“We are just about back to our pre-COVID numbers and are excited to have many people touring our campuses for next year.” – Deacon Scott Conway
News of a rebound in Florida’s Catholic school enrollment cheered school leaders across the Sunshine State following a pandemic-induced dip in 2020, suffered in tandem with other private schools across the state. The Diocese of St. Augustine, comprised of 38 schools in seven northeast Florida counties, reports an enrollment of 10,905 students in preschool through 12th grade. Superintendent Scott Conway offers his perspective on the increase and what the future holds for the schools he oversees. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q. Statewide, Catholic school enrollment was up by nearly 6% during the 2021-22 school year after a pandemic slide of 7%. To what do you attribute the rebound?
A. There are two key factors behind the rebound. The first is the expansion of the scholarship program adding additional opportunities for families to have a choice in attending a school that they feel is most appropriate for their child. The second is that parents were ready for their children to be back in the classroom. It became obvious that the ideal learning environment for children is to be working directly with a teacher in the classroom.
Q. What are the trends in your diocese? Do they mirror the rest of the state or are there any differences?
A. We are just about back to our pre-covid numbers and are excited to have many people touring our campuses for next year. The admissions process has started early with great interest in a safe learning environment that teaches Catholic values and morals.
Q. What role do you think the increased availability of state scholarships played in this increase?
A. We are delighted with the increased availability of the scholarship program, especially with the addition of assisting military family members, it has added to the attraction of families to Catholic schools who did not believe it was financially attainable for them in the past.
Q. What plans are you considering to ensure this upward trend continues in your diocese?
A. We have been working hard in our Catholic schools and parishes to promote the scholarship opportunities that exist, and we have partnered with school liaison officers at the local military bases to encourage their participation in the program. In the past legislative session, the Purple Star Campus program was approved to be implemented in the state of Florida. We are looking forward to adding this distinction to some of our campuses that are close to the military bases here in northeast Florida.
Q. Are there any areas in your diocese where you need to expand or build new facilities?
A. Northeast Florida is growing at an amazing rate. We anticipate that we will also need to build some new educational facilities to keep up with the growth. COVID has made that a challenge for us as the financial impact that this pandemic has had on our system is significant.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share that I have asked about?
A. Catholic schools are welcoming to everyone, no matter your religious affiliation. We desire to assist families and students in helping all children develop into the best individuals they can become by inspiring them through faith.
