Over 75 years of quality Catholic education
The School of Saint Matthias, Inc. was conceived by the late Rev. Fr. Estanislao Singson, who, together with prominent parishioners of Tumauini and other church members, recognized the need for a Catholic school that would deepen the faith and formation of the youth in the community. Engr. Joseph Hammond, a church leader, offered his expertise in preparing the necessary plans and documents for the school's establishment. The proposal was presented to Archbishop Teodolfo Domingo, who gave his approval. The application for the operation of Saint Matthias Institute was approved by the then Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (MECS), now DepEd. The school was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 1951. Fr. Singson served as the first School Director, while Engr. Hammond became the first Principal. Classes were held in a rented residence while the school building was constructed within the church compound.
From 1953 to 1976, the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters took over the administration from the Augustinian Recollect Sisters. Through their initiative, a school building with six classrooms, a library, and an office was constructed behind the Catholic Church.
The institution officially changed its name from Saint Matthias Institute to the School of Saint Matthias. The Franciscan Sisters continued to administer the school, while governance was placed under the Ilagan Diocesan School System (IDSS), with the Bishop serving as Chairman.
In 2015–2017, Rev. Fr. Carlos C. Villanueva served as School Principal and initiated the application to offer Senior High School in response to the K to 12 Program. The school was granted a permit by DepEd Region II to offer the Academic Track. In 2017, the school celebrated its first batch of Senior High School graduates — pioneers of the K-12 Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. The school adapted by implementing distance learning modalities, utilizing online platforms and a Learning Management System to ensure continuity of instruction. In 2021, Mrs. Noemilyn M. Soriano was appointed School Principal. Under her leadership, the school participated in DepEd's pilot limited face-to-face classes. By School Year 2022–2023, full face-to-face classes resumed.
In School Year 2024–2025, the school began the phased implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum — covering Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 7 — while aligning programs with the Strengthened Senior High School curriculum. For over seventy-five (75) years, the School of Saint Matthias, Inc. has remained a steadfast provider of quality Catholic education in the region — a center for faith formation, academic excellence, and holistic development, continuously adapting to educational reforms while remaining rooted in its mission and vision.