Quincy Catholic Academy
ESTABLISHED
To Open in the
Fall 2010
Braintree, MA –
Stating that “Catholic schools in Quincy are dynamic and energetic educational
centers of excellence,” the Pastors of the Parishes of Sacred Heart, St. Ann and
St. Mary have announced that their three parish schools are joining together to
establish Quincy Catholic Academy. The decision is the result of four
years of meeting, analyzing and planning for an exciting new chapter in Quincy
Catholic education. Quincy Catholic Academy will open at the present
Sacred Heart location in September 2010.
In making the announcement, Pastors Rev. David P.
Callahan, Rev. John W. O’Brien, Rev. John J. Ronaghan issued the following joint
statement, “We have decided to form Quincy Catholic Academy by merging Sacred
Heart, St. Ann and St. Mary Elementary Schools. Quincy Catholic Academy
will bring together the best of the three current elementary schools to serve
children from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.” In a letter
to parents and guardians announcing the decision, they noted that one of the
driving factors has been the need to improve and capitalize on their combined
existing resources.
Most Reverend John A. Dooher, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston
for the South Region said, “Catholic education is a priority for the Cardinal
and the Archdiocese of Boston. In announcing the establishment of Quincy
Catholic Academy we are firmly stating our commitment to the families of Quincy
who share our desire for Catholic education. Generations of families will
benefit from an outstanding and enriching Catholic school environment. We
ask God to continue to bless the Catholic communities of Sacred Heart, St. Ann
and St. Mary and all the parishes of Quincy and in His goodness shine brightly
on our students, teachers and staffs.”
Dr. Mary Grassa O’Neill, Secretary for
Education/Superintendent for Catholic Schools, said “Working with pastors and
educators across the Archdiocese we are addressing the challenges of the tough
economic climate, changing demographics, declining enrollment and resulting
financial constraints. We are pleased to support the visionary effort underway
in Quincy that will build a strong, long-term Catholic educational
community.”
In a letter to parents and guardians, the Pastors stated
that, “We share a strong belief that part of what makes our faith community so
exceptional is a shared commitment to Catholic education.” They also wrote
that, “Throughout its history, Catholic schools have educated thousands of
students who have gone on to higher education, successful careers, raised
families and been active members of the Catholic community.”
Working with the Catholic Schools Office, they committed
to “provide a positive experience and smooth transition for our students,
families, teachers, and staff. With your support and prayers, we will
continue to serve your children and future generations.”
Location for New School
The site for the new Academy
was chosen after careful review and analysis. All three schools present
good options for the future of Catholic education in Quincy. It is clear
that Sacred Heart is the best facility, requiring very little additional
investment, to be the new home for a cutting edge Catholic Academy. It is
the only facility of the three that would not require $4-5 million of
investment. The Sacred Heart building has renovated heat and electrical
systems; a state of the art science lab a large library; renovated
classrooms; fully outfitted kitchen and cafeteria; a gymnasium/auditorium that
will be fully functional as a gym with a new floor; new ventilation systems; new
Apple computer lab; and wireless computer capability throughout the
school.
Teacher and
Staff
All current teachers and staff
are encouraged to apply for a position at the new academy.
The new principal of Quincy
Catholic Academy, who will be hired by Mid-March 2010, will be responsible for
hiring the faculty and staff. The application process for teachers and
staff positions will begin in April 2010. In the weeks ahead, the Catholic
Schools Office for the Archdiocese will be updating teachers and staff about the
process. They will also be coordinating transition sessions for all
faculty and staff with the Archdiocese’s Human Resources Office.
The announcement was made to faculty, staff, parents and
students through a series of coordinated meetings and letters, highlighted by an
informational meeting for parents and guardians at the site of the new Academy,
Sacred Heart School, 370 Hancock Street, Quincy. Informational sessions
will continue for students, parents and familes across the winter and
spring.
About the Archdiocese
of Boston: The Diocese of
Boston was founded on April 8, 1808 and was elevated to Archdiocese in 1875.
Currently serving the needs of nearly 2 million Catholics, the Archdiocese of
Boston is an ethnically diverse and spiritually enriching faith community
consisting of 291 parishes, across 144 communities, educating approximately
46,000 students in its Catholic schools and 156,000 in religious education
classes each year, ministering to the needs of 200,000 individuals through its
pastoral and social service outreach and in support of a health care ministry
that meets the needs of some 1 million patients each year. Mass is
celebrated in nearly twenty different languages each week. For more information,
please visit
www.BostonCatholic.org
.
Fact sheet for Quincy Catholic
Schools
Sacred
Heart
Age of Building: 49
Classrooms: 28
Faculty: 16
Tuition: $4,030
Enrollment
Trends:
2009-2010: 226
2008/2009:
260
2007/2008: 307
2006/2007:
320
2005/2006: 345
2004/2005: 358
St.
Ann
Age of Building: 49
Classrooms:
27
Faculty: 23
Tuition: $4,500
Enrollment
Trends:
2009-2010: 308
2008/2009:
322
2007/2008:
366
2006/2007:
383
2005/2006:
342
2004/2005:
355
St.
Mary
Age of Building: 79
Classrooms:
10
Faculty: 12.5
Tuition: $3,950
Enrollment
Trends:
2009-2010: 125
2008/2009:
148
2007/2008:
150
2006/2007:
154
2005/2006:
158
2004/2005:
163