VI. B. School Expansion
Findings and Background
1. Population has grown rapidly in the Archdiocese and is projected to increase from 11 million in 2000 to 16 million by 2040. The number of Catholic children (ages 5 to 19) grew from 437,000 in 1980 to 975,000 in 2000. During these years, the percentage of Catholic children in Catholic schools declined from 25% to 10%. Many factors contributed to the percentage decline, but the lack of additional school classrooms was the primary reason.
2. A study conducted in the Santa Clarita Valley in 1998 showed that Catholic elementary school enrollment would increase from 330 to 2,200 if more classrooms were available. A similar study conducted in the Antelope Valley showed that Catholic K to 12 enrollment would increase from 1,370 to 2,370 if more space were available in Catholic schools.
3. Three hundred twenty-two (322) new Catholic elementary schools and 47 new Catholic high schools were opened in the United States in the past 16 years. New Catholic schools were opened in 111 dioceses. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles only two new elementary schools were started in the last 20 years.
4. From 1980 to 2000, the number of schools in the Archdiocese declined
from 291 to 278
(-4%) and total Catholic K to 12 enrollment declined from 110,600 to 100,400
(-9%).
5. During the past 20 years, several existing schools in the Archdiocese constructed additional classrooms. There has been little incentive to expand existing schools to enroll more children.
6. Catholic population growth has occurred in most areas of the Archdiocese. Particular attention is given in this study to areas in which there are few Catholic schools: Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, Simi Valley, Conejo Valley and Diamond Bar/Hacienda Heights/Rowland Heights.
7. In addition to more school capacity, larger churches and other parish facilities are also needed in some areas.
Objectives and strategies
1. Parish school expansion plans will be developed within the context of a parish-wide master plan and the pastoral plan for the region.
Strategies1.1 The archdiocesan policy requiring parish master plans also applies to school expansion.
2. Parishes that have schools with suitable acreage at the site (or potential to acquire acreage) to expand the school, will study the market to determine if there is enrollment potential to add another section of each grade.
Strategies2.1 The study will evaluate the current population, projection of future population, and other evidence of the potential market. If appropriate, a market research survey will be conducted.
2.2 If there is evidence of a market for more classroom capacity, steps will be taken to investigate facility expansion options, costs, sources of funding, etc.
2.3 The Department of Catholic Schools and the Regional Bishop's office will be involved in the market research study. Surrounding parishes will also be involved.
3. Parishes that do not have schools, and are located in growth areas, will participate in a regional study to assess the need for new schools.
Strategies3.1 Studies conducted in 1998 in the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys will be the model for studies conducted in other areas.
4. An archdiocesan-wide capital campaign for Catholic schools will include "seed money" for starting new schools.
5. New and/or expanded Catholic schools are needed in the Simi and/or Conejo Valleys.
Strategies5.1 A parent survey will be conducted in all parishes in the Simi and Conejo Valleys to assess interest in Catholic schools, willingness to enroll children, willingness to pay tuition, etc.
5.2 Anecdotal evidence suggests the possible need for a new school at Fr. Serra Parish and St. Peter Claver Parish. Potential need for expansion of existing schools will be studied at St. Pascal and St. Rose. Combined religious education enrollments are 2,465 and continuing to grow at these parishes.
6. In the Antelope Valley new elementary school classrooms will be added and Paraclete High School will be expanded.
Strategies6.1 The 1998 study recommendations will be implemented and elementary school capacity at least doubled.
7. New and expanded Catholic schools will be undertaken in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Strategies7.1 The 1998 study recommendations will be implemented. Land has already been acquired for a K to 12 Catholic school complex. Plans are currently being prepared by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish to double the size of its school.
8. A new elementary school will be opened at St. John Vianney Parish in Hacienda Heights.
Strategies8.1 The school expansion plan to serve Diamond Bar/Hacienda Heights/Rowland Heights should be large enough to accommodate the long-term need for school capacity.
9. When new parishes are started by the Archdiocese, sites will be acquired with enough acreage to include a school.
