The Wall Street Journal recently published an article speaking of how enrollment and student achievement in Catholic Schools across the nation are rising amid the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. The article, published on October 27, 2022, states that “America’s response to the pandemic set a generation of students back. But amid the bad news, Catholic schools were a bright spot, reflecting how these schools are making a difference in students’ lives.”
At OMPH School, we have been making a difference in the lives of children for over 60 years! The high academic standard that has always been expected of OMPH School students was kept at the forefront during the pandemic, with classes during the 2020-21 school year being held in person without a single full-school shut down. Diocese of Harrisburg Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mr. Daniel Breen, said “Our academic markers are strong, despite COVID. Using Renaissance STAR data (measuring spring of 2021 to spring of 2022), 72% of our Diocesan elementary students measured as proficient in reading, and 77% in math. In both cases, this is about 20 points higher than the public schools in PA that use STAR tests. Clearly, the fact that we fought so hard to stay open during COVID and kept students first really paid off!”
The Wall Street Journal pointed out that even though Catholic schools were challenged both with finances and staffing issues during the reopening phases, Pastors and Principals pushed forward to do what was best for the children; this perseverance resulted in Catholic school students nationwide scoring one and a half to two full grade levels above their public and home school counterparts.
Enrollment has grown tremendously for OMPH School in the past two years as well! OMPH has been recognized by Partners in Mission as an Enrollment Success Story, with our enrollment increasing 11% over the past two years! This is in part due to YOU: our current families and OMPH parishioners who are out there talking about our wonderful school in the community! It is also due to the generosity of our benefactors, who allow us to offer much-needed financial assistance to any family who seeks an OMPH School education for their children. According to the Wall Street Journal, “the average annual tuition for a K-8 Catholic school is $5,300—about 1/3 what states spend per child on public schools.”
At OMPH School, our tuition for 2023-2024 will be over $1,000 less than the average, thanks to the success of the ExtraGive which feeds into the Fund for OMPH School. OMPH continues to change and grow, and we would love to have your family be a part of that!
Are you ready for a change? We are now enrolling for 2023-24! Private tours are available by emailing Jen Francis at jfrancis@omph.org or calling 717-738-2414.
Tuition Transfer Grants are available for children entering Grades 1-7!
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