St. Francis de Sales Opens a New High School This Fall
Salisbury, MD - Big news for families on the Eastern Shore. St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Salisbury, Maryland is growing. Starting this fall, the school will offer a high school for the first time in its 77-year history.
The new high school will welcome its first ninth-grade class in Fall 2026. One grade level will be added each year after that. The first senior class is set to graduate in Spring 2030.
"For 77 years, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School has been committed to educating the whole child; academically, spiritually, morally, and socially," said Mrs. Debra Traum, Principal.
"Expanding into a high school allows us to continue that mission during some of the most formative years of a young person's life. We are excited to welcome our ninth-grade students this fall and continue building a Christ-centered community where every student is known, valued, challenged, and encouraged to reach their God-given potential."
School leaders say the expansion comes after years of planning and support from families, alumni, donors, and the wider community. Students will keep growing academically, spiritually, and personally in a faith-centered setting.
The school also announced a new mascot for the high school. Students and parents voted, and the Emperor Penguin won. The mascot keeps the school's penguin tradition while standing for leadership, courage, and community.
"Our mascot represents who we are as a school community," said Sarah Passarell, Advancement Director. "It honors our history while looking toward our future, and we're proud that our own students and families helped make that decision."
Families choosing St. Francis come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some come from Catholic schools, others from public schools, private schools, or homeschool programs. No matter where they start, the school says every student is known by name and supported by caring teachers.
"That commitment will continue as we expand into high school," Passarell said. "Whether a student joins us from a public school, another private school, a homeschool program, or has been part of the St. Francis family for years, they don't have to change who they are to belong. We believe every child is uniquely created by God, and our role is to help them discover their gifts, strengthen their faith, and become the person He created them to be. That's what makes St. Francis feel like home."
Enrollment for the ninth-grade class is still open. Families interested in learning more can reach out to the school directly.
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School was founded in 1949. It has served Eastern Shore families for nearly eight decades and plans to become a full Pre-K3 through 12th grade school by 2030.
