Catholic schools see enrollment increase for all grade levels

CAPITAL REGION (WRGB) – Catholic or private schools across the Capital Region are seeing an enrollment increase in all grade levels.

Recently, CBS6 reported about elementary catholic schools seeing an increase, as parents searched for options that offered in-person instruction five days a week. Some districts released plans that made childcare a concern for many families.

MORE:Catholic schools seeing increase in enrollment for fall

Now we’re learning that Catholic middle and high schools are seeing a boost too. Leaders recognize that childcare may not be as big of a concern, but parents want different educational options and social interaction for their children.

Saratoga Central Catholic School Principal Joe Kilmade says they saw a 10% increase in the past three weeks.

MORE: Ballston Spa starting remote-only, will begin in-person learning in October

“Some want a better distance learning program, perhaps they're coming from a district where their experience in the spring wasn’t great, and Saratoga Catholic had a positive reputation for what we were offering remotely, but also we're offering 5 days in-person.” Kilmade said.

He said many students want to stick to a routine and have social interaction. They’re a smaller school, and are able to distance the desks so all students in grades 6-12 can fit in the classrooms.

Over at La Salle Institute in Troy, they’ve seen a 50% increase in enrollment over the summer.

“It has to do a great deal about education, a great deal about socializing with their friends because some of them haven’t seen them for 6 months by the time we open, and just being around teachers and getting back to that school environment.” Principal Joseph Raczkowski said.

La Salle is offering five days on in-person learning for the middle school grades. The high school grades will be a hybrid, with 50% of the students in the classroom, and 50% of the students following along in class remotely. But, students will have the option of taking their remote classes on campus. They’ll be allowed to watch from a designated room, like the gym, cafeteria, or other classrooms where desks have been spread out, and they’ll be supervised.

MORE:Ballston Spa starting remote-only, will begin in-person learning in October

“So for example if you have a biology class, and you have 22 students for that particular class, 11 of them will be in the biology room, the other 11 if they choose to come to school that day, will be in another room - a gym or actual classroom - supervised and they'll be online at the same time.” Principal Raczkowski said.

Both schools still have room for enrollment.

MORE: