New Catholic High School Opens Doors After 30-Year Journey

The long-awaited Saint John Paul II Academy is set to open its doors on September 3, 2023, marking a significant milestone after 30 years of effort by the community. Located at 2358 182 St. in the Semiahmoo Peninsula, this Catholic high school aims to provide an education grounded in academic excellence and Catholic values.

To celebrate this historic occasion, the St. John Paul II Foundation and the academy will host a barbecue and open house on September 7, 2023, from 10:00 to 15:00. This event invites families, supporters, and parishioners to tour the state-of-the-art facility. Guests will have the chance to explore various areas, including the gymnasium, athletic field, classrooms, and breakout spaces. According to a media release, students will also be present to share their excitement about being the first to attend this new institution.

The academy is designed to serve families across the region who seek an education rooted in both faith and learning. It is inspired by the legacy of Pope John Paul II (1920-2005), who was beatified by the Catholic Church in 2011. The school aims to cultivate young men and women who are “faithful, courageous, and committed to serving others.”

The vision for the academy began as a simple hope over three decades ago and gained momentum formally in 2013. Under the leadership of Troy Van Vliet, founder and chairman of the foundation board, the project has transformed through the dedication and perseverance of its founding members and numerous supporters who believed in the mission when it seemed nearly unattainable.

“This has been more than a project—it has been a calling,” Van Vliet stated. “Through prayer, persistence, and the unwavering support of our Catholic families and community, St. John Paul II Academy is now a reality. It stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when people of faith come together for future generations.”

As the academy prepares to welcome its initial cohort of students, the community anticipates the positive impact it will have on local families and the broader region. The open house promises to be a celebration of this achievement and a glimpse into the future of education rooted in Catholic values.