Marian Catholic High School has undergone its most significant renovation since its current building opened in 1964.

The new Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation Science Center will open when students return to classes next week.

Four new science labs will provide expanded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities for existing science courses, as well as more online learning and an all new STEM class.

“This is the very first time Marian has redone any of the classrooms totally since its original building in 1964,” said Marian Principal Jean Susko. “We’re very excited about the state of the art opportunities that our students, as far as types of equipment we’re offering, as well as the academic curriculum that is very strong in preparing them for stem education and stem careers.”

All four labs will be virtually unrecognizable to returning students.

The bright rooms are equipped with brand-new smart boards and workstations, and equipment for various science classes.

The Sonny & Helen Kovatch Chemistry Lab, given by Kathy and Ric Reaman, the Anna Marie Rhodunda Velitsky Physics and Enginering Lab, and the Robert A. Lisella and Francis Hydro Lisella Biology Lab include all new equipment that will enrich the current science courses offered at Marian, according to teachers.

In addition, the virtual lab will create even more course opportunities for students who are interested in studying a subject that the school doesn’t offer as part of its normal curriculum. Students at Marian are already taking economics, physics and pre-law courses online.

“We have the biology, chemistry and physical science room, which are all going to start major projects with their students. In addition to that the virtual lab allows us to go out online for students who are interested in courses other than what we offer here,” said Teresa Sheer, director of studies at Marian Catholic.

The virtual and robotics lab, donated by Jerome and Joan Palko and the Svetz family, features a 3D printer and desks that can be converted from a desktop computer to a flat desk in seconds.

Ten students were chosen to take part in the first-ever STEM course at Marian this fall, and teachers are confident that they will be offering more sections in years to come based on the interest level.

“They were thrilled that I made that offer. Next year, when I put out the course selection sheet it will have a STEM course on it,” Sheer said.

The supporters who made the new science center possible naturally got the first tour of the building. About a dozen Marian donors toured the new labs Wednesday night. The Palkos, whose grandchildren attended Marian, said they were inspired to give back because of the school’s emphasis on learning and faith.

“To stay up in competition with the public schools, with an endless money supply, it’s very difficult. But the good thing about this school, everybody that works here and works for the school makes sure they don’t waste any money,” Jerome Palko said.

Unlike public schools which have access to grant programs, Marian had to rely entirely on private donations in order to make the STEM lab a reality. In all, donors contributed more than $400,000 to the project, with $150,000 from the Stabler Foundation. A long list of Marian supporters contributed to the project.

Marian board member Bruce Svetz said the project could have easily cost over $1 million to build in a public school.

“Our promise has to been to you that anything donated to Marian, not one penny will ever be wasted. We will do more with the dollars you give us than anyone else,” Svetz said.

While Marian just completed its most significant renovation ever, Susko said she and her staff are already looking toward future changes in other areas of the building.

But on the first day of school, it will be all about the new science center.

“My favorite part will be the excitement on the students faces when they walk in and what hey share on the first day,” Susko said.