COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Officials at St. Charles Borromeo School have announced expansion plans for the 2026-2027 school year which include offering 9th grade (on a trial basis), a second kindergarten classroom and additional staff positions.
The additional offerings are due to growing enrollment and an increased demand for Catholic education in the Branch County and surrounding areas.
Principal Brenda Mescher says, “We are ending this school year with 221 enrolled students in preschool through eighth grade, an increase from the fall,” she added “We have 230 anticipated students enrolled for the 2026-27 school year, which will continue to increase with open enrollment through August. Our school community welcomes families from Coldwater as well as multiple parishes and communities across lower Southwest Michigan counties.”
Last November the school announced the creation of an Expansion and Retention Committee to explore expansion feasibility and sustainability. According to Principal Mescher the expansion committee findings illustrate the growth in Catholic education needs reflects both rising population trends and the increasing desire among all families for a holistic Catholic education.
Bishop Edward. M. Lohse has approved a trial 9th grade for 2026–2027 only, with any continuation beyond that year requiring additional permission and not extending to future grade expansions. The school must submit progress and financial impact reports, including enrollment sustainability and staffing updates, by December 1 and March 1, 2027.
Mescher said “The Expansion and Retention Committee will continue to finalize a proposal for a new Catholic High School option for our area and it expects to submit that proposal in the fall of 2026,”
Parish and school committees are working collaboratively on building expansion and additional opportunities to fulfill our growing needs while being focused on growth that is prudent, sustainable, and aligned with our mission.”
Additional expansions to the school include a second kindergarten classroom and the creation of the position of Catechist and Assistant Principal.
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