The Catholic schools in the northern Virginia area registered their third straight year of growing enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year, marking a 10% increase in enrollment since the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020.
With 37 elementary schools, four high schools, three stand-alone preschools and five independent schools, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington has continued to record increased student enrollment, even as public school districts in Virginia have continually failed to reach pre-pandemic enrollment levels.
“The foundation of authentic Catholic education is a commitment to the Faith and its teachings. I am so grateful to the parents, teachers, faculty, and staff who renew their promise to embrace the Faith through Catholic education each year,” Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington said. “Our teachers selflessly offer their time and considerable talents, partnering with parents to cherish, nurture, and educate each of their students.
The increased enrollment and interest in Catholic schools in the area has seen several schools implement wait lists and resulted in Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, recording its first year of full enrollment in more than 20 years, according to a diocesan press release.The figures stand in sharp contrast to nearby public school districts that have seen enrollment decline in recent years and have yet to recover from pandemic-linked enrollment drops.
“Our faith teaches us that each young person is a gift from God," Burbidge said."All students deserve to be formed intellectually, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. I thank parents who continue [to] put their trust in our growing Catholic schools. Parents, teachers, faculty, and staff can be assured of my prayers as the school year begins."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
High school football roundup: See how every San Diego-area team fared in the first week of the 2023 seasonJack Stevens leads Cathedral Catholic over Mater Dei Catholic; Lincoln rolls in Hawaii; Carlsbad routs Inglewood
Read more »
Catholic church miraculously standing after fires reduce Lahaina to ashes: ‘God doesn’t abandon his people'Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina, Maui, which means “Our Lady of Victory,' remains miraculously standing after vicious wildfires tore apart the town.
Read more »
Business and financial questions loom over Jim Justice's West Virginia Senate bidGov. Jim Justice (R-WV) continues to face growing scrutiny over a string of legal challenges against his family's coal empire, months after launching his campaign to challenge Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) for his Senate seat next year.
Read more »
Extremist group protests in Virginia, US, over seizure of friends' firearmsProtester Mike Dunn says confiscation of his friends' handguns infringed upon their constitutional rights.
Read more »
Virginia students kick off back-to-school in the regionStudents in Fairfax County and Alexandria City public schools head back to the classroom Monday.
Read more »
Vote early to end Democratic obstruction in VirginiaTwo years ago, Gov. Glenn Youngkin proved that Republicans can win in Virginia with a commonsense and unifying agenda. Youngkin’s winning policy platform was straightforward: Empower parents in their children’s education, let Virginians take home more of their hard-earned money, and improve public…
Read more »