Jubilee Schools

Lives Are Changing

When the Jubilee Schools first reopened in 1999, they started with 26 students. Within five years, enrollment jumped to 500 at six reopened schools. Today, the Jubilee Schools encompass eight schools and two urban education initiatives, with more than 1,300 students and a high school scholarship program. The Jubilee School students outperform their counterparts at neighboring schools on standardized tests in reading, math, and science. These students are not only exceeding academically but are learning the value of being good Christians and good citizens.

“My vision is for these Jubilee Schools to be beacons of light for those who need them most.”

- Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D.

Dr. Mary McDonald, superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis accepted the challenge of opening the Jubilee Schools with a clear vision and unwavering faith.

“We don’t teach these students because they are Catholic. We need to teach them because we are Catholic.”

- Dr. Mary C. McDonald

Memphis has more than its fair share of disenfranchised neighborhoods and, unfortunately, the impact of this poverty most often affects the children. The Jubilee Schools were created to provide the parents a resource to overcome the obstacles they face in their passionate struggle to provide for their children.

When a group of benefactors came forward with a multimillion dollar investment, many in the diocese, including Bishop Steib, called it a bona fide miracle. These anonymous benefactors believed in the impact of Catholic education. With this funding in hand, a new chapter in Catholic, urban education was opened.

“The heart of the donation is given to the children. The donation will go for financial assistance and scholarships for children and families who need it. If a child chooses to go to one of these schools there will be money available to the child to help get there... that is the miracle.”

- Dr. Mary C. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools

"They are realizing there is more to life than the condition of poverty in which they were born. They are becoming individuals intellectually, socially, and spiritually."

The success of the Jubilee Schools, and that of its students, is a testament to the will, the prayers, the work, and the diligence of many dedicated people. We are soaring to new heights together.

Page updated 02/14/2012