West Bend, Wi – The Milwaukee Archdiocese has released a survey to see whether there is interest in a Catholic High School in Washington County, WI. A survey is now being circulated to gauge interest. The survey, found online and below, is due by December 15, 2024. Have you taken the survey? Do you feel there’s a need for a Catholic High School in Washington County?
Click HERE to take the survey
The survey is divided into sections and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey covers a number of specific topics including detailed curriculum questions to the importance of theology, daily Mass, clubs and sports.
In preparing for the survey the Milwaukee Archdiocese held two public meetings where representatives spoke including Rev. Jacob Strand from St. Frances Cabrini, Ed Foy, Catholic school superintendent, and Deacon Bob Dirks.
“If you look at a map where the Catholic High Schools are laid out, there really is a desert from St Mary’s Springs in Fond du Lac all the way south,” said Foy. “Recently, Chesterton Academy was started in Menomonee Falls, but really, to the suburbs of Milwaukee, there is not a Catholic High School option here in this area. People have been talking about a Catholic High School here locally for decades, but there has not been a really successful initiative.”
During the meetings a lot of ground was covered including discussion about the need for a Catholic high school in Washington County, the lack of local Catholic high schools and the Archbishop’s cautious optimism for a community-driven initiative.
An exploratory committee has been meeting for six months, and the first phase involves the parent surveys to gauge interest.
Representatives said the school would focus on a Catholic worldview, classical education, and community. The next steps include building a development plan and securing local support and funds.
Other discussion items included the potential size of the school and the need for private donations, with a focus on starting small and growing over time.
Once the survey is completed the data will be gathered and used to develop a business plan and operational model for the potential school.
This is a working story, and more information will be posted when details are available.
