TALLAHASSEE – Catholic schools in Florida are seeing a notable rise in enrollment, going up by 12.1% over the last ten years. This stands out, as Catholic schools across the country have dropped by 13.2% during the same time.
Florida’s growth highlights its unique approach, where state policies have played a key role. Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded school choice options, giving more families access to private education.
Recent laws now allow every family to apply for state-funded scholarships, averaging $8,600 per year. These funds have opened doors for nearly 400,000 students to attend private schools, with three out of four Catholic school pupils in Florida now using these programmes.
This support has made Catholic education more accessible, especially for middle- and working-class families. It has reversed earlier trends where enrolment fell as private schools became out of reach for many. In the Diocese of Venice, all 16 Catholic schools now have waitlists, and places like St. Malachy near Fort Lauderdale have reopened to welcome more pupils.
Catholic Schools Build Character
The increase isn’t just about funding. Many younger people today are searching for something deeper. As American society faces more loneliness and uncertainty, Catholic schools offer a sense of meaning and structure.
These schools focus on building character through faith, discipline, and a clear set of values. Many young adults feel overwhelmed by social media and a fast-moving world, so they look for communities where faith is the centre. As one Florida teacher said, families want schools that help form both minds and hearts.
Catholic schools in Florida are attracting a wider mix of students. The percentage of non-Catholic pupils has grown from 13% to 19% in the past decade. The student body also better matches the state’s public school diversity, with more students of colour enrolling every year.
Hispanic families, in particular, are choosing Catholic education, supported by 129 schools offering dual-language programmes to help children learn in both English and Spanish. This welcoming approach fits with the Church’s universal message and appeals to families who care about strong academics and a clear moral framework.
Fewer stable marriages and families
Interest in the Catholic faith itself is rising among students. Some dioceses say more pupils want to join catechism classes and take part in the sacraments. While nationwide figures show 41% of people raised Catholic have left the faith, Florida’s Catholic schools are defying this trend.
Programmes focused on spiritual growth, like retreats and service projects, help students experience faith in daily life. Many pupils feel drawn to the Church’s teachings about service and community.
The wider backdrop is a society with fewer stable marriages and families, and a loss of shared values. Catholic schools in Florida are stepping into this gap, offering education grounded in faith for children who need support and guidance.
As one Miami parent put it, Catholic schools are “an anchor” for their children in a world that often feels chaotic. With strong leadership, broad access, and a focus on spiritual growth, Florida’s Catholic schools offer a model that could inspire others elsewhere.
As more young people search for answers, these schools give them a place to find stability and meaning in the enduring beliefs of Catholicism.
