There are three major school models utilized for administering Roman Catholic schools. The first is known as the "Diocesan School Model" (e.g., St. Mark's), in which the school is funded and operated by the diocese itself. The second is known as the "Parish School Model," in which the pastor, along with a principal, operate the school and the parish helps subsidize the tuition. The third model is a more recent innovation within the past 30 years to address a changing landscape and the modern reality of what is needed to administer a Catholic school effectively. This is known as the President-Principal with a specified jurisdictional Council model, or "President-Principal-Council Model" for short, which partners with a Roman Catholic Church or holy order (e.g., Salesianum, Ursuline and Archmere).
It is this third model (President-Principal-Council Model) that has proven to be the most successful for Roman Catholic high schools over the last 30 years in multiple States; including Delaware. This model has proven to be so successful because major responsibilities are divided among a President, Principal and a specified jurisdictional Council, answerable to a Board of Trustees, while still maintaining the core tenants of Roman Catholicism through religious education administered by the Church or holy order.
Historically, the first attempt in Kent County utilized a Parish School Model, which worked well from the 1950s until the mid 1980s. The second attempt followed a Diocesan School Model; however, neither the Parish nor Diocesan School Models of those schools could keep up with the demands of today. We have addressed this issue head on by choosing to employ a President-Principal-Council Model for this new high school to recreate for Southern Delaware the successes seen by such Roman Catholic high schools as Salesianum, Ursuline and Archmere Academy for generations to come.
It means that we are focused on offering a top-notch education by utilizing high quality teachers who will challenge students and create the leaders of tomorrow. The proposed school is planning to be structured to give juniors and seniors the option of taking college classes. This would enable students to enter college with some college credits. Therefore, the investment in tuition for parents in high school will result in a reduction in college tuition expenses.
Our goal is to enroll at least 25 students in the Freshman level and 15 students in the Sophomore level the first year.
Athletics is an important part of high school and our students will have these opportunities. We have reached out to local private schools to look into opportunities to join with them as well to offer a greater diversity of sports teams.
The new Holy Cross High School will be located in Kent County. We have identified a few options and will provide updates once negotiations are completed.
Our goal is to have it open for the Fall 2025 school year. This timeframe is pending final location approvals.
We understand how important this question is. In addition to determining tuition, we are working on establishing a scholarship fund. As soon as this information is determined, it will be provided.
It is the desire to have buses available. The school will attract from Southern New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties.
Developing curriculum is a core component to the development of the high school. Those that will be making that decision (Board, President and Principal) would undoubtedly want to hear from the interested families when we get to that stage. One thing we know for sure is that the educational opportunity provided by this new high school would be a continuation of the excellence experienced at the current Holy Cross School from PreK3 to 8th grade.
Time, treasure and talent. Families should think about talents they can bring to the group. As committees take shape in the near future, we will need families to let us know what those talents are so we can maximize everyone’s impact. This is not limited to just their household. If there are grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc. that can also help, all help is welcome. This is a true community effort. We thank you all in advance for your interest in helping!
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