Catholic School May Close

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The sounds of sanding are like music ringing through the classrooms of St Pius X Classical Academy in North Nashville.
From top to bottom, upstairs and down, the school is getting a bit of a makeover."For 50 years, the school has been one color, the same pale yellow color," said Janeth Harper, the school's secretary for the last two decades.Harper is among several church, school, and community volunteers cleaning, sanding, and painting the building to get ready for the upcoming school year.James Johnson is also pitching in. His daughter attends St. Pius."The small classrooms [allow] a lot of one-on-one time with the students," he said. "It's just a gem, a gem of a school."The volunteer spirit is not unusual for St Pius. This small Catholic school began with the help of church volunteers 50 years ago. But today, the school needs more than a fresh coat of paint."A few years back, we had almost 200 students," said Father Michael D'Souza.Current enrollment is at 112. Fewer students means less tuition, less money for repairs, and more needs.The school relies on volunteers, donations, and special fundraisers to fill the gaps.It may not sound like much, but volunteers have faith it'll work.If you would like to help St. Pius X Classical Academy, call 615-255-2049. Volunteers are also welcome Saturday mornings, July 17 and 24.