First Students Commit to Founding 9th Grade Class at St. Francis de Sales Catholic High School

Wicomico County, MD. - The first student commitments were received for the inaugural 9th-grade class of St. Francis de Sales Catholic High School.

The high school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. The initial commitments include Noah, a current student at St. Francis de Sales, and Ella, a student from Most Blessed Sacrament School in Berlin.

These students will establish the traditions, leadership, and culture of the first graduating class. "This is an exciting moment for our school community," said Sarah Passarell, Advancement Director at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. "These students and their families are stepping forward to help build something that will serve students and families in our community for generations."

The high school program is available to students from all educational backgrounds. This includes students from Catholic schools, public schools, and homeschool environments.

"In our conversations with parents, we often hear that students should attend a large high school to `experience the real world," Passarell said. "But parents also know that 14 and 15-year-olds are still forming who they are. High school should be a place where students are guided, supported, and surrounded by positive role models as they grow academically, socially, and spiritually."

Public high schools in the region frequently enroll more than 1,000 students. St. Francis de Sales Catholic High School is designed to provide a smaller environment. "We want students to discover who they are without feeling pressure to change who they are in order to fit in," Passarell said.

The program is also structured for homeschooled students transitioning into a high school setting. "We see many families who homeschool through middle school and then begin exploring high school options," Passarell said. "Our program offers those students the opportunity to experience high school academics, athletics, and social life while still being supported in an environment aligned with the values their families have built at home."

The academic curriculum is designed to prepare students for post-graduation opportunities. "Our goal is to prepare students for success wherever their future leads," said Principal Debra Traum. "Whether a student plans to attend a competitive college, pursue a skilled trade, or serve in the military, we will work closely with each student to help them reach their full academic potential."

The smaller learning environment is intended to allow teachers to focus on individual students. "When students are known by their teachers, they thrive," she said. "Our goal is to provide a safe, focused learning environment where students can grow academically while also being supported as individuals."

The high school will launch with the 9th grade in the 2026-2027 academic year. One grade level will be added each subsequent year until a four-year program is established. A sufficient number of committed students is required to launch the program.

"Families have until April 15 to commit to the founding class," Passarell said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to be part of something historic in our community."

A private donor is providing financial support for the founding class. Families who enroll by April 15 and submit the $500 tuition deposit will receive an additional $1,000 credit toward their student's tuition. Additional tuition assistance is available through the ACE Scholarship Program, which also has an April 15 application deadline.

A High School Open House is scheduled for March 23 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School. Parents and students can meet faculty members, review the curriculum, and complete enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.

Further details regarding the founding class and enrollment are available at www.stfrancisdesales.net. For inquiries, Advancement Director Sarah Passarell can be reached via phone at 410-749-9907, via text at 443-410-4540, or via email at spassarell@sfdscs.org.