Lowell -- Lowell Catholic School and St. Margaret School announced Dec.22 that the elementary school will transition under the high school's banner forming a unified pre-k through grade 12 school starting Fall 2016.

The educational program, management, governance and all administration will be under Lowell Catholic as a co-sponsored school of the Xaverian Brothers and Archdiocese of Boston. This plan will allow elementary education to continue at the St. Margaret School site.

In a letter to parents, Maryellen DeMarco, Head of Lowell Catholic School, wrote, "This demonstrates a strong and vibrant commitment to strengthen and enhance Catholic education for current and future generations of students. Lowell Catholic is excited, honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue the strong legacy of Catholic elementary education at the St. Margaret School site."

Father Raymond P. Benoit, Administrator of St. Margaret Parish, said, "We are proud of the fact that St. Margaret School has demonstrated that Catholic education is one of the most important ministries in the Catholic Church. We see the success of our students as the true example of our school's excellence. In making today's announcement, we believe that we have an opportunity to strengthen Catholic elementary education by transitioning the elementary school under Lowell Catholic."

Over the next few weeks, St. Margaret School and Lowell Catholic families will have the opportunity to meet and learn more about these exciting changes for the 2016-2017 academic year and beyond.