MARYVILLE — Student recruitment has begun for the new Father McGivney Catholic High School (FMCHS). The school’s board of directors said in a statement that plans to accept students for the 2012 academic year have been approved by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki in consultation with area pastors and local parents.
“I am excited to announce a new opportunity to share the gift of our Catholic faith with high school students in the southern Madison County area,” Bishop Paprocki said. “I am very grateful to all who have been involved in this process, especially the committed board members and countless volunteers who have worked so diligently toward the establishment of this Catholic school.”
The school’s initial location will be in a dedicated wing at St. John Neumann Catholic grade school in Maryville. The high school will have its own entrance and signage, and classrooms will be remodeled to match those originally planned for a new facility to accommodate the academic curriculum of the school.
The temporary space will be used for an estimated two to four years while the school establishes its enrollment and secures a building loan. The permanent facility is to be located in Glen Carbon, at the corner of Bouse and Old Troy roads.
In addition to the temporary classroom space, the new school will also rent the facilities of the YMCA of Southwest Illinois, located in Maryville and within walking distance of St. John Neumann, during the day for its athletic and physical education programs. These include the gym, pool and workout areas. Construction to establish permanent athletic fields at the Glen Carbon location will begin next summer.
The school expects to open in the fall of 2012 with 40 freshman students, although if significant numbers of sophomores express interest, they would be considered as well, according to the FMCHS website. Tuition is expected to be $6,000 per year.
Father Jeffrey Goeckner, pastor of St. Boniface and dean of the Alton Deanery, said he is excited for recruitment to begin.
“I’m gratified to see the community rally around the early students and families who choose McGivney,” Father Goeckner said. “Their success will lead to a permanent facility for generations to come. The plans for faith formation and academics will make this a real showcase in the region. We’re very proud of what McGivney will have to offer and we can’t wait to show it to students and their families.”
Details of student recruitment are available on the FMCHS website and to members subscribed to its newsletter. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.mcgivneygriffins.com.