By Ashley Hassett & Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-972354.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Holy Angels Academy in Buffalo is expanding its school.
As WBFO News first reported in February, the all girls, Catholic high school is launching a 6th, 7th and 8th grade program.
Tuesday morning Holy Angels held a news conference to announce that they will be opening the first all girls middle school in Western New York. Holy Angels Preparatory School will be opening in the fall of 2012 and is accepting applications immediately.
The school will be connected to the already existing high school and will be accepting 60 female students.
Students will have the chance to receive high school credits before the end of eighth grade. They will also be able to earn college credits from D'Youville College while high school.
Holy Angels Principal Joan Thomas said studies have shown girls mature quicker and learn differently then boys.
"Holy Angels Prep is unique opportunity for parents to choose a school, where in, their daughters will excel in a small, safe, single gender environment, and is an opportunity for students to choose a challenging, consistent, exciting and diversified curriculum," said Thomas.
Dr. Rosemary Henry is the superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Buffalo. Henry appeared at Tuesday's announcement.
Henry said expanded school program will enhance and strengthen catholic education in Western New York.
"We believe this a tremendously creative and innovative program. We believe that it will lead to an opportunity for many young women to experience and to participate in the very best catholic education has to offer," said Dr. Henry.
Principal Thomas said the curriculum will include subjects that will allow the girls to get ahead of there piers from other schools.