From the dramatic entrance plaza and expansive new science and performing arts centers to the remodeled classrooms, the first day of school on Sept. 4 at Loretto High School will be anything but business as usual.

Students will be returning to a campus doubled in size, an expansion project made possible through the purchase of an additional five acres of land by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sisters. And the high school’s newly designed buildings in many respects would seem right at home on any college campus.

The new entrance to Loretto High School joins the original campus with the expansion project. Cathy Joyce/Herald photo

“All of our vision and dreams for this project are physically new for our students,” according to Loretto Sister Helen Timothy, president of the private Sacramento high school. “It’s the culmination of our 45-year history, to expand the campus…to educate Catholic leaders for tomorrow.”

Drawing inspiration from Loretto’s theme for the year from Revelation 21:5, “Behold I make all things new,” the faculty has been expanded by 12 to 61 employees and scheduling has been changed to allow more time for movement around the 10-acre campus.

“It’s a new mindset and many new faces,” Sister Timothy noted.

With a design planned to create one unified campus, work has been completed on a remodel of the original campus with a new exterior façade and a new visual arts center. There is a new air conditioning system and all rooms are newly carpeted and painted.

“We’ve tried to bring a lot of the new into the old campus,” said development director Patt McCormick. “The returning students will be most amazed.”

New construction includes the Walter and Agnes Anderson Center for Science with state-of-the-art high tech labs; the Lewis and Helen Kassis Performing Arts Center with “Black Box Theater” and dance studio; a choral studio; a new administration building; an entrance plaza and alumnae terrace; and classrooms and lighted parking lots.

Planning has made a priority teacher friendly features such as easier access to preparation rooms, improved acoustics and classroom location changes such as moving a biology classroom so it is now adjacent to a neighborhood nature study area.

While the “Campaign for Loretto” has raised more than $4.1 million to meet the original goal of $5 million, the total cost of the project is now estimated at $8 million, which will include future construction of an aquatic center.

“If you had never met me before, you will this year,” Sister Timothy said with an expansive smile.

It is her goal in the coming months to take the mission of Loretto to current and past parents, alumnae, families and friends to give them an opportunity to support the project.

Dedication of the expanded campus is set for Sept. 21 at 9 a.m., with an invitation list including more than 1,200 families, students and faculty members. All living past principals and 13 Loretto sisters from around the world are expected to attend. The public is also invited.

The event will include a Mass with Bishop William K. Weigand presiding and a procession and blessing of the campus followed by a brunch during which major donors will be recognized. Music will provided by the Loretto High School choir.

An annual President’s Dinner Sept 20 will recognize all donors.

“Our goal is to make this a celebration of everything that has brought us to this point,” Sister Timothy said. “It will be a living history.”

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