St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School opened its doors 67 years ago on the west side of Carson City, where it has taught classes of Pre-K and K-8 students ever since.
After years of planning, they are now moving forward with a capital campaign to build a new school in central Carson City adjacent to the current church campus on N. Lompa Lane.
This is the first major fundraising effort in 24 years when the current location of the church was constructed in 2001.
According to campaign leadership, out of the five Catholic schools in the Diocese of Reno, St. Teresa’s is the only one without a parish within walking distance of the school.
“Moving our school to the church property will allow our parish and school communities to further unite and strengthen the Catholic identity at St. Teresa,” they said.
Father Tom Babu, who has served as St. Teresa’s pastor for the past six year, said he is grateful for the generosity of those who helped shape the St. Teresa’s community.
“Now, it’s our turn to contribute,” Babu said. “Relocating the school to our parish will provide students with updated facilities and enhance the integration of faith and learning. This project will benefit our parish by increasing youth and family involvement and providing much-needed space for programs and ministries.”
Principal Peggy Burger said the new school will mark a new chapter for the Catholic community.
“This project with strengthen our students’ connection to their faith,” Burger said. “Our current building has served us for 66 years, and it’s time to provide modern facilities, innovative learning spaces, and resources to enrich their education.”
Improvements incorporated into the new campus will include:
- Over 50,000 square feet of enriched educational spaces tailored for modern curriculums (twice the square footage of the current school)
- Flexible Learning Spaces: Designed for collaborative group work, individual study and diverse teaching methods.
- State-of-the-Art Labs: Modern science and STEM labs, including a specialized robotics lab for hands-on learning.
- Technology Integration: Robust infrastructure supporting interactive and digital learning.
- Cafetorium: A multipurpose space for hosting concerts, events and community activities involving family and friends.
- Library and Resource Center: Specialized equipment and materials to support students as they research and create projects.
- Fine Arts: Dedicated classrooms for arts and music, helping children embrace literacy through multisensory experiences.
- Athletics: Expanded sports fields, indoor spaces and gym facilities.
- Safety & Security: Controlled access, security cameras, resource officers, fencing and efficient traffic flow for drop-off and pick-up.
The current campus in west Carson City will be sold to help pay for the new school.
The goal to construct the new school campus, which will include both the early childhood education center and the K-8 school, is $25 million. So far, the total funds raised as of Jan. 17, 2025 are just under $12.65 million which is made up of $2.5 million from the future sale of the current school campus, $9 million in anonymous lead gifts, and $1.15 million from the capital campaign.
Prior to beginning construction of the new school, the Diocese of Reno requires 100% of the funds necessary for the planned construction be pledged, with 50% of the funds being cash in hand.
You can learn more about the project in the video above.
