Officials with the diocesan schools office are forecasting a fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth at Catholic schools in the Arlington diocese, albeit at a slower pace than in previous academic years when pandemic restrictions at public schools encouraged many families to give parochial schools a closer look.
The office projects a total of 18,348 students across 50 parochial schools, including independent Catholic elementary, middle and high schools for the 2024-25 academic year. Last year, 18,294 students were enrolled. The growth was led by diocesan high schools, which project a 4 percent increase in enrollment.
“This year, students are returning to school as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee anniversary of our diocese with the theme, ‘Behold, I make all things new,’ ” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “I often encourage students with these words from sacred Scripture, especially at the beginning of a new school year when new classes, new friends, and new opportunities present themselves. It is also at this beginning time that parents, teachers, administrators, counselors, and coaches renew their commitment to providing for the spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional needs of students in our Catholic schools. I am so grateful for these sacrifices made in support of Catholic education in our diocese.”
“We are blessed in the Diocese of Arlington to have so many talented Catholic educators, supportive pastors and chaplains, and generous partners supporting parents who have sought the opportunity of a Catholic education in our schools for their children,” said Joseph Vorbach, diocesan school superintendent. “As we begin this year with the celebration of the Diocesan Jubilee, we are excited about the variety of ways we are working to further strengthen Catholic education through curricular enhancements, teacher professional development, greater support for students with disabilities, and the provision of need-based tuition assistance across our schools.”
