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Diocesan Schools Begin New Academic Year
School bells are ringing for the Diocese of Raleigh’s 24 Catholic schools. Seventeen schools, including Cardinal Gibbons High School, got underway this week, with seven scheduled to begin classes for the new school year next week.
This year’s total enrollment lists at 8,135 students, 88 more than the start of school last year. Cardinal Gibbons, the only Diocesan operated high school, reports 1,190 students, an increase of 56 from last year. The Franciscan School in Raleigh posts the largest enrollment for elementary/middle schools with 675 students registered. Saint Peter School in Greenville reports 573 with Saint Mary Magdalene School in Apex reporting 545.
Dr. Michael Fedewa, Superintendent of Catholic Schools says principals and staffs are excited about the start of the new school year and the opportunity to work with so many dedicated families. “As always, the primary mission of our Catholic schools is to partner with parents and help pass on our wonderful Catholic faith to our young people,” Dr. Fedewa said. “The mission, coupled with our commitment to excellence, make our schools invaluable assets to the Diocese.”
Among last year’s academic highlights was the selection by the U.S. Department of Education of two Diocesan schools honored as National No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools. They were Cathedral School and Our Lady of Lourdes School, both in Raleigh.
Dr. Fedewa noted that year, “We will be using the Year of Saint Paul as a focus for our religious instruction throughout the school year.”
In addition to the 24 schools, the Diocese also has nine early childhood centers with a total enrollment of 944 children.
Above: Principals attending their annual Opening of School Principal Meeting on August 8.
Below: Saint Raphael Catholic School Principal Barry Thomas greeting parents and students on first day of class.
