How has the Archdiocese tried to help save schools from consolidating?
The Archdiocese created the Partners in Excellence scholarship program which has distributed more than 21,000 scholarships worth more than $21 mil¬lion. Separately, the Archdiocese provides millions of dollars each year for tuition assistance, as well as direct financial support for both families and schools. Over the two most recent years, the Archdiocese has directed more than $10 million in such support to Catholic schools. The receiving schools are too far or too expensive. The closest Catholic school to a consolidating elementary school is fewer than three miles away and the average tuition for receiving elementary schools is $132 cheaper than consolidating schools. For The Cardinal Gibbons School, the Archdiocese has identified 400 available seats in area Catholic schools – more than enough to accommodate every student – and will work with each family to determine financial and transportation needs before identifying solutions to these important obstacles. The overall goal of thi
