Story by Anthony Richards
St. Francis Catholic Academy is seeking to grow its student population while continuing to strengthen the educational experience it offers.
Before that growth can happen, the school hopes to build a 7,000-square-foot multipurpose facility that would serve as a cafeteria and performance space. The project is estimated to cost $3 million.
“Our students eat outdoors most days, and that can be exceptionally hot or rainy,” said Principal Jason Acosta. “When it rains, they have to eat on the gym bleachers. It works, but it’s far from ideal.”
The capital campaign, titled “Feeding the Future,” has entered its public phase. Design and engineering plans are complete, and the focus is now on raising the remaining funds needed for construction.
“We want to give our students the best learning environment possible, and this is the next step,” Acosta said. “We’ve completed three feasibility studies, and more than 90% of respondents have expressed support for the campaign.”
Acosta said the project has been envisioned for years and comes at a pivotal moment for the school, which currently has its largest enrollment since opening in 2008, with 275 students.
While the addition of a cafeteria is a major component of the project, Acosta emphasized the flexibility of the space and the opportunities it will create.
The facility would seat up to 200 students for lunch and could be converted into a theater-style setting with an elevated stage suitable for drama productions and school liturgies.
“Right now, we celebrate Mass in the gym, and when we want to stage a play, we have to rent space elsewhere,” Acosta said. “It’s becoming harder to find venues that are available when we need them.”
The project also includes a teaching kitchen designed to support hands-on learning, with plans for it to be largely student-run.
That addition would allow the school to introduce new academic offerings in culinary arts and performing arts.
“Florida has a strong hospitality industry, from tourism to cruise operations,” Acosta said. “This is another way we can help prepare students for potential career paths while they’re still in high school.”
The performance space would include a stage, production lighting and a sound system, along with curtains, dressing rooms and a backstage area.
St. Francis Catholic Academy is working with Brame Heck Architects on the design. Charles Perry Partners Inc. has been selected as the contractor, with groundbreaking anticipated for June.
More information about the project and opportunities to contribute can be found by visiting sfcawolves.org/cafeteria-campaign.
Photo by Fran Ruchalski for the Diocese of St. Augustine
