Catholic Central Expands with $61 Million STEM Center

Located in the bustling city of Novi, Detroit Catholic Central High School is raising the bar higher for private education in the state. The largest private school in Michigan opened its majestic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – or STEM – center on August 11.

Dubbed the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, named after the parents of the school’s main benefactor and alumnus George Turek, this expansive haven for innovation is a phenomenal $61 million, 57,000 square-foot addition to the Detroit Catholic Central campus.

Design and Inspiration

The Turek Hall of Science features a thoughtful U-shaped design, which echoes the simplicity and convenience of the main school building. This layout was inspired by the functional design of the famed Jordan Hall of Science at the University of Notre Dame. This blueprint makes it easy for students to navigate the new wing without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

The Crown Jewels

Now, let’s talk about what truly makes this center special – the learning facilities! Some of the major highlights include an aviation suite and a fabrication and machinery shop. Get this, there’s even a 4-meter Observa-Dome housing a GPS computerized Celestron telescope.

Attentive to emerging trends in learning, the center also houses a FIRST Robotics competition field replete with programming and building spaces, an innovation area, and an Engineering/CAD Lab. Eight science labs, each one 2.5 times larger than your average classroom, bring new meaning to innovative learning environments.

Completing the tour of the center, guided by the school’s public relations head, our journey ends at an immersion theater. This special space is under construction now, and is expected to provide a unique experience where students can feel like they’re part of the film they’re viewing.

Flying High with Dreams

Moving on to something truly unique, Detroit Catholic Central now provides a flight training program, a first-of-its-kind among private schools in southeast Michigan. The program will allow students to secure their private pilot licenses and eventually also achieve instrument rating and single-engine or commercial certification.

Sharing is Caring

The school has grand plans to not only empower their own students but also contribute to the community. An advanced robotics program and competition area is set to serve students from other schools. The rooftop observatory is expected to host star parties for children in the local community.

All in all, the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science promises to be a beacon of inspiration and innovation for aspiring young minds. This valuable addition is sure to ensure that Detroit Catholic Central High School continues to shine in the realm of private education.