MARS — St. Kilian Church is poised to open its kindergarten classes this fall in anticipation of what will become the parish's new Catholic school, serving students in preschool through the eighth grade.

The church is still accepting students for the inaugural year of its full day and half day kindergarten program, as well as the second year of its preschool program.

Classes will be held in classrooms in the parish center on Hook Street.

The 2007-08 kindergarten program will consist of one full day class, one morning class and one afternoon class, as well as after-school care every day until 6 p.m.

Annette Cancelmi, head teacher for the new school, said classes will be based on the guidelines provided by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and national educational standards.

The kindergarten will provide balanced reading and math programs, and the full-day program will include music, science and physical education, along with religion classes.

Cancelmi said the school estimates between 50 and 60 students in the first year of the kindergarten program and about 100 students in its second year of the preschool program.

"Our program at St. Kilian's will be child-centered and committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth," said Cancelmi. "All children will be encouraged to work to their full potential."

Cancelmi said the school has experienced teachers and each teacher has an aide to assist them in the classrooms.

The school calendar will be based on the Mars School District's schedule, with students starting Aug. 29.

The parish broke ground earlier this year on a new building for the school. The new school will be located off Route 228 and Franklin Road in Cranberry Township.

Chuck Goetz, St. Kilian parish business manager, said the site will include a new school building with 24 classrooms, a gymnasium and an athletic field.

The building will accommodate 650 students.

The new building is scheduled to be opened in September 2008 and will include preschool through the third grade.

Goetz said the plan is to add one grade per year, but that could be adjusted depending on enrollment and fundraising efforts.

Future plans for the site include a new St. Kilian Church, which is slated to be completed by 2017.