Why Support Local Catholic Schools

Nationwide, Catholic schools continue to outperform public school peers by many key measures of success—higher student standardized assessment results, graduation rates, and college matriculation rates.

In the Diocese of Worcester

6,000 students  

100% graduate (compared to 71% in public schools)

95% go to college   

Catholic schools achieve these results across the country, especially in neighborhoods where a majority of students live at or below federal poverty levels. Despite their stellar record, Catholic schools in many regions face serious enrollment and budgetary pressures. In fact, enrollment at Catholic schools has decreased by 20%. And more than a third of all Catholic school elementary programs have shuttered nationwide since 1980.

Despite that fact that Catholic schools are more affordable than most private education options, the cost of a Catholic education still exceeds the means of many families. Worcester has not been immune to these pressures and trends.

The Diocese of Worcester closed two schools in the last five years. Three more folded in the preceding decade.

Without your support, others remain at risk.

Another burden on Catholic schools is deferred maintenance. Almost every school building in the Diocese of Worcester is more than half a century old. Aging facilities urgently need capital improvements. And investments must be made soon to offer modern facilities that will attract new and future students, and ensure that Catholic education remains competitive in Worcester County.

Catholic schools deserve your investment because a faith -based education is a transformative education.

Faith -based education helps students grow in mind, heart, and spirit. Catholic education provides children with the invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge, explore their passions, create community, strengthen their sense of self, and come to know God, all in one place.

The lasting gift of a Catholic education provides a strong foundation for the development of a lifetime devotion to service and learning and is truly one of the greatest legacies we can give young people.

Still, seats go empty in most of our Catholic schools. Why?

Quite simply, many parents who would like to offer their students a Catholic education cannot afford the tuition. FACTS, the independent company that processes financial aid applications, indicates that an additional $3 million would be needed to meet the full demonstrated need of students currently enrolled in Catholic schools throughout central Massachusetts.

You have the power to pass your faith-based values on to future generations by investing in local Catholic education.