Dates of Operation: 1889–1969
Current Diocese: San Bernardino
Previous Dioceses Involved:
Monterey and Los Angeles, 1889–1922
Los Angeles-San Diego, 1922–1936
San Diego, 1936–1969
Religious Orders who worked at the Parish / School:
Order of St. Benedict (Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA), 1889–1890*
Missionaries of the Precious Blood (United States Province), 1893–1901 (see notes)*
Order of Friars Minor (Province of Saint Barbara), 1921–1952
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (Los Angeles Province), 1890–1956*
Brothers of St. Jude, 1952–1957
Brothers of Charity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1957–unknown
On a Reservation: No
On the Department of the Interior List: Yes
Tribal Nations Impacted (as listed in historical documents):
Cahuilla; Gabrielino-Tongva; JuanenoKumeyaay; Luiseno; Serrano

Notes: The Benedictine Fathers of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA, oversaw the land purchase (paid for by the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions) and construction of the school. In 1890, the bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles asked Fr. Florian Hahn, C.PP.S., to serve as administrator of the school. Hahn was a member of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, but he served at the school under the direction of the bishop rather than his religious community. In 1902, he became a priest for the Diocese of Monterey and Los Angeles, severing his ties with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Priests from the Diocese of Monterey and Los Angeles served at the school until 1921 when the Franciscan Friars took over the administration. In 1952, the Franciscans withdrew from the school and were replaced by priests from the Diocese of San Diego. By 1950, most students were not indigenous, and in 1953 the school officially ceased to be an “Indian” school. The school underwent many name changes beginning in 1952, including New Hope USA School, St. Boniface Boys Town of the Desert, Basil Brewer Boys Town of the Desert, Boys Town of the Desert, and American Boys Ranch. In 1969, the school was moved to a new campus, and in 1974 the original campus at Banning was demolished.