The idea for a Catholic preschool program began from the inspiration and direction of Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS. He saw a need for Catholic preschool education across the state, especially for communities in need. He recognized that a solid, Catholic-based curriculum could begin when children are preparing to enter grade school.

With Faith Rummelsburg, director of preschool development and academic success for the diocese, at the helm, Holy Angels academies were born.

The idea behind HAA locations is to partner with First Steps 4K, an accredited state agency, to open academies at various parishes throughout the state. One of the many benefits of partnering with First Steps is the $7,000 grant per student annually it offers to locations offering 4K classes.

According to the First Steps website, research shows children who attend a high-quality preschool program are more successful in kindergarten and beyond. 

“First Steps 4K aims to increase participation, quality and professional development in private, community-based, and faith-based 4K programs across the state,” it reads.

“Holy Angels Academy will help to invigorate the Catholic communities in the rural, small areas of our state,” Rummelsburg said. However, all children will be welcome regardless of their religious affiliation.

The diocese is currently in the early stages of planning the preschools. Rummelsburg said one of the challenges is finding qualified teachers and directors to work at the schools in these smaller communities. She said that some people do not want to relocate or drive a long commute to work.

She added that they are in the middle of identifying locations for the schools as well. Some of the cities under consideration are Orangeburg, Camden and Easley. Each academy will operate based on the needs of that location.

Rummelsburg said that in addition to the diocesan Catholic Schools Office looking for viable locations to open preschools, they are taking into consideration the staffing shortages in smaller communities and how the office can serve those communities. For this reason, they are considering opening schools near qualified individuals — if they find a great education director, they would consider opening a location near that person.

“Our hope is that it can still serve smaller communities that might be located nearby,” she said.

Regardless of the challenges, the diocese is determined and working hard to make the Holy Angels Academy preschool project a success.

“The bishop’s preschool initiative was launched in 2024. At 4 years old, children are in a transition period where they have to attend kindergarten the following year, and that can be a challenging time. It is best to have that one year in preschool to prepare kids for what is to come in kindergarten,” she said.

During Rummelsburg’s 30-year career in education, she worked as an elementary school teacher to migrant students, a preschool director and an assistant dean. She also worked to adapt content for English language learners and was a co-director of the St. Thomas More Fellowship.

“I am answering the call for Catholic schools,” she said. “I believe a Catholic preschool is the best start for young children.”

In an age when Catholic schools in several areas of the country are closing, the growing South Carolina diocese is well equipped to respond to the Great Commission to go forth and make disciples of all nations by opening Catholic preschools. Its primary mission remains to spread the Gospel.