Private Catholic schools in Southeast Texas are seeing a surge in enrollment heading into the fall semester, with leaders in the Diocese of Beaumont reporting significant growth across multiple campuses.
More students will be filling the hallways of Catholic schools across the diocese this fall. St. Anne Catholic School alone has added about 65 students compared to this time last year, while enrollment across the Diocese of Beaumont has grown by about 15 percent. “We’re seeing a nice increase in all of our enrollment,” said Alison Kiker, superintendent for the Diocese of Beaumont.
The increase comes just months after the state took over Beaumont ISD, but Kiker said she does not believe that alone explains the growth. “I think more of the impact is what’s happening in the world around us. People want a place where their child is being educated as a whole person,” Kiker said.
Kiker said families are looking for strong academics, character development and a tight-knit school community. With more students enrolling, she said the focus is on keeping classroom standards high. “Our teachers have the time to teach We’re able to really go deep with understanding and enrichment,” Kiker said.
Kiker said the growth at St. Anne is something she has not seen during her 12 years at the school. “St. Ann’s is getting pretty close to capacity, which is really exciting. That’s the first time that’s happened since I’ve been here,” Kiker said.
Kiker said other schools in the diocese — Kelly High School, St. Catherine and St. Anthony Cathedral — are also seeing enrollment spikes.
Schools in the Diocese of Beaumont are set to open Aug. 13 for the fall semester.