New Durham-Chapel Hill Catholic high school planning moves forward

The diocese has begun a series of studies to explore the feasibility of expanding Catholic high school options in areas served by the Diocese of Raleigh.

The four regions that will be evaluated through this process are:

  • the Coastal region (including New Bern/Havelock/Jacksonville/Morehead City);
  • the Fayetteville region (including Pinehurst and Southern Pines);
  • the Triangle region (Chapel Hill and Durham);
  • and the Wilmington region.

The Durham-Chapel Hill region is the first area for evaluation. A School Study Committee has been established to move the process forward and provide leadership and expertise throughout the study.

The committee’s role is to assist in evaluating the potential for a new Catholic high school; review research and reports provided by the consultant; and provide insight, experience and vision throughout the study process.

At the present time, community demographic data along with information regarding parish and Catholic school data trends have been researched. The goal of the data portion of the study is to provide a foundation for determining the strength of the potential student-pool in areas from which the proposed school could draw enrollment and ensure sustainability for the future.

Additionally, our consultant from the Meitler group has conducted meetings and interviews with a number of individuals and parent groups to enhance relationships, garner anecdotal information, and build interest and excitement in this great initiative. Meetings include the diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, local Catholic elementary school principals, and groups of interested parents and parishioners to learn more about the local community and invite them to participate in this study.

An online survey will be available for parents with children 12 years of age and younger to measure the level of interest in a new high school in the Durham-Chapel Hill area and their willingness to possibly enroll their children. This survey is critical to determine the potential enrollment of the proposed high school which, if sufficient, leads to next steps that include estimating costs, creating a funding model, establishing a timeline for next steps in planning and, ultimately, moving toward a campaign to open the school.

All parish and Catholic school parents with children ages 12 and younger are invited to take part in the survey process. Additional information regarding the survey and how to access it will be available in early September through parish and school announcements as well as on the Diocese of Raleigh website.

In October 2018, the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area will begin the process of the feasibility study.