Catholic schools in the Diocese of Columbus marked a notable year in 2025 with historic enrollment, strong academic results, campus expansion, and renewed emphasis on Catholic identity and mission.

Enrollment reaches 20-year high
With more families choosing Catholic education for their children, enrollment continues to be on the rise. Across the diocese, schools welcomed nearly 17,500 students, the highest total since the early 2000s. Most notably, high school enrollment rose by approximately four percent to nearly 5,000 students, a level reached only twice in the past 45 years.


Several high schools’ multi-year gains have contributed to this progress. Since 2022, enrollment at St. Charles Preparatory School has grown by 33%, Tuscarawas Central Catholic by 13%, Bishop Hartley by 12%, Fisher Catholic by 8%, and Bishop Watterson by 6%. Enrollment growth was particularly strong in Tuscarawas and Licking counties, and preschool enrollment also reached a historic high. Furthermore, in many schools, enrollment growth has reached the building capacity.


Earlier this fall, Bishop Fernandes recognized the Chesterton Academy of St. Benedict as an independent Catholic school within the diocese, bringing the total number of Our Catholic Schools to 50. Additionally, St. Bernadette School in Lancaster added seventh grade this academic year, and plans currently are moving forward to open a new middle school at Cristo Rey Columbus and a new elementary school called Ave Maria Academy at St. Peter St. Joan of Arc Parish for the 2026-27 academic year. To better meet the needs of student populations, Our Catholic Schools were blessed to welcome more than 20 new school administrators this fall, many of whom are filling positions created by the increased enrollment.

Academic and faith formation
Academic achievement remained a key strength in 2025. Ninety-five percent of schools reported average or high growth in reading, and diocesan students surpassed Ohio public school averages in reading proficiency.


These gains were supported by continued professional development for educators and renewed attention to the tradition of Catholic liberal arts education. The class of 2025 reflected these efforts, with more than 1,100 graduates earning more than $170 million in college scholarships and performing more than 81,000 service hours in their communities.


More importantly – and the reason Our Catholic Schools exist – is the continued emphasis on faith formation as a core dimension of education. More than 300 students traveled to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life in January, representing each of the diocese’s 11 high schools, and, in October, the second annual all-school rosary united all of our students in prayer, highlighting the shared identity of Catholic schools across central and southern Ohio.

Capacity challenges spur construction
Enrollment growth – with many schools operating at over 90% capacity and the majority managing waiting lists – continues to present capacity challenges, sparking studies and planning for school capital expansion projects.


Several projects were completed this year, including the renovation of the St. Pius X Chapel at Bishop Watterson High School, the addition of the Brotherhood Center at St. Charles Preparatory School, a new middle school addition at Holy Trinity School in Somerset, and a new, larger chapel at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School. This fall, Bishop Hartley High School completed the construction of a Marian grotto in its school courtyard, adding a beautiful, dedicated prayer space in nature for students.


Additional capital projects across the diocese will continue to unfold at schools throughout the diocese in the coming year, part of a broader effort to ensure they have the necessary facilities to continue serving families for years to come.

Increasing access to Catholic education
Affordability remained a priority for Our Catholic Schools through scholarship initiatives and long-term planning. The Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund recorded record revenue at the end of 2024 which, in turn, provided over $4 million in scholarships to students this academic year. Since its introduction in December 2021, overall revenue to the scholarship fund has increased nearly 7,000 percent, generating need-based scholarships for more than 6,500 students.


Ensuring Catholic education is accessible to families across all income levels will carry into 2026 and beyond.

Achievement beyond the classroom
High schools across the diocese also enjoyed strong athletic results this year. Bishop Watterson High School earned multiple state championships, including a back-to-back title in football, as well as titles in men’s soccer, women’s cross country, men’s lacrosse, and men’s wrestling. St. Charles Preparatory secured back-to-back championships in water polo, while Newark Catholic, Portsmouth Notre Dame, and St. Francis de Sales also earned state titles in women’s volleyball, softball and women’s lacrosse, respectively. Many individual athletes also were recognized with state and regional honors.

Jubilee pilgrimage highlights mission
The 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope served as a spiritual focal point for many educators. This fall, school administrators and members of the Office of Catholic Schools traveled to Rome with Bishop Earl K. Fernandes for the Jubilee for the World of Education. The pilgrimage included an audience and Mass with Pope Leo centered on vocation, unity, and mission in Catholic schooling, in addition to guided and behind-the-scenes tours of the major basilicas and other religious sites throughout the Eternal City.

Participants described the trip as a moment of renewal, emphasizing that Catholic education is rooted in the life, history, and mission of the Church.

Looking ahead
As 2025 concludes and sights turn to 2026, Our Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Columbus enter the new year with momentum guided by the Church’s call to form young people in faith, knowledge, and service.