FAQs

I. Spirituality and Service

R-K students have an active spirituality, developed through learning about the roots of faith and exploring their own ways to live these traditions. The R-K Master Plan enhances student spiritual formation by creating a permanent prayer space, and providing additional space for Campus Ministry activities.

Will there be a place specifically for prayer?

The Master Plan provides for a permanent chapel, which will be open for quiet prayer and reflection. Constructed at the center of the renovated 1920 Lindell Boulevard building, it is a physical place for signs of the spirituality at the center of our charism.

How do you have liturgies without a permanent chaplain?

R-K community's sacramental needs are met through generously volunteered time of archdiocesan priests. Additionally, a four-year religion curriculum, student-centered campus ministry, and retreat programs help develop student spirituality. A Vision Committee carries on the charism and spiritual heritage work begun by the SSND and CSJ communities.

Is there a service requirement for graduation?

Yes - juniors participate in a commissioning and service immersion project. Some student-led organizations are service-based, like the Over Seas Mission Club and Service Club, while others, including the Ambassador Program and Environmental Club, have a service component. Annual Charism Day celebrations bring the school together through work on a multi-faceted service project, and plans are underway to expand service opportunities, including summer mission trips.

II. Academic Program and Curriculum

When the SSND and CSJ communities began working together in 1912, their cooperation and complementary charisms redefined Catholic education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. As R-K celebrates her 100th anniversary and educates women for the future, the Master Plan enables the school to move forward with instructional enhancement, technology integration and preparation for life beyond R-K.

How would a new building improve how students learn?

The Master Plan provides additional space for collaborative academic projects and administrative conferences. The R-K academic staff continually studies curriculum to determine enhancements that will best serve our students. Unfortunately, the current facility limitations hinder full implementation of these plans. Our students and faculty continue to be successful in spite of these limitations.

Current initiatives, including the integration of technology into the curriculum and enhancement of the science, world language and social studies curriculum would move forward completely with appropriate space.

What about a new gym, theater and studio space?

Our current plan addresses the needs of our full-time, on-site academic and administrative program. Upon completion of this phase of the master plan, the focus will shift to bringing co-curricular facilities to the same level as the academic program.

R-K's urban campus allows athletic teams and the fine arts department to use local venues for practice and performance, including Forest Park's fields and the Sheldon Concert Hall. The newly-created position of associate athletic director allows R-K to ensure that the students continue to have a quality athletic experience. Educators in the fine arts department are professionally active in the fields in which they teach, enriching their instruction to current R-K students.

What is the Technology Plan?

As details of the Master Plan are developed, priority will be given to providing the most cost effective and up-to-date technology to all members of the learning community.

R-K is in the third year of a five year educational technology plan that has included upgrading to Windows OS 7 and Microsoft Office 2007, installing ceiling-mounted projectors, and adding MOBIs (mobile Whiteboard capability) to every classroom. The instructional team continues to explore methods for successful technology integration.

How will Guidance services improve?

The Master Plan will provide appropriate meeting space to support all guidance services, including college and career networking, the Advisory program, a resource library, and space for confidential conferences.

III. Facilities

R-K is committed to remaining at our present location in the Central West End. All improvements to our 1920 building in the past decade were designed with an eye on the future, complementing the Master Plan. Now that construction is possible, R-K can move forward with the Master Plan without wasting previous work.

Will the new building and improvements be "green"?

Yes. R-K administration and facilities committee will utilize the most environmentally friendly and cost effective plans.

Will the current building be air conditioned?

Yes. The facilities committee is conducting a study to add a new HVAC system, which will eliminate the need for the current radiator system, provide air conditioning and appropriate fresh air. The plan currently under review has platinum standards; ultimately these decisions will be based on donations from alumnae and friends of R-K.

Will the new construction look like the 1920 Lindell Building?

Because R-K is a historically significant edifice in a designated historic district, exterior changes and new construction must meet stringent standards set by the Cultural Heritage Department. Interior features must meet all current codes and standards.

What about other properties, like the Engineer's Club?

The Engineer's Club has indicated that it is not (and will not) be for sale in the future. Previous attempts to reach an acquisition have failed. R-K continues to be attentive to real estate opportunities in the neighborhood.

Would wheel-chair bound students and alumnae be able to access all areas of the school and parking after renovations are complete?

Yes. The Master Plan creates a fully accessible Rosati-Kain High School building.

How will the Master Plan make sure our students and faculty are safe?

As construction plans are finalized, security measures will continue to be a priority. Emergency procedures will be updated, documented and promulgated. The new building will allow for integration of technology into safety and security procedures, and will provide additional fire protection, communication and security monitoring systems.

Why not renovate the current convent building?

The infrastructure of the convent is wood construction, and adapting it to meet codes would result in continued limitations far exceeding any financial savings that might exist.

Learn More About...

Building Plans

Click the icon below to see a detailed overview of R-K's "Build the Dream...Live the Legacy" Capital Campaign building plans.