Catholic School enrollment has grown in the City of Chicago for the last two years and 53% of the Catholic Schools in Lake and Cook Counties are stable or growing. Test scores in math and reading remain well above the norm and Catholic school graduates matriculate to and succeed in college at rates well above state and national averages. All this happens in communities of faith and service that are open to all. Challenges still remain, however, as families and donors balance precious resources. A focused process, designed for major impact on enrollment and fiscal health, is essential.

Even as a comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago is being vetted for release this spring, a parallel initiative is being launched in November with the goal of increasing enrollment across the system. Pastors and principals will be asked to share initial plans with the Bishop of their region before Christmas. The process includes surveys to the parent market, strengthening academic excellence, advancement and marketing outreach to the community, scholarship, leadership, and fiscal transparency. As the largest school system in the nation, our goal remains more students in great Catholic schools, doing what we do best in service to families and the future of our world and church.

• Superintedent's Letter
  
• Statement for sharing with parish communities