The Pickering school named Carlo Acutis is set to open in 2027, marking a significant development in the Durham Catholic District School Board’s expanding education network. The new elementary school, located in the Seaton community of Pickering, will honour St. Carlo Acutis, widely recognized as the Catholic Church’s first “millennial” saint.
The decision to establish the Pickering school named Carlo Acutis was formally approved by trustees during a board meeting held on February 23. The school will be situated at the intersection of Burkholder Avenue and Hibiscus Drive and is scheduled to welcome students in September 2027.
The naming of the Pickering school named Carlo Acutis followed an extensive consultation process involving the school community. A total of 457 name submissions were received through an online survey, reflecting strong public engagement. These suggestions were later narrowed down to three final options: St. Carlo Acutis, St. Mary Magdalene, and Sacred Heart.
Support for naming the school after St. Carlo Acutis was strongly endorsed by Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto. In a letter addressed to the board, he highlighted the inspirational life of Acutis, emphasizing his deep devotion to faith and his innovative use of digital technology to share religious teachings.
St. Carlo Acutis, born in London to Italian parents, passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 after battling leukemia. Despite his short life, he left a lasting impact by creating a website dedicated to documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions. His efforts to combine faith with modern technology have made him a relatable and inspiring figure, particularly for young people.
The significance of the Pickering school named Carlo Acutis was further reinforced by recent developments within the Catholic Church. At his canonization on September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV described Acutis as a saint “of our own day,” emphasizing how he lived his faith through everyday actions and used his talents for a greater purpose.
Gerard Winn, Director of Education for the Durham Catholic District School Board, noted that Acutis serves as a powerful example for students. His life demonstrates that holiness can be achieved through dedication, purpose, and compassion in daily life, making him an ideal role model for a new generation of learners.
Trustees ultimately voted in favour of the name, and the decision has been submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval. Once confirmed, the Pickering school named Carlo Acutis will become a key educational institution within the rapidly growing Seaton community.
The new school is expected to support increasing enrolment in the area while providing a modern learning environment rooted in strong values and community engagement. As Pickering continues to expand, the addition of this school represents both an investment in education and a tribute to a figure who bridges tradition and modernity.
