Tuesday marks another first day of school in South Florida as Catholic school students head back to class.
The Archdiocese of Miami is welcoming nearly 37,000 students Tuesday as Catholic schools continue to experience an enrollment boom in our area.
“We’ve been working very hard with all of our teachers, all of our principals, to get ready for this special day,” Archdiocese of Miami Schools Superintendent Jim Rigg said.
There are a total of 65 private Catholic schools with the Archdiocese of Miami.
“Most of our schools are now full, so over 50 percent of our Catholic schools are at capacity with waiting lists, and the majority of those that are not full are growing,” Rigg said.
Local 10 got an inside look as teachers and administrators made final preparations at one of their newest facilities — an infant and Pre-K school at Saint Richard Church in Palmetto Bay.
Students and parents also got a preview during an early open house.
“So I really wanted my son to go to Catholic school and just get that foundation, because I had it growing up and I think it’s really important,” parent Joanna Valdes said.
The Archdiocese says the number of kids enrolled in their schools has increased by nearly 800 students, marking the fifth consecutive year of increased enrollment. At the same time, officials with Broward County Public Schools estimate they’ll lose close to 8,000 students next year alone.
“I am a believer that all families deserve to make a choice for their child’s education, and we’re fortunate enough to be in a state that prioritizes parental choice,” Rigg said.
The recent rise in enrollment has caused the Archdiocese to plan for even more expansions in the years to come.
