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September 12, 2023A revamped San Xavier Mission School is opening its doors to the Tohono O’odham, Pascua Yaqui, and Tucson community in August 2024.
San Xavier Mission Parish, the Diocese of Tucson Department of Catholic Schools, and recently hired school Principal Minh Solorzano have been hard at work to ensure that this historic Catholic Mission can continue its invaluable education experience with the next generation and beyond.
Extensive renovations, brand new classroom and office furniture, and updated interior features are just a few of the major upgrades.
With generous contributions from organizations including the Black and Indian Mission ($100,000 for renovations), the Knights of Columbus ($41,200 for renovations), St. Thomas the Apostle Church ($25,000), the Department of Catholic Schools ($40,000), and the Christ Child Society of Tucson (new book vending machine), San Xavier Mission Catholic School is well on its way to being an exceptional learning space for incoming students.
San Xavier Mission opened the first Catholic School in Arizona in 1864. In recent years, the Mission decided it was time for some building restoration; execution of renovation plans began in Summer 2023. At this time, the completed renovations include classroom flooring, electrical repair, painted doors, and installation of new ceilings in the main building. The upcoming projects that are planned and budgeted for include painting of all classrooms and new tiles in the lobby and administration office. Ongoing renovation is to the main building, with plans to gradually renovate and revitalize the remaining classrooms and outside spaces.
Freshly painted doors. New ceilings/electric/lighting New classroom flooring“We still have a lot of work to do,” says new principal Minh Solorzano, who joined the San Xavier Mission School team in June 2023. “Currently, the school has no safe area for students to play.”
These photos depict the current state of the outdoor play areas on the school campus
The existing playground and courtyard are not suitable environments. The hope is to install a new 32x45 safe play area in the courtyard that provides coverage from the sun. Solorzano and the San Xavier Mission team are exploring additional funding options to make this a reality for the children that they plan to welcome in August 2024.“In addition to potential grant funding, we welcome any contributions or donations that can help with the vitalization of the playground and courtyard,” Solorzano said in a letter written to inform the community of recent construction updates and foreseeable projects.
When the school reopens its doors in the Fall of 2024, it will open first exclusively to Kindergarten through second grade. Having a safe and inviting play area for these littles will be vital.
Much thought and love from so many individuals and organizations has already gone into the restoration of this beloved school and community. The culture and tradition that will be preserved within the walls of the Mission will be a treasure passed on for generations to come. The faith of the community remains strong.
San Xavier Mission is grateful for the donations, contributions, and prayers that it has already received in the process of restoration and renovation. If you feel called to contribute to this legacy project, please contact Minh Solorzano at [email protected].