On July 26, 1848 four De La Salle Christian Brothers under the leadership of Brother Stylien arrived in New York from France to take over the direction of St. Vincent’s Parish School on Canal Street. They were members of the International Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commonly know as the De La Salle Christian Brothers, founded by Saint John Baptist de la Salle. In future years the New York District would be formed.

Currently the New York District conducts educational ministries in New Jersey, New York and Michigan. These ministries are shaped by core Lasallian characteristics.