Corpus Christi School, Shaping the Future

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Corpus Christi Parish opened the doors to its new elementary school in September of 1952, to 235 children in grades 1-8. Staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, the school thrived within the Franciscan tradition.

In the first 18 years of its existence, fueled by the community's growing need for quality Catholic education, dramatic changes took place. In 1953 the parish church was relocated to the basement of the school building, remaining there until 1992. In 1955, we saw the addition of two new classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment.

In a major undertaking, a parish high school was built, admitting its first class in 1957. As a result, a modern gymnasium/auditorium was built across the street from the school, in order to facilitate the physical education and extracurricular sports programs. Another major addition came in 1963, when a second floor was added to the elementary school, thus doubling the available classroom space.

The early 1970's brought still more changes to Corpus Christi School. The inception of a new diocesan high school in 1969 prompted a significant drop in enrollment for Corpus Christi High School. Therefore, the decision was made to close the high school in June of 1972. With the closing of the high school, the 7th and 8th grades were relocated to the newly emptied building, and a junior high school was established. Also in 1972, Corpus Christi Elementary School began admitting the children of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish. So began a successful partnership that continues to this day.

The late 1980's and early 1990's brought growth of a different nature to the Corpus Christi community. Many improvements were made to the physical plant, and technology became part of the everyday operation. In 1988, the school received its first accreditation by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. In 1990 and again in 2000, Corpus Christi Elementary School was named an "Exemplary School" by the United States Department of Education. This prestigious award was presented in the Rose Garden of The White House. At the time of our second award, Corpus Christi was the only school in Delaware to have been honored twice in this way.

Presently, Corpus Christi School continues in the Franciscan tradition, offering quality Catholic education to children in grades K-8. Undoubtedly, the future will continue to bring growth and change to Corpus Christi School, a community which has continually evolved to meet the needs of its families.