The dream of reopening a school in the old Sisters of St.
Joseph's convent at 4th and Calhoun Streets began two years ago in 1996. This September,
that dream will become a reality.
Beginning with pre-kindergarten classes this fall, St. Michael's Academy will reopen its
doors for the first time since 1971.
While the restoration to the original convent building,
built in 1882, is still in progress, the traditional form of the school is beginning to
take shape as the third floor and cupola, which were removed for safety reasons in 1960,
have been rebuilt.
The convent building will house classes from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. A new
building is planned for the Middle School (grades 6-8). With a maximum number of 30
students per grade, St. Michael's will be able to offer each student a personalized
learning environment.
 Although
the exterior renovations are still in |
The campus of St. Michael's Academy is a fine
example of 19th Century Victorian elegance. Design plans for the new Middle School
complement the original academy's Second Empire architectural style, using both brick and
masonry and featuring a mansard roof, dormer windows, cupola and gallery porches. St. Michael's Church will operate the Academy under the direction of the Diocese of St. Augustine Office of Educational Services. The student population in the diocese is 83% Catholic, 17% non-Catholic. |
St. Michael's Church will operate the Academy under
the direction of the Diocese of St. Augustine Office of Educational Services. The student
population in the diocese is 83% Catholic, 17% non-Catholic.
The old convent is not the only part of St. Michael's undergoing a change. Another part of
the restoration project is to expand the existing church building into a cruciform with an
extended balcony. This will increase the seating capacity from 350 to 500, add two
entrances and exits, increase the size of the liturgical area and provide for
re-installation of original statuary. The added seating capacity has become necessary as
church families have doubled within the past three years.
On September 12, St. Michael's will hold its 2nd Annual Restoration Celebration in an
ongoing effort to raise funds for this project. The event will feature a live band,
casino, gourmet menu and a silent auction.
For more information on the school and the restoration project, please call St. Michael's
at (904) 261-3472.
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