The West Deanery Unified Catholic Schools are Roman Catholic schools that provide an academically rigorous education for our diverse student population. Students are challenged to grow in Mind, Body, & Soul and to engage in charitable stewardship of their unique talents and abilities.
Cardinal Ritter High School and St. Michael-St. Gabriel Archangels Elementary, working within their Catholic identity and values, will provide an educational opportunity for their students to be life-long learners, discerning believers and responsible leaders in a globally diverse society. Providing a superior learning environment, students will utilize technology, problem solving and critical thinking skills to maximize their learning potential.
All schools operated by schools and parishes under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
In 2010, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis approved a plan to partner St. Gabriel the Archangel School with St. Michael the Archangel School. Together, these two schools joined Cardinal Ritter High School to form the West Deanery Unified Catholic Schools, inc. The newly partnered grade school, St. Michael- St. Gabriel Archangels Catholic Elementary School was tasked to continue their mission of providing quality education to the families of St. Michael and St. Gabriel Parish, as well as the surrounding area.
The Archangel communities have a long history together.
St. Michael School opened in September of 1949. There were three faculty members, all sisters of St. Francis from Oldenburg, IN. During the 1950s the school grew to over 1,000 students. At that time, a decision was made to split the school into three schools. St. Gabriel and St. Monica schools were both formed from St. Michael School. In 1963 construction was started on the new St. Gabriel School. During the 2000s populations at both St. Michael and St. Gabriel school began to decrease, and discussions began to reunite the Archangels and refocus on the roots of our school: the Franciscan Values.
We are a small school with a student population that averages 325. Our teachers have the opportunity to get to know each student and to make everyone feel important. This also helps us foster a safe and secure environment as well as offer individualized attention to each one of our students.
We are located at the corner of 30th Street and Tibbs Avenue. Our students come from the surrounding neighborhood, Avon, Brownsburg, downtown, and many other parts of the city.
St. Michael-St. Gabriel School community is our biggest strength. It is an active and caring group of people from very diverse backgrounds. They care for each other, their children, the Catholic faith, and our school. Our students reflect that attitude. To watch our students plan, participate in, and worship at our weekly Mass is very special.
We are very proud of the diversity of our school where students come from all socio-economic backgrounds, over 25 different zip codes in the Indianapolis area, several religions, as well as students or parents of students born in 20 different countries from around the world (19 foreign countries + the US).
SMSG has earned a reputation as an academically challenging, caring, and open school community. We focus on educating the whole child, helping each student develop wisdom, compassion, and leadership. We welcome non-traditional and non-Catholic families.
