Red Deer Catholic sets grade plans for Blackfalds' two schools
St. Veronica will open serving Pre-K to Grade 4, while St. Gregory the Great shifts to Grades 5 through 9 under a board decision finalizing accommodation planning for the fast-growing town.
Why it matters
The decision determines school placement for hundreds of Blackfalds students amid rapid community growth.
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools has confirmed final grade configurations for its two Blackfalds schools. The still-unopened St. Veronica will serve students from Pre-K to Grade 4, while St. Gregory the Great will transition to house Grades 5 through 9.
The decision resolves accommodation planning that began after St. Gregory the Great's enrolment exceeded 100 per cent of building capacity in 2023, forcing middle school grades to be temporarily moved to St. Lorenzo Ruiz Middle School in Red Deer until St. Veronica's completion. Board Chair Chris Andrew said the configuration allows room for growth in both buildings as Blackfalds remains one of Alberta's fastest-growing communities.
In February 2026, the division consulted Grade 6 families on whether to remain at St. Gregory the Great, and 98 per cent of those continuing in Catholic education chose to stay for Grade 7 in the 2026–2027 school year. St. Gregory the Great currently has 73 Grade 7 students and 56 Grade 8 students. Current Grade 8 Blackfalds students at St. Lorenzo will have the option to return to St. Gregory the Great starting in 2027–2028.
Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon said the decision reflects commitments to Blackfalds families and supports programming including CTF opportunities. Detailed letters explaining the decision were emailed to school families and staff on Oct. 28.
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