Waiting lists, expanding facilities mark start of new school year

By Tom Tracy - Florida Catholic

 

Photography: Tom Tracy | FC

DAVIE | Archdiocese of Miami Catholic schools in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties are projecting an expected total enrollment increase of 600 students for the 2026-2027 school year, with the first day of school underway Aug. 11.

The continuing enrollment trend in South Florida, bolstered in part by the growing use of school vouchers, has been met with facilities upgrades, additional classroom space, renovation projects, expanded academic programs and other amenities to serve local students and their families at many schools.

At St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Davie, Dr. Lisa Kempinski, principal, stood watch as kindergarten students filed into the western Broward Campus, joining full elementary classes all the way to the eighth grade. At lunchtime, the cafeteria bustled with activity as elective courses in electronics and theatrical arts were held over in the school’s innovative learning center. 

With over 750 students this year, St. Bonaventure School currently tops out at three classrooms per grade level but has plans for breaking ground on a new wing featuring a creative lab/arts space and a middle school science lab to accommodate demand. 

The school is currently at or near capacity and maintains a substantial waiting list, Dr. Kempinski said. “We are fortunate…in that we have waiting lists in every grade level and we have been full since the expansion of scholarships,” she said, adding that Florida’s school choice scholarships have helped more middle-income families afford private Catholic education. 

Families here typically live anywhere from Pembroke Pines on the south to Coral Springs to the north. Scholarships expanded several years ago and drew families from the parish religious education programs, according to Dr. Kempinski. 

“The interest is there — people want a Catholic education and they want something different for their child.” 

In total, Archdiocese of Miami Catholic schools are expected to welcome approximately 37,000 students for the 2026–2027 school year across its network of 65 Catholic schools.

Dr. Jim Rigg said the continued growth reflects a strong demand from families seeking a Catholic education that combines academic excellence with faith formation, character development and a commitment to service.

“At this point, there are areas of South Florida where there are simply no open seats in a Catholic school,” said Dr. Rigg, archdiocesan secretary of education and superintendent of Catholic schools. 

Given the strong demand for Catholic education in South Florida, the archdiocese anticipates the likely need for new schools in the future. 

“We are in active conversations around opening one to two schools at the start of the 2027-2028 school year. More schools may be opened in future years,” he told the Florida Catholic. 

“It is terrific that so many families are drawn to our schools for their Catholic mission and strong academic programs.”

New developments at local Catholic schools include implementation of a tech-based mental health program called FriendZy, which equips students, parents, and educators with specific strategies to foster positive and compassionate treatment of others. The FriendZy curriculum is rooted in Scripture. 

“We began implementing FriendZy in a pilot group of schools last year and the program went very well. This year it is expanding to a significant number of schools in our system,” Dr. Rigg said. 

He added that, in addition to challenging academically advanced students, the schools continue growing in their ability to serve students across the learning spectrum, including those with identified special needs. 

“Our Catholic mission compels us to serve all, enabling each child to fully reach their God-given potential,” he said.

Other highlights from the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools include:

• St. Agnes Catholic Academy in Key Biscayne has completed renovations to classrooms and other areas of its campus.
• St. Theresa School in Coral Gables added new STEM classrooms as part of its historic campus expansion and a Centennial Campaign. In addition, the school will break ground later this year on a new Multipurpose Center, the first new campus building at the school in more than 70 years. That facility will provide dedicated spaces for new art and music rooms, a gymnasium, and a performing arts stage, expanding opportunities for students across a range of academic and extracurricular disciplines.
• St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale has launched a new partnership with HOSA – Future Health Professionals, providing students with specialized coursework and opportunities to earn certifications as they prepare for college and careers in health-related fields.
• St. Malachy Catholic School in Tamarac has renovated additional classrooms as the school continues to expand to accommodate growing enrollment and the needs of its students and families.
• St. Carlo Acutis Virtual Academy (CAVA) is serving more students than ever through its various academic programs. The virtual school provides families with flexible options while maintaining the academic and faith-centered mission of Catholic education.

“I have spoken to several of our principals today. All are reporting a very positive, yet busy, day. We are incredibly happy to welcome back students and families to our schools,” Dr. Rigg said. 

St. Bonaventure School’s principal, Dr. Lisa Kempinski, said the difference between Catholic education over public school education is that the school engages with “the whole child and the family,” in the faith as well as in academics. 

“What makes us different is we know the children, we know the families and we are part of a community — and that community piece is really important in education,” she said.

Interested in a Catholic education for your child? Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami provide academic excellence rooted in faith for students from infancy through 12th grade. Find a school near you and learn more about admissions at the Archdiocese of Miami School Finder.