[3][4] "Girls and small boys" were educated in spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and sewing for a tuition set at twelve and a half cents per week.

In 1839, Samuel and Elizabeth Welsh deeded an adjacent building (321 Lombard Street) to St. Peter's; over time, the church acquired additional lots (317-323 Lombard Street), which together formed the campus of the present school.

[7] Under his direction, the choir became widely known; it produced several RCA Victor recordings, sang and toured with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and performed in Carnegie Hall; some of its concerts were broadcast nationally.

[12] At the time, the school had about 90 students but was facing significant challenges, including an aging building and a small staff.

The main building, at 319 Lombard Street, is in the Gothic Revival style and is a part of the Society Hill Historic District.

The School's athletic facilities, as well as several classrooms for special classes, are located in Old Pine Community Center, just across 4th Street.

Since 1964, the School has organized an annual Harvest Festival in the fall, with activities for students and families.

Originally conceived as a way to kindle interest in the school,[6] the festival has become a tradition that continues to this day.