In 2021, CCHS to add sixth grade

Starting next fall, Catholic Central High School in Troy will add sixth grade to its middle school program.

The expansion is set to begin in the fall of the 2021-22 school year. The new class will join with the existing seventh and eighth grades to round out the middle school program on the Lansingburgh campus. The expansion was endorsed by the Diocesan School Board and approved by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger.

“Catholic Central High School continues to draw from a large geographic area including 23 public school districts. While students may enroll at any grade level, entry at sixth, seventh, or ninth grade gives families greater flexibility based on their circumstances allowing for a seamless transition from the varying terminal grades of all surrounding schools,” said Giovanni Virgiglio, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Albany.

According to a press release from the school, the incoming students will have access to all the school’s faculty, resources, facilities and programs. The addition comes as a response to current demand and a broadening of Catholic High’s educational mission focused on critical thinking, personal development and spiritual growth.

Principal Christopher Signor added that a sixth-grade class “will strengthen our position as the region’s leading secondary institution for Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory instruction. Our experience, knowledge and diversity of educating both young women and men for the past 97 years position us to expand our middle school successfully.”

Historically Catholic school enrollment has been on the decline, but schools have recently seen an uptick in interest due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed an interest in education alternatives — from in-person, remote or a hybrid — with a focus on smaller class sizes. To learn more about Catholic Central High School’s sixth-grade program or to enroll, please contact Signor at [email protected] or call (518) 235-7100.