All Saints School, Sioux Falls

All Saints School is a historic private institution in Sioux Falls, founded in 1884 by William Hobart Hare, the first Episcopal bishop of South Dakota. Originally established as a girls' boarding school for the daughters of missionary clergy and other young women in Dakota Territory, it was one of the region's most significant educational institutions of its time. The school's motto, "From Glory to Glory," was inscribed in the polished Sioux Quartzite cornerstone as a tribute to Hare's late wife and to honor all women.

Designed by renowned architect Wallace L. Dow, the school's main building is a striking example of Prairie Gothic architecture. Constructed in 1884, the four-story granite structure features a distinctive bell tower and a cupola, where Bishop Hare was known to spend evenings observing the cityscape. The school’s chapel, located on the west side of the main building, was later adorned with stained glass Tiffany windows, further enhancing its historic charm.

All Saints School, founded with community support, opened on September 17, 1885, with 43 students. Local realtor Artemus Gale donated land, and Eastern benefactors, including John Jacob Astor’s wife, contributed funds. Bishop Hare’s vision ensured young women received an education equal to boys, with a curriculum spanning sciences, arts, and languages. The school also promoted physical activities like skating, basketball, volleyball, and an annual Field Day on Bishop Hare’s birthday.

For nearly 50 years, the Peabody sisters led the school, educating up to 88 girls annually. Dressed in traditional uniforms, students were a familiar sight in Sioux Falls on their way to Calvary Cathedral. After WWII, financial struggles made the boarding school unsustainable, leading to its shift to a private elementary and nursery school in 1951, which operated until closing in 1986.

In 1996, the original school building was repurposed into a retirement community, now known as The Waterford at All Saints. The historic main building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, remains a significant part of the All Saints Historic District, preserving its legacy as an educational and architectural landmark in Sioux Falls.