By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami
Click to download Archbishop Thomas Wenski's letter and the Questions & Answers page in:
Archdiocese of Miami
Dear Parents and Students, Faculty and Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Supporters:
At the beginning of the 2017-2018 scholastic year, Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School will merge with Msgr. Edward Pace High School in Miami Gardens. This decision to consolidate the two schools was made by the Archdiocese of Miami in order to provide the students with a continued experience of the presence of Jesus Christ, an enhanced educational experience and additional extracurricular opportunities. With your child attending a larger school, he/she will experience signature academies, new technology, fine arts programs, seventy clubs and activities, and enjoy award winning sports teams.
It is our intention to provide a smooth transition for your child. Students remaining enrolled at ACND for the entire 2016-2017 school year, and who maintain required academic standards and whose families have met their financial responsibilities to ACND, will be admitted and are eligible to apply for tuition assistance at Msgr. Pace High School. Students currently in grades six and seven will be accommodated at one of the several neighboring Catholic elementary schools.
Details regarding this merger will be addressed during upcoming meetings scheduled at ACND and at Msgr. Pace. Included with this letter is information regarding the schedule of these school meetings and some answers to possible questions you may have regarding your child’s continued Catholic education at Msgr. Pace High School.
Archbishop Curley and Notre Dame High Schools, founded in 1953, were themselves merged in 1981 as Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame (ACND). Prior to and after the merger, ACND has a long, notable and distinguished history; ACND has enriched its students and the community with its academic excellence, values, charitable works of mercy, and traditions.
The Archdiocese of Miami is grateful for the many priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, parents, donors, and board members who have generously donated and dedicated years, time, and expertise for each student at ACND to become a successful graduate.
Msgr. Edward Pace High School, established in 1961 on 44 acres in Miami Gardens, adjacent to St. Thomas University, has been recognized as one of the top 50 Catholic High Schools in the nation and honored with the Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award by the US Department of Education. Among its curricula, Msgr. Pace offers National Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs, and like ACND, its alumni are identified as successful graduates and community leaders.
Be assured the Archdiocese of Miami is committed to excellence in Catholic education and that our children and families are in our continued prayers.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Questions and answers for Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School parents/guardians regarding the merger with Msgr. Edward Pace High School.
When will the merger of Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame and Msgr. Edward Pace high schools occur?
The merger of ACND and Msgr. Pace high schools will occur in August 2017, at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.
Why are ACND and Msgr. Pace high schools merging?
The Archdiocese of Miami has made the decision to merge both Catholic high schools to provide your child with an enhanced educational experience, outstanding extra curricula exposure and the opportunity to excel in Msgr. Pace’s academies.
Where is Msgr. Edward Pace High School located?
Msgr. Edward Pace High School is located at 15600 N.W. 32nd Avenue in Miami Gardens, next door to St. Thomas University, the archdiocesan-owned Catholic university.
Will my child be accepted into Msgr. Pace High School?
Your child will be accepted into Msgr. Pace High School if the 2016-2017 school year is completed at ACND, he/she maintains required academic standards and the financial responsibilities to ACND are met.
How do I enroll my child at Msgr. Pace High School?
In January 2017, you will receive a registration packet for your child. In that packet is the application for admittance to Msgr. Pace. Once the enclosed form is completed it is to be returned to Msgr. Pace High School with the $200 registration fee before March 3, 2017. Your child’s registration is then complete and he/she is a student at Msgr. Pace.
Are there enough classrooms at Msgr. Pace to accommodate the merger?
Provisions are being made to ensure the facilities at Msgr. Pace meet the needs of these merged programs.
What will my child need for Msgr. Pace’s technology environment?
Msgr. Pace has a 1:1 iPad digital learning environment. Your child will receive an iPad at the start of the 2017-2018 school year as part of school tuition.
Does Msgr. Pace High School have a Campus Ministry?
Yes, Msgr. Pace High School has an active campus ministry and just created an Instagram account, @pacecampusministry, showcasing the Spirit of God at Msgr. Pace and providing spiritual outreach and daily inspiration.
How do I apply for financial assistance for my child?
Once you receive your registration package from Msgr. Pace High School, please contact Mrs. Zoe Double, finance director at ACND, who will have your child’s information regarding his/her attendance, academic standing and current tuitions balance, if any, from ACND. It is at this meeting you will receive your financial aid package and Mrs. Double will answer questions you may have at that time regarding your child’s records.
Does Msgr. Pace accept state-sponsored scholarships?
Yes. Msgr. Pace accepts StepUp, McKay, Gardiner (formerly known as PLSA), and AAA scholarships.
How will my child travel to and from Msgr. Pace High School?
Msgr. Pace HS provides bus transportation for its students which will be included in your tuition. Msgr. Pace provides pick up and drop off from various Catholic schools near the ACND campus; they are Cathedral School of St. Mary, St. Rose of Lima, St. James, St. Bartholomew, Annunciation, and Holy Family.
Will my child’s transcripts be transferred to Msgr. Pace?
Yes, all transcripts for current and past ACND students/graduates will be retained at Msgr. Pace High School.
What uniform will my child wear? Will there be free uniforms next year? What will be the cost of new uniforms?
ACND students will be able to wear their khaki uniform pants; they will receive three Pace red uniform polo shirts which cost is included in the tuition cost for the 2017-2018 school year. Additional polos and uniform pants may be purchased at the Spartan Store located on Msgr. Pace’s campus.
How can I find information about Msgr. Pace High School?
You may learn about Msgr. Pace High School in several ways. You are invited to ACND on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. to attend the Parents Meeting where you will have the opportunity to meet Ms. Ana Garcia, principal of Msgr. Pace High School, and some of the students representing their school. Also, please visit Msgr. Pace High School’s website at pacehs.com. In addition, you are invited to Msgr. Pace’s Open House on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. During this Open House you will meet Msgr. Pace’s administrators, faculty, students and members of school clubs and sports teams.
I have a sixth/seventh grader. What school can my child attend?
The Archdiocese of Miami is working with several Catholic elementary schools in the area of ACND to enroll your child. These schools are Holy Family, St. James, St. Lawrence and the Cathedral School of St. Mary. Further information will be provided in February 2017, including invitations to the schools’ Open Houses.
Who may I contact for further information regarding the merger of ACND and Msgr. Pace High Schools?You may contact the Superintendent of Schools’ office at 305-762-1019.
