Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory

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History

In response to the growing population and the need for quality schools, the Archdiocese of Miami invited the Marianists and the School Sisters of Notre Dame to establish a school for boys, Chaminade High School, and a school for girls, Madonna Academy. Under the direction of Br. Joseph Spehar, S.M., and Sister Eugene Marie, SSND, Chaminade High school and Madonna Academy opened their doors to the South Broward and North Miami Dade communities in 1960.

In 1963, Br. Donald Gaskill, S.M. was appointed principal of Chaminade High School to continue to establish the Marianist traditions of education as well as reach out to the local communities.

Br. Michael Galvin, S.M., appointed principal in 1969, was primarily responsible for obtaining accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Chaminade High School was accredited for the first time in 1973.

With the continued success of the school, Fr. Richard Knuge, S.M., appointed in 1973, began construction of the Chapel and Library.

The school’s fifth principal, Br. Donald Winfree, S.M., supervised the construction of the Strickroth Classroom building, named in honor of Br. John Strickroth, S.M.

Fr. Chris Conlon, S.M., appointed in 1982, was the principal during the 25th anniversary celebration. In this same year, Br. John Campbell, S.M. was appointed the school’s first President. As president of the school, Br. Johns primary responsibility was the financial and spiritual well being of the school.

In 1986, Br. Raymond Purcell, S.M., succeeded Fr. Chris. Facing declining enrollment and financial difficulties, in 1988, the Archdiocese of Miami, the Superior General of the Marianists and the School Sisters of Notre Dame agreed to merge Chaminade High School and Madonna Academy.

In August of 1988, Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory was established as a coed high school. Long time Chaminade High School teacher, counselor, and administrator, Robert Minnaugh as principal, was charged with forming the new vision, combining the traditions of Chaminade High School and Madonna Academy. Fr. Dan Doyle, S.M., was named the first president of the new school. Fr. Dan was instrumental in the success of the merger.

Fr. Richard Knuge, S.M. succeeded Fr. Dan Doyle as president in 1992. In that year, Chaminade-Madonna was honored by the Department of Education with the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. In 1994, Br. John Campbell, S.M., was appointed president. During Br. John Campbell’s tenure as president, he worked diligently with Mr. Minnaugh to complete construction of the Einstein Building and the renovation of Marianist Hall.

Mrs. Ann McGrath was appointed interim principal in 1998.

Mr. Patrick Snay was appointed principal in 1999. Mr. Snay and Br. John Campbell led the school to a growth in enrollment, as well as academic and athletic success. They were instrumental in establishing the Learning Center for students with mild learning disabilities as well as laying the groundwork for the construction for the multimillion dollar renovation of the athletic facilities.

The school’s current president, Fr. John Thompson, S.M., was appointed in 2002. Fr. John’s initial responsibility was to bring to fruition the construction of the athletic fields; completed in December 2004. He is currently leading the school through its first Capital Campaign to be highlighted by the construction of a new Fine Arts Center. The success of the initial phase of the Capital Campaign allowed for the completion of several renovations. During the summer of 2006 the Main office was completely renovated to create a modern and welcoming reception area as well as refreshing work space. 2006 was also the year of the dream come true, an air conditioned gymnasium. In 2007, both the gymnasium and the science labs were completely renovated. The gym now has new bleachers, a sound system, and lighting as well as a newly resurfaced wood floor. The science labs were gutted and rebuilt with the latest technologies, flooring, cabinetry, and safety equipment.

The school’s current principal, Ms. Gloria Ramos, was appointed in July 2003 and is leading the school Toward a Better World. The House System was implemented in the Fall of 2007. The House System complements the formal system of classroom education by organizing students into small groups to develop leadership skills and foster the Marianist commitment to community.