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A rendering of how St. Veronica School will look when complete. (Image Credit: Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools)
st. veronica & st. gregory

Red Deer Catholic announces future grade configurations for new Blackfalds schools

Oct 28, 2026 | 5:26 PM

One Blackfalds school yet to open, and one that did recently, under Red Deer Catholic Regional division, now have confirmed grade configurations.

St. Veronica will open as a Pre-K to Grade 4 school, while St. Gregory the Great will transition to serve students in Grades 5 through 9.

The board decision represents the final step in resolving long-term accommodation planning for Blackfalds.

The division notes that in 2023, high enrolment at St. Gregory the Great exceeded 100 per cent of building capacity, requiring middle school grades to be temporarily relocated to St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School in Red Deer pending the completion of St. Veronica.

“The board chose this grade configuration to ensure there is room to grow in both schools since Blackfalds continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Alberta,” said Board Chair Chris Andrew.

“Division data and administrative analysis demonstrated that this grade configuration provides optimal facility utilization, program delivery, and balanced student population in both schools.”

In February 2026, the division engaged Grade 6 families, providing them a choice to stay at St. Gregory the Great and 98 per cent of those returning to Catholic Education elected to remain at St. Gregory the Great for Grade 7 through 2026–2027, the division explains.

There are currently 73 Grade 7 students and 56 Grade 8 students attending St. Gregory the Great, and current Grade 8 Blackfalds students attending St. Lorenzo will be given the choice to return to St. Gregory in 2027-2028.

“We are grateful to our parents, students, and staff for sharing their perspectives throughout this consultation,” added Dr. Rhonda Nixon, Superintendent of Schools.

“This decision reflects our commitments to Blackfalds families, supports rich academic programming including CTF opportunities, and establishes a balanced foundation for Catholic education in our community as we prepare to open St. Veronica.”

Detailed letters outlining the decision will be emailed directly to school families and staff on Oct. 28.