Formerly two schools, St. Francis - St. Hedwig School is now a Catholic educational institution in Naugatuck. The school aims to blend the traditions of each of its schools into one strong, effective, Catholic institution with its goal to further enrich its students to become people that put their Catholic faith and beliefs into action and positively influence the world around them.

The St. Francis of Assisi School was established in 1897 as a Catholic school to meet the needs of the large number of immigrants settling in the Naugatuck valley. The St. Hedwig School opened in 1914 as a four-room school with an enrollment of 200 students. In January 1992, the St. Hedwig School, under the direction of its pastor, Reverend Joseph Parzymies, began a consolidation process with St. Francis School. 

Initially, St. Hedwig School would offer a Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade program, and each year sent its 6th grade students to St. Francis School. In September 1992, St. Hedwig School began a Pre-Kindergarten program for 3 and 4 year olds, and an all day Kindergarten program, and continued regular education programs for grades 1 through 5. In 1995, plans for expanding St. Hedwig School back to eighth grade began.