The Diocese of San Diego has seen a significant increase in enrollment in Catholic Schools. On December 31, 2021, a report revealed an 11 percent increase in the number of students for the academic year.
Enrollment Increase
A report on Southern Cross shared that enrollment for this school year at Catholic Schools made history. Moreover, the diocese's official newspaper stated that the COVID – 19 pandemic was not able to hinder parents from trying Catholic education for their children for the first time.
John Galvan, director of the diocesan Office for Schools, told the Southern Cross that the total enrollment is at 11.3 percent this school year. According to him, the last time a similar increase happened was over a decade ago.
Data revealed that enrollment is up by 14.8 percent at local elementary schools. Additionally, enrollment at Catholic High Schools increases by 4.2 percent. The total student population for Catholic Schools at the Diocese of San Diego is 14, 371.
This number has increased by 1,460 from the last academic year. Still, from the Southern Cross, only two Catholic Elementary Schools declined enrollment between the 2020 – 2021 and 2021 – 2022 academic year.
The schools encourage more families to consider trying Catholic education for their children. In line with this, Catholic Schools Week will start January 30 – February 5.
The event is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the U.S.
Schools will offer special events and tours for interested families. These activities include pancake breakfast, service projects, dances, and more. Additionally, parents can also talk to principals, teachers and visit classrooms.
The schools also welcome families on a scheduled tour at their convenience.
In Galvan's opinion, the increase in enrollment resulted from the reopening of in-person classes of Catholic Schools earlier than public schools. He is also sure that when parents learned about the Catholic School experience, they were convinced that such education was worth the admission fee.
Furthermore, he thinks this increase in enrollment offers an excellent opportunity to evangelize and continue bringing families into what it means to be a Catholic. The Catholic Elementary Schools with the highest increase in enrollment across San Diego County are Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in San Ysidro, St. Michael's School in Poway, and Santa Sophia Academy in Spring Valley.
Meanwhile, the most significant gains at the high school level were for Cathedral Catholic High School and Mater Dei Catholic High School.
Diocese of San Diego
According to its website, the Diocese of San Diego office is located at 388 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117. San Diego de Alcalá de Henares (St. Didacus) is the diocese’s patron saint.
His Feast Day is on November 13, according to the Liturgical Calendar. He is the heavenly patron of the Franciscan friars, who are brothers.
Most Rev. Robert W. McElroy serves as Bishop for the Diocese of San Diego. He is the sixth bishop of San Diego.
He is joined by Auxiliary Bishops Most Reverend John P. Dolan and Most Reverend Ramon Bejarano.
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