Ave Maria Academy Breaks Ground on New Facility

After 18 years of work, Ave Maria Academy took the first step toward building a new campus.

Twin cities Archbishop John Nienstedt led more than 300 hundred students, faculty, families, board members and friends in a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 15 at the future buildings site on 7000 Jewel Lane.

Ave Maria Academy President Jason Slattery said that parents and families benefit from a marketplace where there are choices for their child’s education.

“In an encouraging and safe environment, a Catholic school encourages excellence for every student that passes through its doors,” a news release quoted Slattery. 

The new building will be on the southeast corner of Bass Lake Road and Jewel Lane. Its 35,000 square feet will have 15 classrooms for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and nearly double the school’s current capacity of 170 students. For the first time, students will have their own chapel, gymnasium and playfields.

The school, which is now in leased space at the intersection of Bass Lake Road and West Fish Lake Road, expects to open the new facility in time for the 2014-15 school year.