Founded in 1966 by the Sisters of Mercy, the school was originally located at Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, but moved to 11 Paterson Street as Stella Maris College.

It was not until a later date, around 1976, that Stella Maris/Chanel College became a fully co-educational school with Brother John as Principal.

Students then went on to attend the Gladstone State High School to complete Senior studies.

It was the first Private Secondary school opened to serve Gladstone's youth, it still achieves its purpose[citation needed].

The five school houses are Futuna, Marcellin, McAuley, Stella Maris and MacKillop.