Founded in 1958 by the School Sisters of the Third Order of St Francis and the Catholic parishes of Kenosha, St. Joseph High School opened its doors in September 1958 to 460 freshmen and sophomores.

Mother Mary Corona, who was Major Superior of the School Sisters at the time, was instrumental in raising the funds necessary for the establishment of the school.

[2] Enrollment soared to 1,600 by 1965 but subsequently began to fall.

The School Sisters of the Third Order of St Francis transferred ownership of the school to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1991, celebrated officially with a Mass in September 1991 presided over by Archbishop Rembert Weakland.

Catholic parishes in Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie continue to sponsor the school.