June 16, 2023

Edmonton Catholic Schools held a site blessing for Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School in the Castle Downs/Dunluce neighbourhood in June. His Grace, Archbishop Richard Smith, blessed the site, which was followed by an official groundbreaking by the Edmonton Catholic Schools' Board of Trustees.

The school, located in Castle Downs/Dunluce, will officially open its doors to students in September 2026 and will accommodate just over 1,300 students. The estimated cost of the school is $51.1 million. The new school will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, a chapel, and more.

“The high school years are critical in preparing our students to transition into the world of work or higher education. Providing our students with the best possible learning environment significantly enhances the opportunities for their educational journey and beyond. It mirrors what they are going to experience as they move out of K-12 education. The world of post-secondary and of employment is vibrant and dynamic," said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo.

The Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Board of Trustees has long advocated for a new High School in Castle Downs. It has been on the Division’s Three-Year Capital Plan since 2018.

The new school will help ease enrolment pressures at Archbishop O’Leary High School, which is operating over capacity. Many classes have been moved to nearby St. Cecilia Catholic Junior High, as there is no additional space at O’Leary. 

ECSD received design funding for the project in March 2021 from Alberta Education and construction funding in March 2022.

The school is named after Blessed Carlo Acutis, a devout young Catholic, who left a profound impact on the world through his remarkable faith and technological skills.

“ What better namesake to inspire our youth, than Blessed Carlo Acutis. He was a beautiful messenger for the love and joy of God. Carlo was a selfless and caring millennial who truly understood the importance of living a life rooted in love and service to others. Even despite his own battle with leukemia, Carlo Acutis remained selfless and caring, always putting the needs of others before his own,” shared Trustee Terry Harris. “It is our hope that the future students of Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School will be inspired by him and his story to make a difference in the world.”

Construction will start later this year.