Mother Teresa Middle School Inc.

Mother Teresa Middle School Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization operating an educational institution dedicated to providing holistic middle school education for vulnerable youth in Regina, Saskatchewan. Established in 2011, the school follows a NativityMiguel model inspired by similar transformative educational initiatives aimed at serving impoverished families and breaking cycles of generational poverty.

History and Background

The inception of Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) traces back to 2007 when Paul Hill, a Regina-based businessman, and his wife Carol, moved to create a school inspired by Mother Teresa’s call to serve community needs. After encountering the NativityMiguel Coalition of Schools model in Southern California, which focuses on educational transformation for vulnerable youth, the Hills, along with partners including Mo Bundon, Michelle Carr, and The One Life Makes a Difference Foundation, embarked on establishing Canada's first school of this kind. Mother Teresa Middle School opened its doors in 2011 with an initial cohort of 20 Grade 6 students, expanding annually with a similar intake[3].

Educational Model and Mission

MTMS is a Jesuit-affiliated institution that provides enhanced, holistic education tailored to the physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social development of its students. The school serves students from grades 6 to 8 and continues to support them beyond middle school through a specialized Graduate Support Team that offers coaching, advocacy, and assistance through high school, post-secondary education, and into employment. This extended support structure aims to increase high school graduation rates and improve long-term success outcomes for students[1][2][4].

Central to MTMS’s educational philosophy is the Jesuit principle of cura personalis (care for the whole person), which guides its approach to nurturing students’ overall well-being. To address challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and stress, especially in the context of global uncertainties, the school implements daily "Mindful Mornings"—brief sessions involving prayer, breathing, meditation, and visualization practices shaped by student input. These sessions equip students with emotional regulation tools essential for navigating their lives effectively[5].

Community and Cultural Engagement

MTMS emphasizes the importance of personal and cultural identity, recognizing the significance of Truth and Reconciliation in its educational framework. The school fosters respect and celebration of Indigenous culture, guided by teachings that encourage belonging, mutual support, and love. Such cultural integration helps build pride and resilience in students as they prepare to become future leaders[1][5].

Impact and Recognition

Mother Teresa Middle School has been recognized for its innovative and supportive model that empowers vulnerable youth by combining faith-based education with practical assistance throughout students’ academic and early professional lives. The school has garnered positive attention within the community, including media coverage highlighting its success in inspiring and educating Regina’s inner-city youth[1].

Mother Teresa Middle School Inc. represents a distinctive approach to education in Canada by blending rigorous academic standards with personalized support and cultural respect, aiming to transform the lives of youth facing socioeconomic challenges.