Tallahassee, FL (Jan. 25, 2002) -- Enrollment in Florida Catholic schools once again exceeds 90,000 students, but the number in Catholic schools appears to be in a stabilizing mode.  Florida Catholic school enrollment for the 2001-2002 school year is 93,844, which marks the fourth consecutive year that the total number of students in Catholic schools, statewide, is 90,000 plus students.

   Enrollment steadily increased from 90,241 students in 1998-1999 to 93,219 last year.  Enrollment slighted increased by 625 students within the past year.

   "The slight increases in enrollment, particularly this past year, may be explained by several factors," said Larry Keough, Associate for Education at the Florida Catholic Conference.  "Many of our schools are near or at capacity and can not enroll additional students."

   In addition, "it is a testament to Catholic schools that enrollment increases are occurring in a slowing economy," Keough said.

   Catholic school tuition continues to be relatively affordable.  The statewide average diocesan tuition for a Catholic school elementary student is $3,018.  That amount is what a statewide tuition average would be for a Catholic family, which is active in a parish, to send a child to a Catholic school for one year.  In four of the seven dioceses, the average tuition rate is actually lower than the statewide figure (please link to related statistics).  Tuition average is higher in the Sarasota-Venice and South Florida areas due to cost of living expenses and other variables.

   In an era of soaring educational costs, the average annual diocesan tuition remains relatively low, which in part stems from administrative efficiency. A combined 20 diocesan school administrators oversee the administrative responsibilities of 215 schools.

   The 2001-2002 figures were released as Catholic schools prepare nationwide for the Jan. 27-Feb. 2 Catholic Schools Week.  The week will be dedicated as a time for Catholic schools to reflect on their commitments, sacrifices and accomplishments to provide successful faith-oriented education.  The theme of the week is: "Where Faith and Knowledge Meet."

   The latest Florida Catholic school statistics reveal that minorities, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and American Indians, make up nearly 35 percent  of the overall enrollment throughout the seven dioceses, from the Panhandle to South Florida.

   Approximately 90 percent of the students are Catholic in Catholic schools throughout the state.  Of the total number of schools, 176 are elementary, 33 are secondary, and six serve special needs students.

The Florida Catholic Conference is an agency of the Catholic Bishops, established in 1969.  It speaks for the Church in matters of public policy, serves as liaison to government and the legislature, and coordinates communications and activities between the Church and secular agencies.  The Bishops of the seven dioceses of Florida constitute its Board of Directors.