COVID-19 pandemic spikes enrollment at Colorado

students in school (Credit: Via Unsplash: Muneer Ahmed Ok)

Two Colorado Christian schools recently recorded enrollment growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

School officials told The Gazette that the uncertainties became a "blessing in disguise" in Christian education.

Colorado Springs Christian Schools

According to Colorado Springs Christian Schools Superintendent Roland DeRenzo, they have seen "a wave of enthusiasm for recruitment season."

DeRenzo believed it was due to the schools' different approaches to pandemic practices. He said parents noticed that faith-based schools do not implement rapid changes in remote and classroom learning.

"Parents were so hungry and excited and had an intensity in getting students back in seats," he said.

As reported, the school at 4855 Mallow Road recorded a 7 percent enrollment growth this semester. That was on top of the 1,100 students already admitted to the Christian school.

Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs Superintendent Sheila Whalen added that the semester's enrollment got a net gain of 38 students.

The University School

Meanwhile, The University School also recorded a 30 percent boost in enrollment this semester. Principal Jennifer Sutherland believed it happened due to "the climate of the public schools."

As reported, the non-denominational Christian school has been in Colorado Springs for 16 years. This semester, they have 60 new enrollees from preschool to 12 grade.

Sutherland believed that the spike of interest in faith-based schools was because of three factors. Such factors include "parents' dissatisfaction with gender identity approach, standardized testing education, and crowded classrooms."

The principal also said that most families like the optional choice to wear a face mask in Christian schools.

"Just this week, we've had four inquiries from families wanting to start right now and seven families interested in the second semester," she added.

The school at 2713 W. Cucharras Street was also one of the first to implement hybrid education. Students get two days of homeschool lessons and in-person classes for only three days.

Biblical-centered Curriculum

Colorado Springs Diocese official Whalen believed that parents are also interested in "Biblical-centered curriculums."

She said that faith-based schools follow Biblical views when teaching about gender identity. Thus, the impact on parents is different compared to public schools.

"We're very upfront in saying that in Catholic education, we're founded on Christian anthropologists," Whalen told The Gazette.

"We believe God created each person male and female, and you're either born a male or a female, and that's how you identify," she added.

As reported, local Catholic schools do not talk about condoms. Instead, parents receive sexuality-related biology lessons. They can reportedly discuss it at home when the children are ready.

Whalen also revealed that their lessons are based on St. Pope John Paul II's teachings. It focuses on his speeches about "the dignity of the human person and body."

"It explores who we are as children of God, how we show respect for each other, and the reasons for sexual morality," she added.

Enrollment Growth Trend

Meanwhile, the Association of Christian Schools International is also studying the said trend.

As of now, they are reportedly looking for factors behind the enrollment growth in faith-based schools.

Spokeswoman Caitlyn Berman said via email that "families chose Christian schooling over other options that would have been available to them that fall."