Enthusiasm abounds as Good Shepherd Catholic School, Northampton, will open its doors Aug. 27 to students for the start of the 2018-19 school year.

The parochial school, at 1300 Newport Ave., offers classes and programs for students from preschool through eighth grade.

A welcome-back program for families will be held 6-8 p.m. Aug. 23.

Principal John Paul Crescenzo said 205 boys and girls are enrolled for this year. The school is continuing to accept new students.

With a strong curriculum with religion at the base, the school continues to advance the curriculum. The faculty is focused on not only meeting state standards, but helping students excel in subjects such as science, math, Spanish and computer- and technology-based studies.

In addition to its core subjects, the school offers art, music and a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) athletics program.

There are 16 full-time teachers and two part-time teachers on the staff.

Crescenzo said plans are being formulated for a playground to be established on the south end of the parking lot next to the school, an area at the back of the former St. Joseph hall.