World War II disrupted the life of the country both economically and socially. This was evident in the educational field where classes in all levels were suspended or held irregularly, if at all. Most affected were the high schools and universities located in big cities which were heavily damaged by the war. When classes resumed in 1944, there was an acute shortage of places in the secondary schools. Only a few lucky ones from San Jose were able to enroll in the Batangas High School where the people of San Jose traditionally sent their children.

Under these conditions, Dr. Leonardo H. Ona, a prominent son (four-term Councilor and later mayor) of San Jose, decided to establish the Saint Joseph Academy. Dr. Ona was an authoritarian of the old school who emphasized discipline in education. Short of bodily punishment, he terrified students into acquiring not only knowledge, but the attitude and good habits necessary for their life as mature citizens. In this venture, he was ably supported by his wife Mrs. Candelaria A. Ona, a professional educator who became the Supervisor of Public Schools of the San Jose/Ibaan District.

Dr. Ona’s formula of complete education rather than mere instruction was accepted wholeheartedly by the parents of San Jose. The Saint Joseph Academy was recognized by the Bureau of Private Schools, as an exception to its then existing policy of extending recognition only to one high school per municipality. The Academy opened in June 1947. Its first principal was Miss Josefa Aguila. Its faculty members were few enough to mention here: Lilia Sanchez, Cornelia Umali, Josefa Altura, Victoria Katigbak, Eladia Yuchungco, Candelaria Ona, Josefina Gonzales, Victoria Ona, Ludinilla Andres, Benjamin Luna, Pascual Atienza, Jose Villegas and Dionisio Macaraig.

From its very first years, Academy students garnered awards and public recognition. To quote from the annual of the 1951 graduating class under its president Florentino Tala, “1. For two consecutive years, our graduates obtained the highest individual ratings and second highest in the number of candidates who passed the competitive test for teachers in Batangas. 2. First prize winner at the oratorical contest for both public and private high schools sponsored by the Lipa City Colleges at Lipa City on 31 March 1951 was Epifanio Ona, a senior student in the Academy. 3. Students wrote short plays for their convocations. Junior students Benjamin Godito and Freshman Arturo Aguila were among those whose works were staged and obtained public praise.”

The Academy opened classes in the parish “convento”, now Cursillo House. It also used the houses of the Luna brothers Justo and Jose until finally establishing itself in its present location. This building has become not only a physical landmark of San Jose, but a symbol of the indelible and continuing contribution of the St. Joseph Academy and its graduates to the economic, social and religious life of the town of San Jose.

The SJA annex building situated at the vicinity of Kay Utak, Lapolapo 1st was constructed in 2004. The 1.48-hectare land is part of the inheritance of the Board of Directors from their late parents, our founder Dr. & Mrs. Leonardo H. Ona, Sr. which they transferred to the name of the Saint Joseph Academy.

The new annex building has long been in the improvement plans of the Board for the school. This 2 – storey, 10-room building will help decongest the main campus and at the same time further improve the high standard of instruction and maintain strict discipline that SJA has always been known for. Despite the present economic downturn, the Board moved heaven and earth to make this addition a reality.

The Department of Education implemented the K to 12 program to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, and develop lifelong learners and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle – level skills development, employment and entrepreneurship. Thus, SJA supported the government’s strengthened program by constructing a two – storey building in the year 2015. This consists of 11 classrooms that will provide an equal opportunity to widen the horizons of the incoming students and to meet the demand of a new educational system, to provide quality education and produce globally competitive students.