Elementary

GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1200 RUBY AVENUE, GRAND ISLAND, NE 68803

The Application for Admission for 2025-2026 can be accessed by clicking the GICC APPLICATION button. Please note that space is limited in grades K-5 for the 2025-2026 school year.

MEET PRINCIPAL NORDHUES

“We are excited to welcome Mrs. Sarah Nordhues as the first leader of GICC Elementary,” Dr. Jordan Engle, GICC Middle School / High School Principal said. “Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her, and I look forward to watching our elementary school thrive under her guidance.”

Nordhues worked 10 years with Riverside Elementary School in Spalding, NE, where she began her principalship in 2014. Prior to that, Nordhues was on the teaching staffs at Palmer Public Schools, and both Florence Elementary and Belle Ryan Elementary in Omaha, since 2006.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Education K-8 with an endorsement in Intermediate grades 4-8, Nordhues pursued a Masters in Education Administration and Supervision K-8 from the University of Nebraska Omaha, followed by her 7-12 certification from the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) in 2014. She is currently working toward her specialist certificate from UNK, as well.

“Grand Island Central Catholic Elementary is an exciting new offering for the area,” Nordhues commented. “I am intrigued by the opportunity and challenges of getting to reconstruct the success of the 6-12 grade levels by expanding the faith-based education to the elementary.”

SARAH NORDHUES

CRUSADER CARE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Grand Island Central Catholic offers an After-School Program (Crusader Care) for Pre-K through 5th Grade students.

Click HERE for GICC's Crusader Care information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GICC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WHAT ARE SCHOOL HOURS?

The Elementary School is in session 8:05am - 3:25pm.
Elementary students are allowed to enter the building at 7:35am.

WHAT TIME CAN I DROP OFF & PICKUP MY STUDENT(S)?

Students can arrive at 7:35am daily since we sell breakfast items before school most days.
Crusader Care is available for families to purchase until 5:20pm on school days.
Elementary students riding home with a MS/HS Crusader will be escorted to the MS/HS hallway following the Elementary dismissal.
Students being picked-up early (or dropped-off late) during the school day must be checked-out in the Elementary Office.

WILL THERE BE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL?

GICC does not offer transportation. However, many Middle School families have successfully lined up private carpools in the past. We encourage our Elementary families to do the same!

HOW LARGE WILL CLASSES BE?

GICC can have 2 classrooms per grade level, and classroom sizes vary. Lower Elementary School classrooms are capped at smaller numbers than upper Elementary classrooms. We intend to keep all classrooms, regardless of age, below 24, and capped at 16 in each of the Kindergarten classrooms.

WILL STUDENTS HAVE PE, MUSIC, ART, ETC?

Yes! Elementary students have PE, Art, Music, Guidance, and Library as part of their school days.

WILL STUDENTS CELEBRATE CATHOLIC MASS?

Absolutely! Mass is celebrated every Thursday morning for all grades K-12!

DOES GICC HAVE AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM?

Yes, we have Crusader Care that runs 3:25-5:15pm each full school day. K-5th grade Crusaders have the opportunity to work on homework, play games, eat a snack, and build friendships with their peers and others in our Crusader Family. The cost is $8.00 per day, with discounts being given for additional students from the same family. Crusader Care registration will be in August.