Search
-
April 28, 2026Richard Meloche, soon to be the inaugural headmaster for Saint Monica Catholic Academy in Edmond, arrives, as he describes himself: “a theologian by trade.”
A theologian with a rich history of training … as well as a background in farming, two aspects that will come in handy in forming the foundation of the new Catholic school, set to begin classes in August.
Enrollment for grades kindergarten through second grade is open now at
stmonica-academy.org/enrollment.
Meloche’s extensive background in theology will be at play at the academy.
“If we want young souls to flourish spiritually, if we want them to actually grow in the relationship with God and his Church,” Meloche said, “we have to understand that process requires proper natural foundations.”
The background in farming will help navigate the challenges and benefits of building a school essentially as a start-up.
“I think starting from scratch there’s a lot of work, obviously, a lot of heavy lifting that has to happen at the forefront,” Meloche said. “But the benefit is that you get to create something and build a very solid and good foundation.
“If you had a flower bed or a garden bed which had all kinds of weeds growing in it already, it becomes very difficult to tend to, to till. But if you’re starting with raw soil, you can make sure that all the proper nutrients, all the proper elements are present already in order for that seed – when it is laid – to actually take root and flourish.”
The school will feature a Catholic classical liberal education, strong in the Catholic intellectual tradition. And it will be formed according to Archdiocese of Oklahoma City curriculum standards and benchmarks, which seek to offer “excellent academic and co-curricular programs that are infused with religious truth and values reflecting Christ’s Gospel call to love one another. We are committed to preparing students for life in today’s Church and society. Therefore, our focus is grounded upon the development of the whole person of the student spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically.”
After initially opening with grades K-2, Saint Monica will add a class annually up to 12th grade.
“The establishment of a school is a new moment and significant development in the life and history of Saint Monica Church and I am very excited to be guiding it,” said Father Stephen Hamilton, pastor of Saint Monica. “It’s a type of excitement where you almost can’t believe it is happening.
“Parishioners here have long dreamt of a school and so there is much excitement and support among parish members. Certainly, people with young children have a particular interest in the new school, but parishioners across all age demographics have expressed support and a desire to be involved in some way.”
Meloche, while a theologian at heart, also arrives as headmaster with a long history in education.
Currently serving as Theologian-in-Residence for the Diocese of Tulsa, he also teaches two classes in the Honors College at Tulsa University. Previously, he’s served as an associate professor at Saint Gregory’s University, where he also held several administrative offices, including vice president of academic affairs and provost; and held adjunct positions at the Augustine Institute and Ave Maria University.
As headmaster for Saint Monica, Meloche considers the mission of the school as simple, yet also complex.
“We want to form saints,” he said. “Sainthood builds upon nature, so you want to form the young soul in the natural virtues, the natural moral virtues, the natural intellectual virtues, which then makes way and prepares for the supernatural virtues of faith, hope and love.
“We want individuals who are made for heaven and individuals who can flourish in this earthly city as well.”
Saint Monica Academy becomes the 20th school in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, joining Saint Carlo Acutis Academy (virtual) in opening this fall.
“The archdiocese is blessed to have a strong education system with thriving schools,” Father Hamilton said. “I am a graduate of this system in both grade school and high school. I am excited that Saint Monica can add another option into this already good system.
“It is clear that many parents are interested in a classical curriculum model that, in the midst of the shifting sands of modern life, will anchor their children’s formation in the best of the Catholic Liberal Arts tradition. I am excited that we are committed to daily Mass as part of the formation and culture of Saint Monica Catholic Academy. In addition, I am excited that the school will place a focus on the transcendentals of the True, the Good and the Beautiful as we engage each child’s natural wonder at the world God has created and given us as stewards.”
John Helsley is editor of the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Richard Meloche. Photo Avery Holt/Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.