ELLIS COUNTY —Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in Hays is going back to the future with the piloting of a new boarding program for its students on the campus of Fort Hays State University, according to a media release from the school.
TMP-Marian previously housed boarding students for over 80 years until 2014 when the decision was made to close the Catholic secondary school's dormitories.
The pilot program is starting small with just three students. While these three students live off campus, they attend classes at TMP-Marian during the school day.
"Our students and families are always excited to welcome students from out of the area, out of the state, and even out of the country," Principal Chad Meitner said. "The school's long tradition of welcoming students from all cultures and faiths is part of our mission to extend God's love to the world."
The program was formed to create additional opportunities to bring more secondary students to the Hays area.
"This program expands access for out-of-town students," Meitner said.
As the pilot year progresses, the program will be evaluated by both FHSU and TMP-Marian to determine whether it is in the best interest of both institutions to continue.
"Currently, TMP-Marian houses students with local host families, and this has been very successful," Meitner said. "The host family model will continue, and we hope to supplement it with a small boarding program as well, meeting the needs of a larger number of applicants."