PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES:
INTENT TO LEARN MORE/REGISTER FORM (Coming soon)
(September 2026) Update on St. Croix County Catholic High School
We are pleased to share an important update regarding the initiative to establish a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Superior, located in St. Croix County. We are grateful to report that Bishop James Powers has given his approval for this effort.
A New Name: Solanus Catholic High School
We are pleased to announce that the school will be named Solanus Catholic High School in honor of Blessed Solanus Casey, whose early life was closely connected to our local communities.
Born in Oak Grove, Wisconsin, in Pierce County in 1870, he moved with his family to Hudson in Saint Croix County in 1878. The family later relocated to Burkhardt, Wisconsin. His deep faith, humility, and life of service make his name a meaningful inspiration for the new school and its future students.
To learn more about Blessed Father Casey, please visit https://www.solanuscasey.org/.
Moving Forward with Planning
With this approval in place, we are moving forward with the next phase of planning. We are currently in the process of hiring a principal for the new high school and hope to have that person on board shortly after the start of the new year.
This leadership role will be essential as we continue preparing for the school’s opening and building a strong foundation for its future.
Opening in Fall 2027
Solanus Catholic High School is expected to open in the Fall of 2027, beginning with an initial 9th grade class. Additional grade levels will be added over the following years as the school grows.
At the outset, the high school will be located at Saint Patrick Catholic School in Hudson, Wisconsin, while work continues to identify and secure a more permanent site.
Stay Connected
We are excited about this important step forward and grateful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support of our families and parish communities. We look forward to sharing additional updates as the planning process continues.
If you would like additional information or would like to complete our online form with intent to register or to be added to our enrollment communications, please visit our website at www.scchighschool.org.
Support the Mission
If you would like to make a gift in support of this mission, please make your check payable to the Saint Croix Valley Catholic Education Foundation and mail it to:
1754 220th Ave.
New Richmond, WI 54017
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 20-5075747), and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Founders Event
We are also planning a Founders event for early next year. Additional details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Sincerely,
The Solanus Catholic High School Implementation Committee
Maria Helgerson, Brian Hinz, Maureen Koranda, Steve Lorence, Larry Mitchell, Drew Rohl, Paul Wenzel, Neal Ziller, Father John Gerrits (St. Patrick Hudson), and Daniel Bell (Principal, St. Patrick Hudson)
We are pleased to announce that the school will be named Solanus Catholic High School in honor of Blessed Solanus Casey, whose early life was closely connected to our local communities.
Born in Oak Grove, Wisconsin, in Pierce County in 1870, he moved with his family to Hudson in Saint Croix County in 1878. The family later relocated to Burkhardt, Wisconsin. His deep faith, humility, and life of service make his name a meaningful inspiration for the new school and its future students.
To learn more about Blessed Father Casey, please visit https://www.solanuscasey.org/.
Moving Forward with Planning
With this approval in place, we are moving forward with the next phase of planning. We are currently in the process of hiring a principal for the new high school and hope to have that person on board shortly after the start of the new year.
This leadership role will be essential as we continue preparing for the school’s opening and building a strong foundation for its future.
Opening in Fall 2027
Solanus Catholic High School is expected to open in the Fall of 2027, beginning with an initial 9th grade class. Additional grade levels will be added over the following years as the school grows.
At the outset, the high school will be located at Saint Patrick Catholic School in Hudson, Wisconsin, while work continues to identify and secure a more permanent site.
Stay Connected
We are excited about this important step forward and grateful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support of our families and parish communities. We look forward to sharing additional updates as the planning process continues.
If you would like additional information or would like to complete our online form with intent to register or to be added to our enrollment communications, please visit our website at www.scchighschool.org.
Support the Mission
If you would like to make a gift in support of this mission, please make your check payable to the Saint Croix Valley Catholic Education Foundation and mail it to:
1754 220th Ave.
New Richmond, WI 54017
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 20-5075747), and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Founders Event
We are also planning a Founders event for early next year. Additional details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Sincerely,
The Solanus Catholic High School Implementation Committee
Maria Helgerson, Brian Hinz, Maureen Koranda, Steve Lorence, Larry Mitchell, Drew Rohl, Paul Wenzel, Neal Ziller, Father John Gerrits (St. Patrick Hudson), and Daniel Bell (Principal, St. Patrick Hudson)
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Questions & Answers
Why a Catholic High School?
Our communities are growing, and so is the need for a Catholic secondary education option that fosters academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual formation. A local Catholic high school would allow families to continue their children’s faith-based education through adolescence—helping them grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders rooted in Catholic values.What is the mission of Solanus Catholic High School?
Our mission is to form students in the fullness of the Catholic tradition through a Christ-centered education that cultivates intellectual curiosity, spiritual maturity, moral virtue, and joyful service. Grounded in the life of the Church and inspired by the harmony of faith and reason, we challenge students through rigorous academics, meaningful formation, the arts, athletics, and opportunities for leadership. In partnership with families, we seek to prepare young men and women to pursue truth, live with integrity, and faithfully serve God and neighbor.Would it be a 9-12 school?
Yes, we are considering a 4-year implementation plan beginning with a freshman class.
Who might attend this school?
We envision that many graduates from our Catholic K-8 schools would enroll. We also envision students attending from other local parishes and communities. Both Catholic and non-Catholic students would be welcomed to our school community. If the school is located centrally in St. Croix County, we anticipate that some students may also come from across the river in Minnesota.
What relationship would the high school have with our diocese?
The Catholic high school would have a similar relationship as the Catholic K-8 schools. With local leadership that is under the general jurisdiction of the Diocese of Superior.
Would our local parishes financially subsidize a Catholic high school?
No. This will be a financially self-sustaining Catholic high school. We are therefore seeking the generosity of individuals to help create an endowment for the high school.
Will there be a weekly Mass?
Yes, assuming priest availability.
Will religion classes be offered?
Yes, there will be a full curriculum of religion classes. Our curriculum would focus on the development of the whole person– mind, body, and soul. We envision a curriculum that equips students with critical thinking skills, ethical and spiritual formation – an education that prepares students to discern God’s call, and live it out not only in career, but in every aspect of life.
Will there be enough students to support the school?
A demographic study conducted in the early 2000s concluded that our area could potentially support a Catholic high school with over 400 students. If sufficient interest in the project is confirmed, we plan to conduct a more in-depth feasibility study during the 2025–26 school year to verify this projection.
What will be the cost of tuition?
This number is not known at this time. We do anticipate offering tuition assistance based on financial need.
When would the school open?
We expect to open in Fall 2027.
Community Survey Results
Summer 2025 Community Survey Results – PDF
Yes, we are considering a 4-year implementation plan beginning with a freshman class.
Who might attend this school?
We envision that many graduates from our Catholic K-8 schools would enroll. We also envision students attending from other local parishes and communities. Both Catholic and non-Catholic students would be welcomed to our school community. If the school is located centrally in St. Croix County, we anticipate that some students may also come from across the river in Minnesota.
What relationship would the high school have with our diocese?
The Catholic high school would have a similar relationship as the Catholic K-8 schools. With local leadership that is under the general jurisdiction of the Diocese of Superior.
Would our local parishes financially subsidize a Catholic high school?
No. This will be a financially self-sustaining Catholic high school. We are therefore seeking the generosity of individuals to help create an endowment for the high school.
Will there be a weekly Mass?
Yes, assuming priest availability.
Will religion classes be offered?
Yes, there will be a full curriculum of religion classes. Our curriculum would focus on the development of the whole person– mind, body, and soul. We envision a curriculum that equips students with critical thinking skills, ethical and spiritual formation – an education that prepares students to discern God’s call, and live it out not only in career, but in every aspect of life.
Will there be enough students to support the school?
A demographic study conducted in the early 2000s concluded that our area could potentially support a Catholic high school with over 400 students. If sufficient interest in the project is confirmed, we plan to conduct a more in-depth feasibility study during the 2025–26 school year to verify this projection.
What will be the cost of tuition?
This number is not known at this time. We do anticipate offering tuition assistance based on financial need.
When would the school open?
We expect to open in Fall 2027.
Community Survey Results
Summer 2025 Community Survey Results – PDF
Participate?
Join us in exploring the vision for a new Catholic high school rooted in faith, excellence, and community. With prayerful discernment and local collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a transformative educational experience for future generations. We believe the Lord is calling us to build something beautiful and lasting for the families of St. Croix County and beyond. With your help, this vision can become a reality—forming generations of faith-filled leaders ready to love and serve Christ and the world.