Christ the King Catholic School has made a major impact on the East Valley. This parish school has a strong community, with approximately 2,000 families and over 900 active parishioners. Here’s how Christ the King got its start.

Beginning

Christ the King Parish was founded by the Diocese of Tucson on September 19, 1959 in Mesa and Apache Junction. Their pastor, Father John Cullinan, was appointed on September 21, 1959. The parish became a part of the Diocese of Phoenix in 1969.

Education

In December of 1960, four rooms for Religious Education classes were open at the parish. Two more classes were added a year later, and in September of 1964, the parish religious education ministry expanded to include a school and taught first through sixth grade.  In 1966, grades seven and eight were added to the school. In May of 1967, Christ the King School had its first graduating class. Kindergarten was added in 1979 and in 2009, preschoolers began attending. Today, the school has a preschool as well as grades K through 8, with a total enrollment of 244 students.

Staffing

The school was staffed by four Irish Presentation Sisters. They taught at Christ the King School until 1988. The current principal, Mrs. Shelley Conner, has been at Christ the King since 2013.  Few teachers leave Christ the King School from year to year, creating a stable educational environment with a strong sense of community.  Pastor Father Rolyn Francisco is a joyful supporter of the school and a proponent of Catholic education.

Today

Christ the King Catholic School is dedicated to empowering its 244 students through academic rigor and a faith-filled foundation. This school is committed to staying current with technology, which is why all classrooms have Smart Boards and document cameras, fifth graders use Chromebooks, and sixth, seventh, and eighth graders use 1:1 iPads.

Over the years, the school has added a modular library building, a computer lab, a science lab, and more. Students have opportunities to express themselves in the arts, athletics, and academic competitions. Because of this, Christ the King Catholic School has a proven track record of graduating students who excel in high schools in Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Chandler.

Many families desire a Catholic education for their child but may need assistance with tuition. By directing your Private Education Tax Credit to Catholic Education Arizona, you can make a significant difference that enables families to send their children to Catholic school. Learn more by visiting Catholic Education Arizona today!  www.ceaz.org