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Group plans Catholic school in Grants Pass By VICKI GUARINO GRANTS PASS -- A citizen's group is launching an ambitious plan for Catholic education in the region. The Guadalupe Educational Foundation wants to open a Catholic high school next fall and a four-year college in perhaps four to five years. "This is a private endeavor," organizer Paul Hammer said Tuesday. "Our idea is we really need a Catholic Educational Center here in Southern Oregon." The first of what likely will be several orientation meetings will be held tonight. The meeting for families who may want to enroll or work on the project will be at 7 p.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, 604 N.W. Sixth St., Grants Pass. The foundation's building plans, curriculum and educational standards will be available to review. Course work will include classical and religious instruction in a constructive social environment. "Everybody will be able to see where we're going," Hammer said. Hammer says the school will seek recognition from the Archdiocese of Portland and meet classroom standards set by a national accrediting association for private schools. Five lay organizers including Hammer have been working on the project for about three years. They have researched other similar schools around the country. "There is a lot of experience out there in doing this and we are tapped into this," Hammer said. The Guadalupe Educational Foundation is a non-profit group that takes its name from Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas. Organizers expect to open the enrollment application process in a week or two. The review process will include an interview. The high school probably will open with 15-20 students in a rented space and grow from there. A component of the proposed program is a training center for home schooling. Hammer said parents could find educational recourses to help them teach their children. Additionally, home schoolers would be able to participate as they choose in the foundation's high school classes and programs. The high school is expected to serve a cross-section of students. Those preparing to go to college would get the academic background they need, and those looking for vocational training also would be assisted through the school. After the high school has organized and a building has been completed, the Guadalupe Educational Foundation will turn its attention to higher education. Plans are not set, Hammer said, but a Southern Oregon college might affiliate with another Catholic college. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA