First Catholic elementary school in Katy opens in 2018
August 16, 2017
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy broke ground on June 25 for an elementary school scheduled to open for the 2018-19 school year. Photo courtesy of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church.
KATY — Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church has broken ground on a building for an elementary school scheduled to open for the 2018-19 school year.
The 50,000-square-foot building, which will be located at 1530 Norwalk Drive, will be the first Catholic elementary school in the Katy area.
Father Tom Lam, pastor at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, said “The show of support from the Archdiocese and the leadership and parishioners of Epiphany at the groundbreaking is a wonderful testament to our understanding of the value and desire for Catholic education and building up of the Church’s presence here in Katy.”
Dr. Nicholas Morgan, principal, said that while getting the new building completed is a huge priority, many things are happening behind scenes, including working on setting the budget for the first year, finalizing their technology plan, developing the handbooks, finalizing the admissions process and much more.
“Part of the assignment as the new principal was developing and since then, updating a two-year plan for establishing a new school,” he said. “While this plan is a fluid document and continuously being updated, it is comprehensive and keeps us moving forward. Everything from marketing and development to ordering textbooks and desks is included in this plan and helps us stay on track for opening in August of 2018.”
Morgan said the goal is simple: to create a faith-filled academic institution as an integral piece of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community.
“Our mission statement reads ‘Rooted in Catholic tradition, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School promotes growth in the foundations of faith, knowledge, compassion and character.’ As we have entered this challenging, yet rewarding process of establishing the first Catholic elementary and middle school in Katy, we refer back to this mission statement daily,” he said. “The four foundations of faith, knowledge, compassion and character drive our decisions and create the basis for the school to be built upon.”
The school will open with grades pre-K through third grade the first year, then add grades in following years. Opening enrollment is expected to be around 250 students, but tuition has not been set yet.
Morgan said enrolling students into Catholic schools in the Archdiocese is unique in that they call young people to holiness.
“While maintaining challenging studies and academic excellence, Catholic School students are taught to be dedicated to God, serve the community, and understand the values and traditions of the Catholic church,” he said. “These aspects will be integrated throughout the curriculum and infused within the culture of Epiphany Catholic School.”
Morgan said that, besides the spiritual aspect and the responsibility as Catholics to share the faith and ensure children have the opportunity to grow intellectually and morally; Catholic schools create a community with service deeply-rooted within the culture.
“This ingrained desire to ‘give-back’ will continue to grow in our graduates as they move into high school and adulthood,” he said. “Epiphany Catholic School graduates will be the same adults volunteering, leading and ‘giving back’ to this community and the wider Catholic Church in the future.”
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