The history of the school begins with the story of St. Mary's Seminary. It was founded by the Sister of Mercy of Belmont. The doors opened for the first time on September 6, 1887. The "old" O'Donoghue School on Tryon Street was used as a soldier's center during World War II. 

In 1905, the school was relocated to 531 South Tryon Street. It was at that time that the name was changed to O'Donoghue Hall to honor Dr. Dennis O'Donoghue, a local physician and head of the weather bureau, whose family made a very generous donation. The present day O'Donoghue School was moved to 1125 Buchanan Street in Dilworth in September of 1930.

Saint Patrick Catholic School is the oldest Catholic School operating in the Charlotte area. St. Patrick Catholic School offers a strong Catholic based education with an excellent academic program for kindergarten through 5th grade.

The children of St. Patrick's School are our greatest achievement. The school, under the guidance of Mrs. Debbie Mixer, has an enrollment 320 children from Kindergarten to the Fifth Grade. Our Faith Formation Program, under Ashley Samuelson has been marvelously successful with over 376 students and 24 catechists.

The school community strongly advocates a positive relationship between students, parents and teachers.