January 20, 2010 - Quincy Catholic Academy Established
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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 is being 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 families 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: (Declined 37 percent in six years)
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 (Declined 13 percent in six years)
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: (Declined 23 percent in six years)
2009-2010: 125
2008/2009: 148
2007/2008: 150
2006/2007: 154
2005/2006: 158
2004/2005: 163