Northern Collin County is home to a rapidly growing population and thriving Diocesan parishes, yet it lacks nearby Catholic elementary schools to serve our families in the area. In response, the Diocese of Dallas, surrounding local parishes, and a group of generous volunteers have united to address this need: to establish a new regional Catholic school in Collin County.

As North Texas continues to grow, so does the need for more education options for the growing number of Catholic families. Families should not have to move away from their home parish or drive across the Metroplex to access a Catholic education. In Collin County, some families have already made that sacrifice, while others have patiently waited for a Catholic school option closer to their homes.

This is an exciting and important moment of change for our region, for Catholic families, and for the future of our Catholic faith. The Diocese of Dallas has taken the necessary steps to turn this vision into a reality including conducting diligent research, purchasing the land, and laying the foundation for the creation of Mother Teresa Catholic School.

The Diocese and volunteers are ready to move quickly to meet the community’s need for a school grounded in rich Catholic identity and traditions, rigorous academics, and robust opportunities for family and community involvement.

Based on extensive surveys, research studies, and community engagement, we know that Collin County has grown by 11% over the last five years and the trend is expected to continue. This growth is reflected in our parish communities, with the northern region now representing one-quarter of the total Diocesan population. With this growth comes great opportunity.

In 2023, a gap in Catholic elementary education became evident, with 3,390 students in grades K-8 enrolled in religious education across the five regional parishes, none of whom have access to a nearby Catholic school in the Diocese. Over the past decade, this area saw 36% population growth, with projections showing the total population will double by 2060. Given these trends and the increasing number of families desiring a Catholic education for their children, there is a strong and sustainable demand to support enrollment.

We heard from you. Through surveys, research, and many conversations, it is evident that parents and families strongly desire a Catholic elementary school in the region. Parents are looking for a program that provides their children access to superior academics, a strong Catholic environment, and a convenient location close to home.

While regional schools are new to the Diocese of Dallas, they have been a key component of Catholic school growth models nationwide for the past 10+ years. After careful study and research into the most effective educational frameworks, the regional model has emerged as a strong fit for serving the needs of our community’s children. Regional schools are largely supported collaboratively by parishes in their region and are strategically located in a geographically convenient location based on the concentration of Catholic families in the area.

This model offers a unique value proposition for local parishioners by promoting economies of scale, sustainability, and operational efficiency. While regional schools are available to students from all diocesan parishes, families from the closest parishes will be prioritized. In the case of Mother Teresa Catholic School, preference will be given to St. Francis, St. Jude, Our Lady of Angels, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel.