Telegraph photo by GRACE PECCI In attempts to further enhance its academic programs, as well as alleviate constrained spaces, St. Christopher Catholic School and Parish in Nashua recently announced plans to expand its campus by renovating a former convent building into a 2,000-square-foot fine arts center. The project is expected to be finished in September.

NASHUA – St. Christopher Catholic School and Parish in Nashua recently announced plans to expand its campus by renovating a former convent building into a 2,000-square-foot fine arts center.

This project calls for turning the former Sisters of Mercy convent into two large classrooms. The upstairs room will be designated for art, and will include art tables, counter/work space, a handicapped-accessible bathroom, and storage areas.

Downstairs, designated as the music room, will include a large rehearsal space, storage and a handicapped-accessible bathroom. Both levels offer direct access to the outside of the building and will be equipped with interactive whiteboard technology.

The school hopes to have the renovation complete by September. Work on the building will begin within the next month and will take up to five months.

School Principal Cindy Clarke said there has been talk of expansion since 2013. The school conducted a feasibility study regarding a potential addition to the existing school building.

A 2017 newsletter for St. Christopher stated, “Feasibility results revealed a genuine pride in St. Christopher School across all groups. The results also affirmed extraordinary satisfaction with the educational program, the strength of faculty and administration, the attractiveness and cleanliness of school facilities, and the volunteer spirit of parents and friends.”

While the feasibility testing led to positivity, the Partners in Mission team concluded that St. Christopher School did not have ample financial support at the time to move forward with a renovation project. Since then, however, the school has continued setting aside funds and graciously received support from private donors, many of whom are alumni and parents of students.

Clarke said the school has always had a vibrant fine arts program, though space has been a problem.

“We’re very excited to roll this out and to improve upon our curriculum for our students. It’s all about the students, and also our parish and school community,” Clarke said.

She added that the goal is “to offer a more robust program than we already have.”

Currently, students can participate in beginner and advanced band and fiddle squads, along with chorus, drama club, drama stage crew, and 3D design club.

The center will allow these activities to continue in a less confined area. The new classrooms will be used for these activities, as well as art and music instruction, community art and music classes, parish and school meetings, and more, according to school officials.

Those who would like to support the project can still do so, by visiting https://www.stchrisschoolnh.org/apps/pages/FineArtsCenter or by calling the school at 603-882-7442.

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