LAKE CHARLES — Bishop Glen John Provost of the Diocese of Lake Charles and Christy Papania-Jones of St. Nicholas Center for Children (SNCC) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, January 8, 2026, agreeing to the establishment of a new independent Catholic school within the Diocese. The new school, to be known as St. Nicholas Catholic Academy, will be dedicated to serving children with special needs.
St. Nicholas Center for Children will continue its mission of transforming the lives of children with Autism, delays, and disorders by providing therapy and family support through its existing clinic. Additionally, SNCC will provide fiscal oversight and governance over St. Nicholas Catholic Academy.
For years, St. Nicholas Center for Children has been a trusted provider of therapy services and family support in Southwest Louisiana. This new initiative represents a natural expansion of that mission into education.
Building upon SNCC’s long-standing commitment to children and families affected by Autism and other developmental disabilities, the Academy will provide a faith-centered educational environment intentionally designed for students who learn differently. Grounded in Catholic teaching, the school’s mission is honoring the dignity, gifts, and potential of every student through Christ-centered formation of spirit, mind, and body.
“After years of success providing therapy and family support to children and families facing autism and other developmental disabilities, we are eager to create a setting that truly caters to the unique gifts of children who learn differently,” said Christy Papania-Jones, Founder of SNCC. “We want to offer a space where independence can be fostered and encouraged, while also providing the support students need to reach their fullest potential. Partnering with the Diocese allows us to do this within a strong Catholic foundation that recognizes the inherent dignity of every child.”
St. Nicholas Catholic Academy will operate as an independent Catholic school under the auspices of the Diocese of Lake Charles, ensuring alignment with Catholic values.
“The Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles welcomes this opportunity to collaborate and endorse the work of the St. Nicholas Catholic Academy,” said Bishop Provost. “Any program that enhances our outreach to our children for their formation is of great importance to us in the Catholic Church. The concept of an independent Catholic school is new to the Diocese of Lake Charles but has experienced great success in other dioceses nationwide precisely because these schools serve a vital need. May God bless this school’s mission and work.”
The school is in the planning and development phase, with a targeted opening in the Fall 2027. Additional details regarding enrollment, grade levels, facilities, and staffing will be announced as planning progresses.
For more information about St. Nicholas Center for Children and future updates on St. Nicholas Catholic Academy, please visit www.stnickcenter.org.
