The only Catholic high school in the Tri-Cities is planning a classroom addition.

Tri-Cities Prep in Pasco is building six new classrooms, including a new biology laboratory. The project is estimated to cost $3.2 million, with the money raised through private donations. Tri-Cities Prep doesn’t receive public funding. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was June 3.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey towards completing another phase of construction on our campus,” said Lisa Jacobs, the school’s president, in a statement. “This new classroom addition underscores our dedication to providing students with the best possible learning environment. These classrooms will not only accommodate our growth in enrollment but will bring our entire student body out of portable classrooms and under one roof, providing a cohesive learning environment that is safe and secure.”

Half of the $3.2 million for the addition has been raised so far, covering three classrooms. Those classrooms will be completed by the fall of 2024, the school’s statement said.

School officials hope to raise the rest by the end of the summer “so that the entire construction project can be completed seamlessly,” the statement said.

Mountain States Construction Company in Sunnyside is the general contractor.

Tri-Cities Prep is at 9612 St. Thomas Drive.