Preparations like this are
Gearing up: Catholic
Schools prepare for third year of record enrollment
CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org
CHARLOTTE — Teachers are readying classrooms and families are stockpiling supplies as the first day of school approaches for the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic Schools, on pace for their third straight year of record enrollment.
The number of students enrolled in the diocese’s 20 schools across the western half of North Carolina has risen steadily in recent years, hitting a new high of 8,315 students enrolled as of July 30, according to the Catholic Schools Office. Of that, 5,700 students are enrolled in the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.
The total is up about 2% from this time last year and 18% over the past five years – a testament to the continued success of Catholic education in the diocese, according to Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe.
“Our diocese continues to be a destination for Catholic education because we provide outstanding academics and instill Catholic values and character in our students,” Monroe said. “Our wonderful parents and families partner with our devoted educators to give students a wide range of opportunities – so that every child can succeed.”
Enrollment would have been even higher, Monroe noted, if families had been able to take advantage of the popular North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship program as many originally hoped.
The program, which helps families pay tuition at schools of their choice, was set to
be expanded this year – prompting many families to sign their children up for a Catholic education. But a bill to provide additional funding stalled in the North Carolina Legislature, putting the expansion – and the plans of many families – on hold.
“We were very excited to hear that 74,000 people statewide had applied for the Opportunity Scholarship across the state and that the Legislature planned to fully fund the program so all families who applied could receive assistance,” Monroe said. “So of course we were disappointed when legislators were unable to come to a consensus on the state budget.”
While Monroe still hopes for a budget agreement, the Catholic Schools Office will continue planning for accommodating the continued growth through possible expansions at existing schools and new school construction.
The 2024-25 academic year also brings added learning opportunities for students, said Assistant Superintendent Crystal Koury.
Two of the diocese’s high schools –Christ the King in Huntersville and Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville – now have dual-enrollment arrangements with Belmont Abbey College, enabling students to take college-level classes while also completing their high school studies.
The diocese has also enhanced its support for students who need additional help in the classroom through the school’s learning support program, now called “Academic Achievement.” The program includes adding accommodations for students who need more time to complete
tests and assignments, assisting with notetaking, and assigning a teacher or aide to assist a student one-on-one in the classroom or in an individualized setting.
“Every school can now offer a program that matches the quality and consistency of their sister schools, ensuring that all students in our programs receive the best possible support,” Koury said.
Catholic schools also offer a range of programs for students with different
learning abilities beginning in prekindergarten all the way through high school and beyond. (See page 13.)
“We do everything we can to tailor the education we provide to what students and families want and need to succeed in life – academically, socially and spiritually,” Monroe said. “That starts with listening to parents and students, providing resources, and building out a range of opportunities so every child can thrive.”
Marianne Ong, a staff member at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, sorts and sets out textbooks for students as she prepares her classroom for the new academic year.
going on at Catholic schools all around the Diocese of Charlotte as the first day of school approaches.
TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
DAVID PUCKETT | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD * denotes estimated enrollment as of July 30.
Educating all of God’s children: Special learning options
The Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools are dedicated to providing a robust Catholic education for all students, including those with special needs. Parents can find programs that offer both academic and spiritual education from the early years through high school.
The goal is to give special needs students a well-rounded education that prepares them for life, says Assistant Superintendent Allana-Rae Ramkissoon.
To
“We want parents to know that whatever the dream is for your child, whether it is to continue on to a college setting or into the world of work, we have a program that can help them achieve that,” Ramkissoon said. “There is also the goal of helping these students to feel as much a part of the school experience as possible, and to build up the social interactions between special needs students and their general education peers.” Here’s a snapshot of what the diocese offers:
CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org
Modified Academic Program (MAP)
St. Ann and Our Lady of the Assumption schools, Charlotte
For students in grades 2-5 with special learning needs who need a hybrid educational approach that delivers both instruction in a self-contained classroom and general education classes. Instruction in core subjects is adapted to each student’s ability level.
www.stanncatholic.org/speciallearning
Providing Academically Appropriate Catholic Education (PACE)
Our Lady of the Assumption School, Charlotte; Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro
For elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities. At Our Lady of the Assumption, in grades 2-5, PACE primarily uses a self-contained setting, with daily classes alongside general education peers. In grades 6-8, the goal is to remediate reading/writing weaknesses, so students may eventually be included in a general education classroom with learning support. In Greensboro, the program is designed for PK-8th grade students with learning or intellectual disabilities who require a small classroom setting and specialized instruction in academics and social skills. Students have a separate curriculum and integrate with the general school population for specific programs.
www.olacatholic.org/speciallearning
Matthew-Morgan Program
St. Patrick School, Charlotte
www.olgsch.org/learn-at-olg/pace-program.cfm
For K-5 students with Down syndrome. Students receive a quality, faith-based education in a classroom setting where each of them can progress toward their own individual potential. Basic academic and life skills are taught. Elementary students in the MACS system who complete the program may continue their education through the Options path at Holy Trinity Middle School or Charlotte Catholic High School.
www.saintpatrickschool.org/specialprograms
Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro
For PK-8th grade students with high-functioning autism. QUEST offers structured, individualized instruction in social skills, academics and language. It is designed for students who benefit from inclusion opportunities with their peers – both in the classroom and during social activities.
www.olgsch.org/learn-at-olg/quest-program.cfm
Options
Holy Trinity Middle and Charlotte Catholic High schools, Charlotte
At Holy Trinity, the program caters to students who need an individualized, modified curriculum and combines instruction in both inclusive and a self-contained setting. It is designed to continue with Options at Charlotte Catholic. There, the program works to give students a full high school experience while also preparing them for life beyond high school. Options also offers a “certificate path” that enables participants to explore offerings on college campuses that accommodate special needs students.
www.htcms.org/speciallearning
www.charlottecatholic.org/departments/options-program
“We work hard and play hard and pride ourselves in building positive relationships with our families – many of whom will be with us for four years.”
“The idea is to teach students in PACE strategies that will enable them to be in a regular classroom by the time they get to high school.”
“There is a joy you see in parents when they watch their students in this program…the students are able to both be educated at their appropriate levels and also to be included in all school activities.”
“We share God’s unconditional love with each child, equipping them with faith and virtue to follow His will for their life.”
“The inclusion program has helped her academically and to develop social and people skills which will be critically important as she moves into a job life after school.”
www.charlottediocese.org/schools/about/special-learning.
Amanda Mooney, MAP teacher St. Ann School, Charlotte
Tyler Kulp, principal Our Lady of the Assumption School
Nicholas Calametti, principal St. Patrick Catholic School
Catherine Rusch, principal Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro
Stephen Dey on daughter Avery’s experience, Options program at Charlotte Catholic
Our Catholic Schools
Diocese of Charlotte Schools encompass 20 schools in different formats: Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), parish-based schools, a diocesan-based high school, and an affiliate.
How do I apply?
Navigating the application process for the diocese’s parish-based schools and for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system (MACS) is a straightforward online process.
The admissions process begins in November and continues as space is available. All schools work on a rolling admissions basis until all spots are filled.
All students entering pre-kindergarten must be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31. All kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31. Details for MACS – including required documents and placement testing information – can be found online at www.discovermacs.org/apply. Details for each parish-based school can be found on their respective website. Questions? Please call the individual school or the MACS Office any time in the application process at 704-370-3273
Diocesan high school
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School 1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284 336-564-1010
www.bmhs.us Grades: 9-12
Affiliate school
Canongate Catholic High School
109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden, NC 28704
828-712-8924
www.canongatecatholic.org Grades: 9-12
Parish-based schools
This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the diocese’s Catholic Schools system, they are directly administered by a corresponding parish. For admissions info, contact the specific school.
Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804
828-252-7896
www.ashevillecatholic.org Grades: PK-8
Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791
828-693-3277 www.immac.org Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265
336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Grades: PK-8
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403
336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Grades: PK3-8
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Grades: PK-8
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS)
Sacred Heart Catholic School
385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147
704-633-2841
www.salisburycatholicschool.org Grades: JK-8
St. Leo Catholic School 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104
336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Grades: PK-8
St. Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052 704-865-4382 www.stmcsg.org Grades: PK-8
St. Pius X Catholic School 2200 North Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408 336-273-9865 www.spxschool.com Grades: PK-8
Step 1: Take a Tour
• Though not a required step, it is recommended to take a tour before officially applying to a school.
• An in-person tour is a great way to ask specific questions about the curriculum, what is offered, and what the facilities feature for your child.
Step 2: Complete Application Form
A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 4 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools):
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
704-531-0067
www.olacatholic.org
Grades: PK-8
St. Ann Catholic School 600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209
704-525-4938
www.stanncatholic.org
Grades: PK, TK and K-5
St. Gabriel Catholic School
3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
704-366-2409
www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org
Grades: K-5
St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
704-766-5000
www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Grades: K-8
St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-544-2070
www.stmattwildcats.com
Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5
St. Patrick Catholic School 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203
704-333-3174
www.saintpatrickschool.org Grades: K-5
Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Grades: 6-8
Christ the King Catholic High School 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078 704-799-4400 www.ctkchs.org Grades: 9-12
Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 704-543-1127 www.charlottecatholic.org Grades: 9-12
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Step 4: Complete Checklist Items
• An easy-to-use online system for applying enables you to start at either a specific school’s website or at DiscoverMACS.org.
• Just click the green menu bar item labeled “Apply” at the top of the page.
• Applicants are encouraged to call anytime throughout the application process with questions.
• Pay by mail, credit card or electronic check.
• The application fee is non- refundable.
• Along with the application, applicants must submit a birth certificate and proof of a physical exam and immunization records.
• Additionally, families who wish to qualify for a participating Catholic tuition discount must submit a completed parish participation voucher.
• Some schools may ask for the student’s most recent grades and standardized test scores.
• MACS middle schools and high schools require principal and teacher recommendations and transcripts.
Catholic schools name 5 new principals in Triad, Asheville
ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org
CHARLOTTE — Catholic school communities in the Triad and in Asheville are welcoming new principals this fall. Two recent hires and three internal candidates have been tapped to lead St. Pius X in Greensboro, Our Lady of Mercy and St. Leo in Winston-Salem, Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville, and Asheville Catholic School.
Antonette Aguilera, the new principal of St. Pius X School in Greensboro, has more than 25 years of teaching experience, from elementary education to post-graduate levels. She began as a third-grade teacher near Los Angeles and has served St. Pius X School as assistant principal since 2018. In addition to her love for children and for teaching, her dedication to education advocacy and law has been a driving force in her career, she says.
“As someone who has been shaped by Catholic education, the mission of Catholic schools resonates deeply,” she adds. “I believe in nurturing in our students a lasting relationship with Christ and an appreciation for the profound beauty of our Gospel teachings.”
Aguilera holds a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic University, a Juris Doctor degree from Western State University, a Master of Laws from the
University of London, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Liberty University.
Callie Moore, the new principal of Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem, has spent the past nine years teaching and leading the middle school at St. Leo School in WinstonSalem. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from High Point University.
During her time at St. Leo, Moore was named Teacher of the Year for the 2019-’20 school year for her work in developing and executing the digital learning plan for the middle school. Most recently, she served as the assistant principal at St. Leo.
Moore says she feels God has always led her to the place she most needs to be, and He had a strong hand in leading her to this position. With His guidance, Moore says, she is looking forward to a new journey and is excited to see what the future holds at Our Lady of Mercy School.
Katie Nance is the new principal of St. Leo School in Winston-Salem. She has experience as a school administrator and non-profit executive. In her 11 years of management and senior leadership experience,
she built and maintained relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Nance earned her undergraduate degree at High Point University and a master’s degree in school administration from Appalachian State University. She served as admissions director and director of the lower school at High Point Friends School from 2017 to 2020. She has also served as director of education and programs at the Nido And Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum in High Point.
Nance is a member of various committees such as the High Point Chamber of Commerce and volunteers as a lector and greeter at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point.
Melissa Stuart, the new principal of Asheville Catholic School, will be familiar to the school community – having taught and served as assistant principal from 2022 to earlier this year. She joined the school in 2021 as a fourth-grade teacher, following 17 years of service in Miami-Dade County Schools. Throughout her career she taught upper elementary classes with a focus on reading development and a specialization in writing. She served as a lead teacher, instructional coach, and in 2016, was named a Florida High Impact Teacher. Stuart first became an assistant principal in 2016 after earning a master’s degree in educational leadership. She worked
in administration for three years before moving to Asheville with her family. Stuart attended Catholic school as a child and says her own Catholic education and experience in the classroom inform her leadership approach. She prioritizes having students find joy in learning and fulfillment in being living examples of Christ’s love.
Claire Willis assumed the role of principal of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville in June 2024, with her predecessor, Dr. Jared Rashford, becoming president of the school. Willis most recently served as the assistant schools superintendent for the Diocese of Baton Rouge and has 10 years of experience as a Catholic school administrator.
Willis is a certified education leader and education specialist in gifted education and holds a master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University-Shreveport, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Louisiana State University.
After spending every summer in the North Carolina mountains since childhood, Willis and her family moved from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to fulfill their dream of making North Carolina home. She says she is excited to be a part of the Bishop McGuinness community and its mission to form the faith, character and intellect of young men and women.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Stuart
Aguilera
Willis
Moore
Nance
Our Mission:
Committed to inclusivity and diversity within Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School family and rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, we strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
4225 Shamrock Drive Charlotte, NC 28215 Ph: 704-531-0067
FFHL funds provide $120K in tuition assistance at 6 schools
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign is funding $120,200 in tuition assistance this fall that will help students at six diocesan schools receive a Catholic education.
The 2013 FFHL campaign funded capital projects, endowments and other needs across the growing diocese. Included in the $65 million campaign was a tuition assistance endowment available to the diocese’s 20 schools.
This year’s funds are going to six diocesan schools that applied for the 2024’25 school year: Asheville Catholic School, $33,100; Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, $28,000; Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point, $16,300; Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, $4,200; Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, $24,000; and St. Michael School in Gastonia, $14,600.
The funds are expected to help participating Catholic families who have the greatest financial need.
The FFHL tuition assistance endowment, with over $4.6 million in assets, is administered by a committee consisting of the diocese’s schools superintendent, chief financial officer and members of the diocesan school board. Available income from the endowment is distributed to qualifying diocesan schools that apply each year for student financial aid.
An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is never touched, but the income from which can be used according
The endowment has awarded $990,430 in financial aid for students to attend Catholic schools.
to the wishes of the donor organization or person. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the longterm strength and viability of the recipient parish, school or ministry.
To date, a total of $990,430 in FFHL funding has been awarded to the diocese’s schools for tuition assistance.
To qualify for the funding, the school must receive local parish support of at least $500 per participating Catholic student and must have awarded all of its tuition assistance funds it already has for that school year. Schools that do not receive $500 per student in parish support may be considered if there are extenuating financial circumstances that preclude this level of support. Qualifying schools may request funds from the FFHL endowment for participating Catholic students with a financial need.
The tuition assistance endowment is one of seven endowments funded through the FFHL campaign.
—
Catholic News Herald
Financial aid makes Catholic education more accessible
Diocesan financial aid & discounts
Most families who attend Catholic schools receive some form of financial aid through tuition discounts or assistance.
All of the diocese’s schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases.
Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $5,000 to $13,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are also available. Needs-based tuition assistance is also available to qualified families – making Catholic education more affordable than ever for more families.
The application period is January through March 31 for the upcoming school year.
A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. Aid is need-based and can only assist with the cost of tuition. As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award.
For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www.discovermacs.org/familyindividualized-tuition. The DiscoverMacs.org website has detailed information about how financial assistance works, how to apply, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The diocese’s nine parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.
All financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, FACTS. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS processor using the information provided by the family.
Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.
State financial aid
Other financial aid options include the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program, Disabilities Grant Program, and Education Savings Accounts. These cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school. In addition, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account may cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in kindergarten through 12th grade. This program provides funding for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school. Scholarships range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 and are based on a family’s household income.
DISABILITIES GRANT PROGRAM
The Disabilities Grant Program is a program for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade to provide an option for parents to pay tuition, fees and some other expenses at a participating school. This program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year ($4,000 per semester) for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT
An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade. An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card. This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school. Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility. For details on all of these programs, go to the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority’s website at www.ncseaa.edu/k12
The Abbey Experience
Diocese’s endowment funds support schools, students
CHARLOTTE — The Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte manages 92 endowments that generate income to directly aid Catholic schools and their students.
Since 1994, more than $5.5 million has been distributed from these endowments to directly benefit schools and students.
“We are grateful for those individuals and schools who have established endowments in the diocesan foundation for our 20 Catholic schools,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. ”We are hopeful that more alumni, grandparents, past parents, current parents and friends of our Catholic schools will establish endowments – either now or in their estate plan.”
Established in 1994, the foundation offers a way for people and organizations to provide long-term financial stability for the diocese and its ministries.
An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is invested – not spent – that generates income to help pay for projects and programs specified by the donor.
Endowments are tax deductible and help sustain the strength and viability of the diocese and its entities, paying for capital improvements, charitable outreach, education and parish operations.
The foundation makes available annually 5 percent of an endowment’s value (averaged over three years). It reports to endowment holders every quarter outlining the latest value and how much is available for distribution for its prescribed purpose – which can be very specific or more general, giving recipients the leeway to decide how the funding can help them most.
“The benefit of an endowment is that its principal continues to grow while at the same time generating an increasing amount of income for a school or ministry or parish,” said Kelley.
View the full list of education endowments on the diocese’s website, www.charlottediocese.org
You can establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School develops students in their pursuit of excellence In partnership with committed families, our dedicated faculty form the faith, character, and intellect of young men and women within an engaged, diverse community grounded in the Catholic tradition
Bishop McGuinness is fully accredited, and a college preparatory high school that is widely recognized for high academic standards, extensive extra curricular activities and championship athletic teams. Students are guided by an exceptional faculty and college counseling team, not only as they work towards college goals, but in all aspects of their experience at Bishop.
We offer a full AP program, aviation STEM courses, a thriving arts program with over 40 courses, Learning Support program and on-site tutoring services We are located in the center of the Triad and have transportation available. We offer tuition assistance as part of our commitment to making a Catholic education affordable for families
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