Still grappling with the impact from a June 11 tornado that ripped through the school, Andrean High School officials said the Catholic school would reopen to students this fall, but the start date has not been determined yet.
Officials updated the repair process in a social media post Wednesday, which also stated no plans were in place for remote learning.
The school has been closed because of the tornado’s widespread devastation, which also damaged the school’s athletic fields.
The update stated crews entered the second phase of asbestos abatement, and work continued on replacing the roof. Broken windows are being replaced, and crews were phasing in the restoration of electrical power and connectivity across the campus at 5959 Broadway in Merrillville.
“Every day brings meaningful progress as we continue moving toward reopening our campus,” the post said.
Officials said the school placed orders for new classroom furniture, projectors, and student and teacher devices as it continues to organize normal summer functions and back-to-school tasks and events.
Like most private schools, Andrean’s enrollment is boosted by students who use Indiana-supported tuition vouchers.
Last year, the vouchers accounted for about $2.7 million in state dollars from parents who chose the school with their vouchers. Its tuition is listed at $11,570 and its enrollment last year was 482 students. The school is one of three high schools in the Diocese of Gary.
The update said the school’s finance department is processing state Choice Scholarship applications and the school still plans to hold a Choice Signing Night and Uniform Sale from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on July 29. The location hasn’t been announced yet.
Also, Class of 2026 graduates can pick up their diplomas July 7 or July 8 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs (formerly Our Lady of Consolation), 8303 W. Taft St.
Andrean staff will be available from 8 a.m. to noon both days to assist graduates.
Before the tornado, Andrean set plans in motion for the development of a master plan for renovations and improvements.
In 2024, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation presented a $150 million gift to the Diocese of Gary. That same year, Andrean announced it planned to remain at its Merrillville location as rumors swirled it might move to Crown Point.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
