Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy
The Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy has five campuses in the neighborhoods of Dorchester and Mattapan.
Each campus offers:
- Pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade classes
- A new curriculum and programs for all campuses developed with the help of Boston College, Emmanuel College, Regis College, and Lesley University
- New standards for hiring, monitoring and compensating faculty, and ongoing professional development in order to retain and attract the most talented and dedicated educators with the help of Boston College and Emmanuel College
- Renovated, updated facilities, including new libraries, computer labs, science labs, gymnasiums and facilities for extracurricular activities
- Enhanced faith formation in the Catholic tradition
- Improved security for improved safety (e.g., drop-off zones, cameras at entrances, fences)
- A new regional governance model with lay expertise in operations, curriculum development, fundraising, finance and marketing
In addition, the Catholic Charities Teen Center at St. Peter (a lifeline for nearly 300 teenagers in the Bowdoin/Geneva area of Dorchester) has been renovated and enhanced with increased staff, improved food/meal offerings and improved transportation.
The Campaign for Catholic Schools is actively seeking philanthropic support for this effort. To fully implement the plan for Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy and the St. Peter Teen Center, some $68 million in private support will be required. Four generous individuals have privately funded the Campaign for Catholic Schools' operating costs, so that 100 percent of all gifts will go directly to support the schools.
