Catholic school opening in Safford

After many years of prayer and conversation Saint Rose of Lima in Safford is moving forward with plans to open a Catholic school in Graham County. School leaders are targeting August 2026 as its opening month.

The K-2 school hopes to recruit between 45 and 60 students in its first year. Suzanne Ortega, a longtime educator, has been named the principal. Ortega said she is overjoyed by the momentum, “We have just hired a scholarship manager. We are blessed to have many teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff, who are also parishioners or community members express interest in working at our school which is encouraging.” The school discussion initially began as a preschool but quickly grew into a K-2 school because of the demand to serve young Catholic families. Over the years, the community of Safford has grown furthering the need for educational opportunities. Ortega said she often tells interested families, “Give your child the gift of faith, knowledge, and community. Our school will be a place where students can learn to live their faith daily and build a strong desire to serve others.” She said her expectation is to offer “academic excellence through faith-based learning while utilizing strong research-based curriculum.”

School leaders are promoting the school in Mass, and locally in the community. Ortega said from the beginning it was clear families wanted the option of a Catholic education, “This is beyond academics. Families have told us they want to build a strong foundation for their children when it comes to their Catholic faith, character, and sense of community.” Father Nicodemus Shaghel, the pastor said he’s excited about the future, “Catholic schools are known for delivering academic excellence through faith-based learning, welcoming students of all backgrounds and cultures, and fostering a spirit of community and service. I’m grateful we can do that here in Safford.” To ensure the community has a role in the school a committee was formed, it’s comprised of parishioners and volunteers who meet monthly with the pastor and principal. 
The school will be housed on the campus of a Saint Rose of Lima parish. One building, Ortega said, already has four classrooms. A large multi-purpose hall will serve as a cafeteria and gathering space for students. For many years, Ortega said the school was just a dream, “Our hope is that many will see our vision for the school, and as a result, our enrollment will grow in a way that will allow us to add on grade levels to eventually serve students in grades K-8.”

Reimaging the church campus has been challenging but by the grace of God says Ortega everything is coming together, “We’ve received donations from Saint Cyril and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton schools in Tucson. Mission Management Trust Co. also provided us with furniture. Everyone has been so generous.” Ortega said she’s especially grateful for Deacon Gary Pasquinelli and his wife Barbara in Yuma who are fully funding the playground, “We’re going to dedicate our playground to Kirsten, she was Dcn. Gary’s and Barbara's daughter. She was a wife and mom of three boys, in addition to being a beloved teacher. It’s fitting that we remember her here in our Catholic community.” Many donations, Ortega said are also coming directly from people in Safford, “I can’t say thank you enough to all our wonderful parishioners who have made such generous donations to the school. We are extremely grateful for the monetary donations and to the many people who have donated their time and talents to help get our school ready.” 
As renovations continue to take place, Ortega said she’s received positive support from the community and the diocese. “It’s things like our fire alarm passing inspection, the rod iron gates being installed, getting internet and phone service into the rooms. Everything is falling into place, and we are so blessed that this school will be up to speed technologically and it’ll be a safe place for our students.” As Ortega continues to apply for grants, she’s also looking forward to hosting a Winter Carnival in February to help promote the school. “So many parishioners and people in our community say they are praying for the success of our school, and I cannot begin to express my gratitude for their prayers because with God all things are possible and I believe that with his help and guidance our school will be all that He has planned for us.”