Through the combined efforts of the clergy and people of Jefferson City, Helias High School opened its doors for the 1956-57 school year to the youth of central Missouri. This interparish Catholic school became necessary when St. Peter High School (built in 1930) was sorely overtaxed by the WWII baby boom population in his area.

Named after Jesuit missionary Father Ferdinand Helias, the school was designed for 600 students and was Located on Swifts Highway. It was staffed by the Christian Brothers, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Diocesan Priests and lay women and men.

Until 1969 Helias was co-institutional, meaning that the boys and girls had no classes together. The Sisters taught the girls, and the Brothers taught the boys. In 1971 James L. Rackers was named the first layman to direct a Catholic school.