GICC Accepting Elementary School Applications
Area families now have a new option for their children’s education. After breaking ground in March 2023, Grand Island Central Catholic’s Elementary School is nearing completion, and GICC is accepting applications for admission from students who will be entering grades K-5 next school year.
“It’s an exciting time, and we’re counting the days until we welcome the first classes of Central Catholic Elementary School,” Dr Jordan Engle, GICC Middle School / High School Principal said. GICC’s Elementary School already has 120 students enrolled, which is about half of all available spots. Administrators said that while there are vacancies at all grade levels for the time being, Kindergarten is close to being full.
“To ensure smaller class sizes, we decided to limit the capacity of each grade,” Elementary Principal Sarah Nordhues stated. “Families with more than one student are encouraged to enroll sooner than later so we can accommodate all children at the same school.” Families interested in learning more or applying to Central Catholic Elementary School can find information at https://www.gicc.org/elementary--preschool.html.
Nordhues went on to say, “We are enthusiastic about the progress so far as we reconstruct the success of the 6-12 grade levels by expanding the faith-based education to the elementary.” While rooted in Catholicism, Grand Island Central Catholic’s doors are open to students of other faiths and religious backgrounds. “We want to stress that our new elementary school is open to students of all faiths,” Dr Engle added. “Right now our 6th-12th grade student population represents multiple religions.”
Financial assistance is available for families who will attend GICC, which is funded by tuition, as well as support from the Catholic parishes in Grand Island and the Central Catholic Development Foundation. “We want GICC to be an option for all families,” Dr Engle commented. “In addition to our internal scholarships and tuition assistance program, we have the unique opportunity to help people in ways we never have before with the Nebraska Opportunity Scholarships. Those interested in transferring to GICC would potentially have access to additional assistance and resources.”
Structurally, the construction crew recently completed the exterior brick work, HVAC, plumbing and electrical tasks of the building addition. Now the crew is working on finishing the ceilings, cabinetry, and flooring of the building addition.
School administration is also pleased to have the majority of teaching staff for the inaugural 2024-2025 school year already hired. “We do have two open positions for which we are currently accepting applications and scheduling interviews,” Dr Engle added. Teachers interested in applying can find information at gicc.org/job-openings.html.
