Private School Enrollment Increasing Despite a Bad Economy

Despite the tough economy and job market, Southington's private school enrollment has consistently increased over the last few years.

St. Thomas elementary school increased this year from 150 to 177 students and is projected to reach 182 students next year, with similar enrollment increases at St. Dominic elementary school as well.

Central Christian Academy has also seen consistent increases, growing from 119 to 158 pre-school through 12th graders over the past two years.

School administrators like St. Dominic's Principal Patricia Tiezzi said she believes that parents choosing Catholic school prioritize their children's education within their family finances. She knows some families have to work  hard to send their children to the school, but they believe it's worth it.

"For a lot of parents, they want the religious piece incorporated into the classrooms, and they like the smaller, community feeling a private school offers," Tiezzi. "I sent my kids to Catholic School, and I can really tell you, it pays off."

St. Thomas Principal MaryPat Wirkus said that while many of her parents opt for Catholic school because of the faith component, she has many non-Catholic students as well. She said parents say they like the structure, smaller class size and academic standards offered by the school.

Class sizes average around 20 students per grade at St. Thomas.

"I think some of them are looking for more structure and accountability, and better discipline standards, and the funny thing is, the kids do too," Wirkus said. "You'd be surprised how after the snow days the kids said they were happy to be back, because it's a positive, consistent environment."

The recent addition of an all-day pre-school program to both schools, done because of parent requests, has also elevated enrollment.

"I think it's more than just child care issues, I think parents really want to make sure that their child is ready for kindergarten, so if the opportunity is there, they'll take it," Wirkus said.

Typically private school teachers are paid significantly less than public school teachers, which is the case at all three schools. Wirkus, Tiezzi and Central Christian Academy Principal Timothy LeJuene credited much of their success to their dedicated teaching staff.

"The cost of operating a school is enormous and what happens is Christian school teachers subsidize the school's low tuition, and many other people might not choose to do that," LeJeune said.

LeJeune said the school's Biblical-based instruction is a big draw for parents, but parents also like the orderly atmosphere, stronger discipline and high level of instruction offered at Central Christian Academy.

"It's an investment, and for many it's a sacrifice because people are pinched in many ways these days," LeJeune said.