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Education
On September 17, 1951, Corpus Christi School opened its doors to 290 children in grades K through 6. The initial staff consisted of six Sisters of St. Louis, who had arrived in America from Ireland just two years before under their regional superior, Sr. Ronan McDonnell. During this period, education focused on the fundamental subjects, with class sizes averaging almost fifty students. By 1956, the wave of baby boomers was filling the school to its capacity and creating a long waiting list. It was clear that the School had to be expanded. Thanks to the successful completion of a fund-raising campaign, a second wing of the School was completed providing ten more classrooms. By 1959, enrollment increased to 659 students in grades K through 8. The teaching staff consisted of eight sisters and eight lay teachers. In 1974, a party and auction was held in the Parish Hall to raise money for a math lab in the school. It raised $5,000 and was a huge success. The event was the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Party and Auction, known today as the Emerald Ball. In 1987, the School saw the arrival of Sister Patricia McGahan, who would two years later become principal. In recent years, additions and enhancements to the curriculum have included: a computer lab, a Spanish program, a cultural enrichment program, enhanced art, music, science, math, reading and English programs, and new technology in the classrooms, including "smart boards". These achievements have been made possible by visionary leadership, the dedication of the teachers and staff, the support of the pastors, and the countless contributions from the parents themselves. Ms. Catherine Carvalho, who became principal in 2006, looks forward to continuing to meet the challenges of changing expectations in education. The mission of Corpus Christi School is to foster the development of the whole person. Corpus Christi is founded on a vision, “an educational philosophy in which faith, culture, and life are brought into harmony” (The Religious Dimension of Education in the Catholic School: The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, 1998). While recognizing that parents are the primary educators of their children, we support them by providing a spiritual environment that nurtures a Christian atmosphere where students discover and explore their unique strengths within the school and in the greater context of the global community.
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