The AP reported yesterday that, “throughout the US, families are seeing the value of Catholic education. This year, Catholic elementary schools had a 5.8% increase in enrollment nationwide.” The article goes on to say:
“The National Catholic Educational Association said nationwide enrollment increased by 62,000 to about 1.68 million students, marking the first increase in two decades and the largest jump it has recorded in at least five decades.
‘Enrollment at all types of schools — public, charter and private — were impacted last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Catholic schools had a decline in enrollment of 6.4% from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021,’ the NCEA said about the largest single year decline in the 50 years since it has collected data.
‘Catholic schools’ dedication in safely opening classrooms and supporting their communities’ needs last year is demonstrated in the 3.8% increase in enrollment.’ “
Click here to read the full article, written by Luis Andres Henao.
Photo: Students enter the first new Catholic school built in Baltimore in roughly 60 years on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, named after Mother Mary Lange, who started a Catholic school for Black children in 1828 — the first U.S. Catholic school for African-American youth. (AP Photo/David McFadden)’