Arlington Diocese establishes two parish schools

“The establishment of two parish schools will allow an even stronger connection between parish and school life.”

-Dr. Jennifer Bigelow, Superintendent

Catholic Diocese of Arlington

For Immediate Release

October 16, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. – Effective July 1, 2018, Corpus Christi School, currently a single school serving two parishes, will become two separate schools, each led by its own pastor and supported by its own parish.

Since 1990, Corpus Christi School has served the parishes of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Philip in Falls Church at two different campuses. Corpus Christi’s campus for kindergarten through eighth grade is located at St. Anthony of Padua at 3301 Glen Carlyn Road, while its early childhood center is located at St. Philip at 7500 St. Philips Court. But as of July 1, 2018, the schools will be renamed: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School for students K-8, and St. Philip Early Childhood Center for children ages 2-5.

Dr. Jennifer Bigelow, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese says this change will allow an even stronger connection between parish and school life. “I support the direction of both St Philip and St Anthony in their desire to promote Catholic education for their respective parish communities,” she said. Dr. Bigelow says the pastoral decision was made after two years of discussion with the Office of Catholic Schools and is supported by Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington. In a statement, Bishop Burbidge said, “This new direction will give the students and parishioners an even closer relationship as they journey forward in faith. The Office of Catholic Schools will continue to support both schools in their mission and especially during this time of transition."

While Corpus Christi will no longer be a single interparish school, Dr. Bigelow says the bus will continue to shuttle students between parishes, and extended day programs for K-8 students will be offered at both schools. In addition, the combined school board with members from both parishes will continue to meet as one body through the 2018-2019 academic year to assist during this time of transition.