Navigating Challenges in Catholic Education: A Closer Look at Feeder Schools, Churches, and Enrollment Decline

By Liz Zweigle, Chief Operating Officer, Truth Tree

After talking with several schools over the last few months, I spotted an alarming trend with Catholic high schools. I heard it on every.single.call. And it’s causing an offset risk to the stability of Catholic high schools: the closure of Catholic feeder schools. 

These institutions, once pillars of academic excellence and values-based learning, now find themselves grappling with enrollment challenges and disheartening stories of prospective parents expressing, “I didn’t even know your school existed!”

Two significant factors are at play: a decline in church attendance and the closure of Catholic schools. 

These factors have not only affected local religious communities but have displaced students into new programs–public schools or other private options. Consequently, this shift has disrupted the traditional flow of students transitioning from Catholic elementary or middle schools and enrolling in their local Catholic high schools.

Catholic high schools, who once had enrollment waitlists, now find themselves battling the repercussions of feeder school closures and the intertwined issues of declining church attendance while contending with shifting demographics in their neighborhoods. They find themselves navigating this complex landscape while striving to stay true to their roots and keep their doors open. It’s complicated. 

Here’s what I’ve learned: 

The Crucial Role of Feeder Schools and the Ripple Effect on Enrollment

Feeder schools have long been the backbone of the Catholic high school education system, providing not only a solid academic foundation but also instilling values aligned with Catholic teachings from early childhood and on. 

The closure of Catholic elementary and middle school feeders has created a ripple effect, disrupting the natural progression of students from elementary to middle to high schools within the Catholic network. Catholic high schools, dependent on a steady influx of students from affiliated feeder schools, are now facing significant challenges as enrollment numbers dwindle.

It’s worth noting that beyond the financial implications, the closure of so many schools also results in the loss of a tight-knit community, integral to the Catholic educational experience.

Decreased Interest in Catholic Churches

Parallel to feeder school challenges, Catholic churches are grappling with declining attendance. Changing religious affiliations, shifts in family values, societal shifts, and a growing secular trend contribute to fewer worshippers, leading to reduced financial support for affiliated schools. In essence, the financial health of the diocese or parish directly impacts the school. 

Declining Birth Rates and More Competition

All schools are grappling with a shrinking pool of potential students at all levels and Catholic high schools are no exception. And the rise of public and charter schools has heightened competition for enrollment. Families may be drawn to alternative educational options that offer comparable quality at a lower cost or provide additional perks, such as robust athletic and music programs. 

Shifts in Neighborhood Demographics

Demographic changes around Catholic high schools are influenced by broader societal trends. Factors such as gentrification, economic fluctuations, migration patterns, cultural diversity, education policies, housing dynamics, community development initiatives, and generational shifts have impacted the composition of neighborhoods all over the country. Subsequently, some schools have seen those changes having an impact on the student population at Catholic schools. 

A lot is going on and it’s heartbreaking for not only the larger private school network but for local churches and the religious community as well. In the face of these challenges, Catholic schools must adapt, innovate, and collaborate to ensure the continued success and sustainability of Catholic education. It’s a larger issue that will take a lot of creativity and innovation but it’s important to note that these institutions are essential to shaping the future of students and communities.