Study reveals impact of Catholic Schools

Nationally, Catholic educators opened 28 new schools and closed or consolidated 148 others during the 2012-13 school year, according to a report issued by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Reflecting the high demand for a Catholic education in many parts of the country, more than 32 per cent of the nation’s 6,685 Catholic schools reported waiting lists for attendance.

The report also indicates that Catholic school enrollment is 2,001,740, a 1.5 percent decrease during the past school year. Karen M. Ristau, NCEA president, said that the closings represent a great loss for the country at a time when wholistic education, one that includes religion, is a priority for more parents. “Catholic schools provide a complete education in a strong community, which honors parents and guardians as the primary educators of their children. Losing more than 100 of our schools this past year is a tragedy – not only for our church but for our country.”

            Dr. Ristau added that the enrollment decline presents a special paradox as the church celebrates a new pope. “Research shows that Catholic school graduates are more faithful members of the church – our church leaders must seek to open and support more schools, not close them. I pray that once Pope Francis becomes acquainted with U.S. Catholic schools, he will see them as a great gift to the church – places to cherish not close.”

New schools

Regarding the 28 new schools opened, Dr. Ristau said that many of them were started by parents and boards who are seeking an excellent education rooted in Gospel values. In addition, 2,166 Catholic schools have waiting lists.

“The leadership and vision of Catholic educational leaders, business and civic leaders, working in collaboration with dioceses, make these new schools a reality,” said Dr. Ristau, noting that 525 Catholic schools have opened since 2000.    

School closings

At the same time, school closings remain an ongoing challenge. Despite resolute efforts on the part of many Catholic dioceses to provide additional financial support, 148 Catholic schools consolidated or closed last year, many of them in urban areas, according to NCEA research. Enrollment is now at 2,001, 740, a drop of 29, 715 (1.5 percent) students from the previous academic year.

“The challenge continues to be location, location, location,” said Dr. Ristau. “We have buildings, many of them historic, in metropolitan areas where the student population has declined. On the other hand, there are waiting lists for schools in many places because new school construction has not kept pace with the population growth.”

The NCEA president added that although there has been a significant decline in the total number of Catholic schools during the past four decades, the church has not lost sight of its commitment to educate children, particularly those of the poor, within the inner cities and urban areas.

“Catholic schools are a major force in these communities and we must continue to find ways to serve the poor,” said Dr. Ristau. “Despite population losses and great financial difficulties, 41.5 percent of our schools remain in urban/inner city locations. And when schools do close, dioceses make intensive efforts to help displaced students find a place in nearby Catholic schools.

“At the same time, the traditions, promise and potential lost with each closed school is heartbreaking,” said the Catholic leader, “especially for the schools that are shutting down in the inner cities.” 

School choice – a parental right

            While some Catholic schools have closed because of population shifts, others could have survived if parents had the financial means to choose those schools for their children. “Millions of parents do not have the resources to choose schools,” said Dr. Ristau. “Catholic educators must continue to promote parental choice in education for the students and families who have no voice and no choice in deciding their educational future.”

            Parental choice in education continues to experience growth: 12 states and the District of Columbia offer 18 different voucher/scholarship programs with more than 100,000 voucher recipients; 11 states provide for 14 tax credit scholarship programs serving more than 150,000 students; another 6 state provide individuals with tax credits or deductions for education expenses benefitting about 850,000 taxpayers.

Additional statistics

The Annual Statistical Report on Schools, Enrollment and Staffing: U.S. Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools 2012-13< /span> provides information on schools, enrollment and staffing. It includes these additional statistics:       

There are 1,415,244 elementary students currently enrolled in 5,472 Catholic elementary schools. Secondary school enrollment declined slightly, with 586,496 secondary students currently enrolled, compared to 640,952 last year. Catholic secondary schools total 1,213, compared to 1,225 last year. Presentation Sister Dale McDonald, NCEA’s director of public policy and research, and Margaret Schultz compiled the statistical report.

Student diversity in Catholic schools has increased significantly during the past 40 years. In 2013 the racial diversity is 19.6 percent and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is 14.3 percent, reflecting the commitment of Catholic educators to serve a diverse student population. In addition, 15.9 percent of the students in Catholic schools are not Catholic.

            NCEA is the largest private, professional education association in the world. Founded in 1904, the association membership represents more than 200,000 educators serving 7.6 million students in Catholic education at all levels.

Highlights: Catholic School Statistics 2012-2013

Enrollment

•     Total Catholic school student enrollment for the current academic year is 2,001,740

     Elementary/middle school: 1,415,244

     Secondary school: 586,496

•      The racial diversity is 19.6 percent and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is 14.3 percent.

•      Non-Catholic enrollment is 317,470, which is 15.9% of the total enrollment.

Schools

•      6,685 Catholic schools: 5,472 elementary; 1,213 secondary.

•      28 new schools opened; 148 consolidated or closed.

•      2,166 schools have a waiting list for admission.

•      Coeducational schools comprise 98.8% of elementary and 68.5% of secondary schools. At the secondary level, 12.7 of the schools are male and 18.8% are female.

Professional Staff

  • Full-time equivalent professional staff numbered 160,153:

96.8%: Laity                     (Lay women: 74.5% Lay men: 22.3%)

       3.2%: Religious/Clergy   (Sisters: 2.2%; Brothers: 0.5%; Clergy: 0.5%)

 

Enrollment dips 1.5 percent while 28 new schools open in 2012-13;
Hope prevails that Pope Francis will soon become acquainted with U.S. Catholic schools and recognize value to church, communities

 

RELEASE FROM: NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
1005 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Virginia 22201
www.ncea.org

 

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