senior High School Building.

70+

Years of Educational Excellence

1955

Official Opening

3

Remaining FMM Schools

76

Countries Served by FMM

CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT

Elementary & High School

As enrollment steadily increased, Stella Maris College expanded its facilities to provide students with an environment conducive to holistic learning.

The construction of the St. Francis High School Building, the St. Hermine Building, and additional classrooms reflected the school's continuous commitment to educational excellence.

High School Building
CAMPUS GALLERY

Buildings Through the Years

Elementary
Elementary Building
Old High School
Old High School Building
New High School
New High School Building
"Guided by faith, inspired by excellence, and committed to forming Christ-centered leaders for generations."
CVIF-DLP-SCC
ACADEMIC INNOVATION

CVIF-DLP-SCC

In June 2011, Stella Maris College strengthened its commitment to transformative education by implementing the Central Visayan Institute Foundation – Dynamic Learning Program Spirituality as Core of the Curriculum (CVIF-DLP-SCC) beginning with the High School Unit.

In the succeeding years, the program was gradually introduced to Grade Six and Grade Five, fostering independent learning, critical thinking, discipline, and Christ-centered values among students.

CONTINUING GROWTH

Senior High School Building

Stella Maris College celebrated its 60th Foundation Anniversary in 2015, bringing together the entire school community, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff in thanksgiving for six decades of faith-filled education.

In preparation for the nationwide implementation of the K–12 Program, the school constructed a modern four-storey building named after Blessed Mary of the Passion, Foundress of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.

The celebration also inspired the renovation of the school auditorium, providing students with an improved venue for academic, cultural, and spiritual activities.

Senior High School Building
CAMPUS FACILITIES

Senior High School & Auditorium

Senior High School
Senior High School Building
Auditorium
School Auditorium
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Important Milestones

1955

Official Opening

Stella Maris College officially opened its doors to over 900 students.

1961

St. Francis Building

The High School Building was completed to accommodate the growing student population.

1975

New Mission

The College Department was phased out and the Lumen Christi Catechetical Center was established.

2000

St. Hermine Building

A three-storey academic building expanded the school's learning facilities.

2011

CVIF-DLP

The Dynamic Learning Program was introduced to further enrich student-centered education.

2015

K–12 Expansion

The Senior High School Building was completed for the implementation of the K–12 curriculum.

LOOKING AHEAD

Continuing the Legacy

For more than seven decades, Stella Maris College has remained steadfast in its mission of providing quality Catholic education rooted in the spirituality of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Through faith, excellence, compassion, and service, the school continues to nurture generations of learners who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the Church, the nation, and the global community.

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