Catholic education in Edmonton has a proud tradition that dates back to before Alberta was a province. In August 1888, Edmonton Catholic parents applied to organize a separate school division for their children. In October of that same year, three sisters from the Faithful Companions of Jesus sailed from France to open a convent and a school in Edmonton. They began teaching at the newly formed St. Joachim Catholic School on November 2, 1888. That first year the sisters taught 23 students. At that time compulsory schooling began at age seven and was complete by the age of 12.