On October 21, 2016, Saint Francis staff members were treated to a tour of the brand new K8 Saint Francis School, which will open in the fall of 2017. A&E Architects, including Saint Pius parish member Ric Heldt, designed the school. The 90,000 square foot, state of the art building will combine the three campuses of Saint Francis Primary, Intermediate and Upper into one campus on the Diocesan property at 2202 Colton Boulevard. Billings Catholic Schools Early Childhood Education program will be moved to the current Saint Francis Intermediate campus, which includes both childcare and preschool.
The new Saint Francis School includes 36 classrooms along with a chapel, multiple science and music rooms, a cafeteria and commons area, a gymnasium, and administrative offices. The school was designed to utilize current technology both for educational advancement and to create energy efficiency in terms of heating and cooling, electrical systems, etc. The design also allows educators to meet and exceed current standards in education in ways that current Saint Francis facilities cannot because they simply don’t have the room. There are numerous break-out areas included in the new school, allowing for individualized learning plans for students who excel or are deficient in particular areas of study.
The new Saint Francis School is also ADA compliant, making an exceptional Catholic education available to students with physical disabilities for the first time in Billings. The size of the facility allows for increased enrollment as well, while at the same time continuing to maintain low teacher to student ratios in each grade level. This incredible project could not have come to fruition without the support of hundreds of donors and supporters, and the Billings Catholic Schools community is grateful beyond measure for this investment in the future of Catholic schools in Billings. Fundraising continues for the 18 million dollar project. To make a donation, visit the BCS Foundation Web site or call 406.252.0252 for more information.
Submitted by Kathy Harris
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