st. raymond academy was established in 1960 by the sisters of charity, a congregation of religious women in the catholic church whose primary missions are education and nursing. for nearly 200 years, the sisters of charity of new york have served the needs of the poor. the congregation's history began with its foundress, elizabeth ann seton, who was later canonized as the first american-born saint. since saint raymond academy for girls opened its doors, its motto has been "commitment to excellence".