August 29, 2019

UPDATED: Pope Francis Prep begins new school year with orientation, barbecue

REGIONAL
Staff report

(IObserve photos/courtesy of Pope Francis Preparatory School)

SPRINGFIELD – Students and teachers are back on campus at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, kicking off the 2019-2020 school year. The Class of 2023 arrived Monday, Aug. 27 for orientation, which included faith formation with the student led Christian Leadership Team.

The day ended with a barbecue for students and families. Grades 10-12 began classes on Tuesday, Aug. 28, and all students will pursue their studies through a curriculum guided by faith, according to Paul Harrington, head of school.

“We believe Catholic high schools to be learning communities where students can grapple with questions related to the world, and their identity within it, while remaining firmly grounded in their relationship with God,” said Harrington. “Faith is at the heart of a Catholic education, and therefore an integral part of life at Pope Francis Preparatory School.”

According to the school admissions office, the school exceeded enrollment goals with 103 freshman and 12 transfer students for a total enrollment of 340.

“We’re excited to welcome a new academic year to our beautiful campus,” said Ann Rivers, director of admissions.

“We were delighted to meet so many amazing students and their families throughout the admissions season, and it is very rewarding to see them as they start the first day of their high school journey,” Rivers said.

Pope Francis Preparatory School’s new building on Wendover Road opened last September in time for the 2018-2019 academic year. The school is located in the same location as the former Cathedral High School which was destroyed by a tornado in 2011.

Pope Francis Preparatory School was established after the merger of the former Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee.