Expanding St. Barnabas School, 10121 S. Longwood Dr., has been on the minds of parishioners and school families since 2014, when a committee was developed to create a Parish Master Plan to address the needs and concerns of the parish and school community. Thanks to the Imagine. Innovate. Inspire. fundraising campaign, the school broke ground in May on an addition meant to increase space, security, and flexibility of the school. It is estimated that the new building will be open by the start of school year in fall.
Key aspects of the addition include: a secure entrance, a wellness station for ill students or those with ongoing medical needs, a media center, innovation center, gathering space, ADA accessibility and an elevator, additional general education classrooms, and designated areas for art, language, and music classrooms.
The planning committee realized that while enrollment has remained consistent at the school, there are a few grade levels where three classrooms would be beneficial, versus the usual two classrooms per grade. The addition gives the school administrators the flexibility to provide collaborative learning spaces for grade bands that require extra space.
It’s unknown what school will look like in the fall for any local school, but St. Barnabas is prepared to continue construction and in-person instruction simultaneously. Walsh Construction is leading the project and will implement dust partitions and security fencing to diminish disruptions as much as possible. Dropoff/pickup areas may be affected. Families are encouraged to stay up-to-date by visiting their website www.StBarnabasParish.School.com
