In 1980, the presence of the Holy Spirit was truly in evidence in the parish of St. Raphael. A small group of parents was inspired to demonstrate their faith not only through their words, but also through their actions. At that time, there was no Catholic School in East El Paso. Soon however, this condition was to be changed by some very determined people, who desired a Catholic education for their children. The Pastor, Reverend Robert L. Getz, acceded to their request to allow the pre-school, which had existed since 1967, to be changed into a kindergarten. The hard work began, of securing the support of the parish and convincing the church hierarchy that the school would be viable and self-supporting.

This official approval was granted in 1984, although the school was begun in 1980 with one kindergarten. The following year, two kindergartens and a first grade were held in the Parish hall. The succeeding grades were housed in three portable buildings. With permission received, a major fund drive, "Build for Tomorrow," was launched for the educational complex that was to be called St. Raphael School. August, 1986, marked the completion of the $1.3 million building. His Excellency, Bishop Reymundo Pena, assisted by Monsignor Francis J. Smith, blessed the building and officially opened the newest Catholic School in the El Paso Diocese. Each year additional grades were added. In the 1994-95 school year, a primary annex consisting of 8 more classrooms was built. It contains the pre-kindergarten, 3 kindergartens, 3 first grades and a music/fine arts room. The enrollment in the 1980-81 kindergarten was 25 students with continual growth until the present.