The COLEGIO DE SANTA ROSA was founded in 1750 by Mother Paula de la Santissima Trinidad , a Dominican tertiary. First called BEATERIO Y CASA ENSEÑANZA, the school's primary duty was to take care of the welfare of Filipina orphans. Later dedicated to Santa Rosa of Lima, Peru, its name was changed to BEATERIO DE SANTA ROSA.

In 1774, the school was granted royal patronage on condition that it be opened to women of all classes. The institution was taken over by the Daughters of Charity in 1886 and had its name changed to COLEGIO DE SANTA ROSA.

Santa Rosa was ruined during earthquakes of 1863 and 1882 before it was rebuilt as a three-story building that was also destroyed in 1941.

In 1949, a new school was opened at the old site in Intramuros. The administration of Colegio de Santa Rosa was handed over to the Servants of Saint Joseph that same year. In 1981, it was transferred to the Augustinian Recollect nuns.

Aside from Letran, Santa Rosa is one of the two remaining original schools in Intramuros.