Enrollment at St. Patrick’s Catholic School Dwindles in Tough Economy Teacher Parent Synergy

Enrollment at St. Patrick’s Catholic School Dwindles in Tough Economy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When the school day winds down for the students at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, the work continues for school principal Sister Carmel O’Callaghan.

The economy is taking a toll on enrollment, she said. Last year enrollment was at 186 students, but this year it has shrunk to 175 and the number is decreasing.

“A number of parents are out of work right now and it is very difficult,” said O’Callaghan. “It is very difficult for those students who are registered here.”

“Hopefully it will grow, once the economy – please God - improves,” she said.

One mother with three children enrolled in St. Patrick’s said she believes in Catholic education and that when the economy gets tight, sacrifices have to be made.

“If you’re an educated parent and you want your kids to get the best, you can cut down on the kind of clothes (you buy), make sacrifices to make sure the kids benefit,” she said.

The school is also making a sacrifice, said O’Callaghan. To help boost enrollment, the school is offering financial scholarships.

“We met with some parents and are offering them tuition assistance,” said the principal. It is on a case-by-case basis.

While it is one of the school’s hardest economic times, O’Callaghan has faith it will turn around.

“We’re trusting God and God has helped us all during the years, it has worked and I believe it will continue,” said O’Callaghan.

The school is budgeted for 170 students in the 2011-12 school year; so far, 140 have enrolled. O’Callaghan said the school has not had to lay off teachers and staff, but did cut pack on PE, which was taught by a part-time employee.

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