The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2018 will mark the first anniversary of the purchase of the 77 acres adjacent to IHM School. Now, after one year, almost to the day, the first phase of our growth is about to begin! The site work is finished and the building plans for the future expansion of Immaculate Heart of Mary School are almost complete!
Founded in 1976 by Brother Hugh MacIsaac in a little ranch house, for a handful of pre-homeschool advocates, this small make-shift school building has grown into the present IHM facility through the hard work of the Brothers and numerous volunteers. In the 1990’s an addition was added and a second and third floor. We were only able to accommodate 120 students, grades 1-12 until Mac Isaac Hall opened across the street in 2016 for the High school students. Even though the empty classrooms left behind by the move were quickly filled, no additions to the building could be made unless we acquired more property. Enrollment left us with a waiting list with our peak capacity at 100 students in grades 1-8 and 40 in grades 9-12. Then our prayers were answered and we acquired the “ valley” behind the school that would enable us to finally build an addition.
Architects, surveyors and engineers have been working with the Brothers to develop a design for the new addition that will tie together the styles of both the present building and MacIsaac Hall. The new facility will provide the school with enough classroom space to seat 25 students per grade, increasing enrollment by 100 students in grades 1-8!
The community’s kitchen and refectories, which take are located on the first floor of the present building will also be moved to the new facility to accommodate for new vocations. This will free up area for much needed principals office and nurse station, as well as an enlarged library and music and art rooms. A large function room in the lower level will also provide an appropriate size room for a function hall to be used for special events and Sunday coffee social.
There is no doubt that there is a crisis in education, especially for Catholic families who want their children surrounded with the same morals at school that they teach at home. IHM is a true Catholic School. IHM keeps the Catholic focus. We look forward to offering this lost form of education to even more young souls!
See more photos of the expansion plans below and in our Winter/Fall 2018 Newsletter and read more about IHM on the school website!
Make a donation for this project and be a part of our Catholic future in America!
