Thomas More Prep-Marian:

Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-Marian) is an inter-parochial, Catholic, co-educational school offering grades 6-12. Located in Hays, Kan., the school was first established by Capuchin Franciscan priests in 1908. The school has undergone many changes during the last century, but has always maintained its central philosophy of a Christ-centered education. Known as St. Joseph’s Military Academy up until 1970, the school then merged with St. Francis Seminary to become Thomas More Prep High School. In 1981, Marian High, an all-girls school, merged with TMP to form Thomas More Prep-Marian. In 2012, the school added grades 7 and 8 and became Thomas More Prep-Marian Jr/Sr High. In 2023, the 6th grade was moved from Holy Family Elementary to complete the junior high.

Now under the direction of the Salina Diocese and the Heartland Parishes, TMP-Marian stands as the largest Catholic high school in the diocese and is the only one in western Kansas. Away from secular restrictions, students that attend TMP-Marian participate in weekly all-school masses and actively participate in prayer throughout the day. Our students are constantly challenged to live up to our mission statement: Thomas More Prep-Marian, a Christian community in the Catholic tradition, challenges its students to spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation. Our challenging curriculum is designed to prepare students for a life beyond their high school experience. Offering college-credit courses, we expect our students to leave TMP-Marian with the tools to be successful in college and career, the confidence to take challenges in life and the grace to remain good stewards of their faith.

Holy Family Elementary:

Holy Family Elementary has a rich history of Catholic school education in Hays. Formerly known as St. Joseph Tri-Parish School and located at 210 W. 13th, the history of the building dates back to 1908.

Over the years, the building housed Hays Catholic College, Girl’s Catholic High, and finally, St. Joseph Elementary School. The three-story, native stone building, located directly across from St. Joseph Church, had the spirit and feel of the old country school used to educate many of our gifted leaders today. It was simple and basic, providing a great environment for stimulating the spiritual, social, and educational development of our Catholic youth.

In 1963, grades one and two began in the remodeled building. The following year another classroom was opened to accommodate the growing population.

In September 1964, grades three and four were added. Grades five and six were added in September 1966 but were dropped in September 1969. Kindergarten was added in 1973. Grade five was reinstated in 1978.

The former Lutheran Church located at the corner of 13th and Fort was purchased by St. Joseph Parish in 1966. In September 1981, Kindergarten moved into the building. It was remodeled in the summer of 1986 and turned into a multi-purpose extension of the school. The building housed the art room, kindergarten, library, music room, computer lab and multi-purpose room. In August, 1990, the computer lab and after-school care program were implemented at the school. The need to consolidate the expanding curriculum was just one of the many factors that led the February 1996 decision to relocate the school.

In August 1998, St. Joseph Tri-Parish School moved to its new location at 1800 Milner. The building formerly known as Jefferson School, had previously been leased by USD 489 from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish but was officially renamed Holy Family Elementary School. The increase in available space in the new building enabled the addition of a preschool and sixth grade.

Through the years, the Capuchin Friars and Sisters of St. Agnes provided for the spiritual and educational needs of the students. The school has since made the transition from a tuition-free program staffed by the religious to one staffed by Catholic lay persons which implemented a tuition fee providing for the continued operation of the school. The faculty provides a strong foundation for the students. Turnover among teachers is minimal, adding to the strength of the program. The school motto emphasizes the goals of our students: “Live, love, and learn.”

Thomas More Prep-Marian

Active campaigns

Let's Build The Way

2026 Monarch Football Madness

General Payments

Project 1908

Memorials

St. Thomas More Society