New Statistics from Catholic Schools in the U.S. Reveal Steady Enrollment and Commitment to Faith-Based Learning Nationwide - NCEA
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In advance of the full report, this Data Brief is a high-level overview of the current state of Catholic education in the United States, highlighting enrollment, school closures and openings, teacher retention, school choice and other important topics.
NCEA summary of the 2023-2024 Academic Year: As Catholic schools continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by changing
demographics, economic realities and educational needs, this report is crucial in guiding strategic
decisions, fostering community engagement and enhancing the educational offerings to meet the
needs of all students. The insights from the 2023-2024 academic year set a foundation for future growth,
innovation and continued commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
The United States Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools 2023-2024: The Annual Statistical Report on
Schools, Enrollment and Staffing presents a high-level overview of the current state of Catholic education
in the United States, shedding light on school characteristics, enrollment trends and the strategic
positioning of schools across various regions. This data brief synthesizes key findings from the report,
offering insights into the evolving landscape of Catholic education and its implications for stakeholders.
Moving forward, the Catholic education system’s ability to navigate changing dynamics—fostering stability in a world of chaos, becoming more inclusive with distinct educational models, adapting by balancing tradition with innovation and offering witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ in a rapidly evolving environment—will be crucial for its continued relevance and growth. These insights not only inform strategic planning and policy development but also highlight the need for ongoing support, investment and innovation to ensure Catholic schools continue to serve as vital educational institutions and evangelists within their communities. Stability Amidst Chaos Amidst societal upheaval and educational instability, Catholic schools have emerged as beacons of stability, reversing years of enrollment decline. Faced with challenges such as technological shifts, demographic changes and the pandemic’s impact, these institutions have adapted strategically. The following key findings directly reflect how Catholic schools have not only stabilized but also begun to flourish anew. This resilience underscores their enduring commitment to providing a grounded, faithbased education in a world that often seems in flux.
Enrollment Trends The national enrollment for the PK-12 grade span stands at 1,693,327, with preschool students making up 10.1% of the total enrollment. Although the national enrollment decline since 2013-2014 school year has been 281,251, a 14.2% loss of the student population, enrollment in more recent years has stabilized. This year enrollment remained steady with a 0.0% change from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. Key Data Points: • National PK-12 enrollment: 1,693,327. • Enrollment has remained stable since last year, rather than continuing the trend of decline. • After two years of growth, enrollment has stabilized.
New Schools - Data Points: • New schools opened: 20. • Schools closed or consolidated: 55. • 38% of all schools have a waiting list.
Disabilities Data: • 7.8% of students in Catholic schools were reported having a diagnosed disability, highlighting the inclusive nature of Catholic education and its adaptability to diverse learning needs.
Non-Catholic Enrollment: • 21% of students are reported to be non-Catholic • 16% of faculty are reported to be non-Catholic, and 12% have not reported a religious affiliation.
Hispanic Students: • The Hispanic/Latino student population in Catholic schools (19%) underscores the system’s role in serving diverse communities and its adaptability to the changing demographics of the United States. • 129 Catholic schools offer Dual-Language Immersion Programs.
Sponsorship: • The majority of elementary schools remain parish-sponsored, indicating a strong connection to local church communities. However, there’s been a notable growth in the number and percentage of elementary diocesan schools, from 2.3% in 1990 to 18.0% in 2023, signaling a trend towards consolidation and centralized management within dioceses. • At the secondary level, private sponsorship remains prevalent (44.5%), followed closely by diocesan (39.0%), highlighting the diversity in sponsorship models across Catholic schools.
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