HOUSTON -- The Houston Independent School District may have a plan to keep students together even after their campus closes for good, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Friday.

The signs in car windows and around campus say it all -- save Mount Carmel.

For junior Hunter Wilks and the 180 students who attend Mount Carmel High School in southeast Houston, it may not be a solution they imagined, but it could work.

"Having to go to another school would just be too much. We couldn't imagine separating," said Wilks.

Now they may not have to, even though the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston said they have to be out of the current building at the end of the school year.

"We're starting from scratch. We don't have any books or even a pencil. It's a huge endeavor," said Maureen Giacchino, a community organizer leading the movement for a new Mount Carmel.

Alums and parents are talking with HISD now about creating a new charter school.

"In essence, they'd serve HISD students on a contract basis," said Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra.

It would become a public school with a purpose.

"It would be an option to keep kids together, at least a temporary solution," said parent Renee McManus.

There would be one major difference -- no theology in class. Students would still be allowed to pray before meals and meet after school.

"That would be enough for me," said parent Libby Barrow. "It would be up to the children to remember their faith and we will guide them along the way."

They estimate it would cost about $500,000 to get up and running. Right now, they have $15,000. HISD said it would help by providing services, but this community is praying for a miracle.

"We're finding another way, yes, and we'll do what we can to make it work," said Giacchino.

They have to submit a complete proposal by May 30. HISD will vote on the potential charter school on June 10.