BOSTON -- Cathedral High School and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School recently announced that the schools will form partnership to create a Catholic, urban pre-kindergarten through college education model in Boston, rooted in gospel values to better prepare graduates for college and leadership in a 21st century economy.

Together the schools are aligning curriculum and instructional practices while increasing academic, social, and emotional supports for students.

Starting with the 2014-2015 academic year Mission Grammar School will concentrate on an enhanced pre-K through sixth grade education while Cathedral High School builds on its ongoing development of an academically rigorous seventh through 12th grade college preparatory program.

"While both Cathedral High and Mission Grammar remain independent institutions, this partnership aligns our already very similar missions and goals to create a top-notch, aligned pre-K through college pathway for students in the greater Boston area," said Oscar Santos, Ed.D., head of school for Cathedral High.

The partnership will generate a number of positive changes to the schools, which have been offering urban Catholic education in Boston for a combined 213 years. Both schools are increasing teacher professional development and training while simultaneously reducing overall class size for a more student-centered learning environment. Through the generosity of outside collaborators, the partnership also creates a new position for a family and community director. Maura Bradley, principal of Mission Grammar, adds: "This partnership solidifies our commitment to scholars living the gospel on the road to college."

Judith Bonheur of Dorchester, whose four children are enrolled at either Mission Grammar or Cathedral High, says: "Both schools have felt like a family to us. I'm excited by the idea of the schools partnering like this because our family has already seen the great education and community at both."

Bonheur's oldest child graduated Mission Grammar and is now a junior at Cathedral High.