Seven years after the parish began, St. Peter School was founded. The first school was built in 1854; however, by 1858, more room was needed and the first St. Peter Church became the second school building. Ten years later, the School Sisters of Notre Dame arrived from Wisconsin, and this religious order, along with lay staff, maintains the school today. The third and present school was built in 1889-90. It was designed by Frank Miller, the architect of the Cole County Courthouse, and constructed by H.J. Wallau at a cost of $16,500. It was dedicated by Msgr. Henry Muehlsiepen, Vicar General of St. Louis, on April 7, 1890. A noteworthy Missourian to attend St. Peter School as a child was former Gov. James T. Blair, who served as the state's chief executive from 1957-1961.
St. Peter School has the distinction of being the "Ninth Capitol of Missouri." After fire destroyed the Capitol building in 1911, Msgr. Selinger offered the use of the school to the state without charge. The House of Representatives accepted his proposal and the remainder of the 46th General Assembly was conducted at the school.
In 1931, St. Peter High School was started and, shortly thereafter, the Christian Brothers arrived. The high school served until the founding of Helias Interparish High School in 1955. Msgr. Vogelweid believed that every student who wanted it, should be able to receive a Catholic education, no matter what his or her learning ability. To that end, a special education school was founded by Bishop Marling, Msgr. Vogelweid, the school Sisters of Notre Dame, and dedicated parents, who wanted to give their children with special needs, a Catholic education. Thus, in September, 1964 Vogelweid Learning Center began. The building housing it had been constructed during the pastorate of Msgr. Vogelweid in the 1950's, and was named in his honor in 1983.