New Xavier Middle School to open for 2027-28 school year amid construction delays

CEDAR RAPIDS — Regis Middle School Principal Amanda Allard has been selected to lead the newly consolidated Xavier Middle School, which will maintain two campuses in its inaugural year this fall.

A new school that serves sixth- through eighth-graders in the Xavier Catholic Schools system was expected to be completed and ready for students this fall. But due to unforeseen construction delays, Xavier Middle School will operate on two existing middle school campuses of Regis and LaSalle for the 2026-27, according to a news release issued Wednesday by Xavier Catholic Schools.

By the 2027-28 school year, the middle school will be in the former Toyota Financial Services building, which is being remodeled for the school, at 5005 N. River Blvd. NE. It will serve sixth- to eighth-graders.

"Even within this new timeline, we trust that God continues to guide and sustain Xavier Catholic Schools," said Xavier Catholic Schools Pastoral Coordinator Friar Gary Mayer. "The bridge year offers an opportunity to be fully intentional in building a Christ-centered culture across both campuses. Guided by the faith-filled leadership of our newly named principal, Mrs. Amanda Allard, and the shared commitment of our community, Xavier Middle School moves ahead with great hope — ever more ready to live out our mission of forming disciples unafraid to follow Jesus Christ."

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Allard will oversee both campuses this fall, supported by an assistant principal, dean of students and activities director. These administrators will rotate between campuses to ensure strong support, consistent expectations and unified programming across Regis and LaSalle.

"I am truly honored and blessed to be named the first principal of the future Xavier Middle School,” Allard said. “I know how incredible our current schools are and am ready to partner with all of our middle school families as we build something special together — a place committed to helping students grow in their faith, academics, and leadership. Grounded in a strong tradition of Catholic education, Xavier Middle School will build upon that tradition as we form disciples unafraid to follow Jesus Christ."

Xavier Catholic Schools will release more details regarding Xavier Middle School — including fundraising totals to support construction and official building renderings — at a Middle School Preview Night, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Xavier High School, 6300 42nd St. NE, Cedar Rapids. The public is invited.

School leaders did consider a midyear move to the new facility on North River Boulevard, Xavier Catholic Schools President Chris McCarville said. However for a variety of reasons, “we decided it would be in the best interest of our students, faculty, staff, and families to ease our way into the new building,“ he said.

Even though Xavier Middle School will operate from two campuses for the full 2026-27 school year, the new facility will be used as construction progresses. Potential examples include Mass, joint retreats and spiritual growth opportunities, periodic academic programming, practices and activities as spaces become available, and fine arts and performances as the gym and stage is completed.

Eight metro area Catholic schools united as a single corporation for preschool-12th grade called Xavier Catholic Schools as of July 1, 2024.

There are nearly 2,500 students in preschool through 12th grade in Xavier Catholic Schools.

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