Athens Reporter

Monsignor Donovan Catholic School has announced an expansion of its academic offerings to include 7th and 8th grades, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This move aims to offer a seamless educational experience from Pre-K through 12th grade, enhancing the collaboration with St. Joseph Catholic Parish School, which currently serves students from Pre-K to 6th grade.

The transition aligns with research supporting the benefits of a 7-12 grade model. The school highlights several advantages such as stronger academic continuity, access to advanced coursework and high school-level resources, increased leadership opportunities in athletics and clubs, and improved social-emotional development through reduced transitions and mentorship between different age groups.

The partnership with St. Joseph Catholic Parish School is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in elementary education, continuing into a challenging environment at Donovan that emphasizes faith-based learning. The model aims to ensure student success by maintaining a consistent educational path within a supportive community.

Dr. Ashli Walker, Head of School at Monsignor Donovan Catholic School, expressed enthusiasm about this development: “We are incredibly excited about this next step in Donovan’s growth and look forward to welcoming new students into our community,” she said. “This expansion will provide middle school students with a head start on their high school journey while benefiting from our strong academics, athletics, and supportive community.”

Enrollment for grades 7-12 is now open for the upcoming school year. Families interested in exploring this opportunity are encouraged to arrange tours or student shadow days for more insight.

For further details, contact Megan Wentworth, Director of Advancement.