Joseph was founded as a seminary high school with 150 - 200 male pupils, many of whom were pre-seminarians boarding at the school. The curriculum was limited to humanities. For almost 20 years, the school was faltering under several administrations, which resulted in substandard academic levels of achievement.
1976
Fr. Emile Shoufani was appointed Director of the school:
- Qualified staff was introduced.
- The curriculum was widened to include applied and pure sciences.
- The building complex was expanded to incorporate new classrooms and laboratories. Students and local families donated their time and materials to complete the expansion.
1978
Women were admitted to the school as both pupils and staff. Academic achievement increased dramatically.
1980
Lecture halls were added, with the help of local families.
1984/85
- Inauguration of the study of electronics.
- Computer studies were introduced into all grades.
- Expansion of the sports facilities.
- The library holdings were enlarged with the help from the parents' committee.
- Inauguration of AFolklore & Tradition Week, a week which highlights different aspects of cooperation between students and teachers.
1988/89
Inauguration of the dialogue project with The Hebrew University High School
2000's
St. Joseph enters the top list school in Israel year after year.
2009
Bishop Chaqour replaced Fr. Emile Shoufani and appointed another administrator, what lighted reactions of protests from the school students which included a strike for a month
2009-2011
Three different administrators lead the school in two years causing chaos in one of the best schools ! students are failing in classes and exams , the teachers not getting their salaries , no order in the school , canceling most extracurricular and cultural programs and activities in school!