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With the decision for St. Gregory's School in Loudonville to go co-ed and the appointment of a new head of school, the school is gearing up for a new year full of new experiences.

"[By] October, it's going to seem like we've always done it this way," said new head of school Alan Barr.

He hopes the transition from a single-gender school to enrolling girls and boys will be seamless. For this school year, St. Gregory's will be co-ed for pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. In coming years, one grade at a time will turn co-ed as the classes progress. So far, there are about 30 girls enrolled in the school.

"Really, the class of 2021 will be the first co-ed class to graduate," Mr. Barr said.

St. Gregory's didn't need any alterations to include both genders; the school simply had to order new signs for bathrooms and locker rooms.

The change is coming at a time when the school is looking to add more extracurricular activities. "We are looking to expand our performing arts program" and make other, overall improvements, Mr. Barr said.

The new head of school came to Loudonville after working with schools in transition in Southern states. Originally from Richmond, Va., he said that Loudonville and Richmond are more similar than one may think: "People are very welcoming here.

"I'm new here, and that's what I'm going to say to the girls, too," Mr. Barr added. "This is going to be a new experience for all of us."[[In-content Ad]]

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