In August of 1902, five Dominican sisters from Adrian began teaching classes to children in grades first through eighth in a convent located on the southeast corner of Main and Cedar Streets in Westown. The first 8th-grade graduation class in 1905 had only four graduates. The ceremony was held in an opera house located on North Washington Street.
In 1919, a high school was added, requiring more room than the convent had at that time. The building located on Main Street was opened in 1927. The first St. Paul football team was coached by the Rev. Fr. Thomas Beahan. The journey to the first game was made in a bread wagon. By 1930, the curriculum was accredited by the University of Michigan. The high school prospered and was renowned as both a scholastic and athletic powerhouse in the area for many years. However, because of a shortage of funds caused by the statewide defeat of parochiaid, the high school closed its doors in 1971.
St. Paul Catholic School continues to enroll students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. It offers a before- and after-school childcare program, a one-to-one technology program for all grade levels, a comprehensive music program, and a competitive sports program in the Lansing Area Catholic League. The school is accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS). St. Paul Catholic School moved to its new location beginning the fall of 2020 on Oliver Street.