Shrine Schools to Expand Grade School, Build New Early Childhood Development Center

Shrine's Early Childhood Development center will focus on providing a positive foundation for learning by offering a play-based developmental program that encourages the cognitive, spiritual, social/emotional, and physical development of each child. Skills and concepts are integrated into the daily curriculum with teacher-directed activities and small and large group opportunities.

"We believe young children learn best in an environment that allows them to interact with other children," said Kathleen Fotiu, Shrine Catholic Grade School principal. "Our new facility will focus on both education and social interaction to help prepare our young children to be successful students."

Shrine Catholic Schools are one of just four parish-based pre-K to grade 12 schools in the Detroit area. While located in Royal Oak, the schools have long been a leader in educating students from nearby Royal Oak but also Troy, Sterling Heights, Detroit and Warren. Current students come from more than 48 ZIP codes.

"Our high school has a 100 percent college acceptance rate, with 97 percent of our students being accepted to one of their top three choices," said Fr. Robert Fisher, president of Shrine Catholic Schools and rector of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. "Shrine Preschool is the beginning of the Shrine Schools experience. And with this new facility, we will continue to further expand our program to build educational readiness for our students."

Founded in 1934, Shrine Preschool, Grade School, Academy and High School provide a co-educational, community-focused environment with a focus on excellence in college preparatory education as well as extracurricular activities and many after-school programs and clubs.

Shrine is currently accepting applications for all grades for the 2017-18 school year. More information can be found at shrineschools.com.

About Shrine Catholic Schools and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica
Shrine Catholic Schools are parish schools of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Michigan. Founded in 1934, the schools provide a co-educational Christ-centered learning environment for Pre-K through 12th grade, with a focus on excellence in college preparatory education as well as extracurricular activities and many after-school programs and clubs. The National Shrine of the Little Flower, named a minor Basilica in 2015 by Pope Francis, was founded in 1926 and serves a parish of approximately 4,200 families in and throughout the Metro-Detroit area.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161206/446273

SOURCE Shrine Catholic Schools