Pope Francis Preparatory School is a new 117,000 SF, four-story Catholic high school in Springfield, MA, serving approximately 450 students in grades 9–12. Built on the site of the former Cathedral High School destroyed in the 2011 tornado, the project unites Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic into a single, modern learning community. Fontaine Bros. served as Construction Manager, delivering the facility on schedule in August 2018 in collaboration with CBT Architects.
Designed as a 21st-century STEAM-focused school, the building emphasizes transparency, flexibility, and collaboration. Academic floors feature adaptable classrooms, a dedicated science, math, and art wing, and an engineering makerspace, all organized around a central learning commons that serves as the academic hub. Shared faculty workrooms support team-based teaching, while open sightlines promote connectivity across disciplines.
Program spaces include a 480-seat auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, band room, administrative offices, and a 48-seat chapel. The design prioritizes high-quality learning environments, with careful attention to natural light, acoustics, indoor air quality, and room orientation. Indoor and outdoor collaborative areas support experiential learning and evolving educational models.
The project also included full abatement and demolition of the existing tornado-damaged structure, along with new athletic fields and campus improvements. Energy-efficient MEP systems and integrated technology infrastructure support a high-performance, future-ready educational facility.
“David Jr. and the team were tremendous partners in creating enthusiasm for the project. Their willingness to get creative, work with our insurance company, and use the construction site as a venue for fundraising and recruitment speaks to their commitment to us as a client and our goals.”
