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GOOD NEWS TRAVELS FAST: Enrollment Up at Reitz Memorial
Though several factors have driven enrollment growth at Reitz Memorial High School, Brian Heathcott believes that “good news travels fast,” and the high school has a wealth of good news.
“We have a great story here at Reitz Memorial High School, a place steeped in tradition since 1925, and we want people to make us part of their story too,” says Brian, Director of Enrollment and Marketing. “The data speaks for itself. We’re doing things right and truly educating each student to their highest potential.”
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Brian himself is an alum of Memorial and graduated in the class of 2007. Since January 2016, he has been working with enrollment at the high school. Each day he has the opportunity to invite other students and families into a transformative educational community.
“I can’t help but smile when I think about my years here and how my experience at Memorial shaped me into the person I am today,” says Brian. “This really is my dream job. I get to show people the school I attended and share this place I love with the community. I get to form relationships with families and watch students grow throughout their four years here.” Memorial’s increasing enrollment trend started last year when the school welcomed the largest freshmen class it had seen in four years with 154 new students. This fall the school welcomes 166 new students in the freshmen class.
The school has now seen two years of increased enrollment, which is a growth trend occurring for the first time in 23 years.
“It’s very exciting to see,” says Brian. “We’re continuing to do things right here and have great momentum. We’re going to see that momentum continue to build going forward.”
Several factors contribute to increased enrollment. For one, Memorial has worked hard to keep education affordable and to provide tuition assistance options so that more families have access to the high school.
The school has also experienced great success in academics and athletics and claimed several state championships this year.
“Good news travels fast, and people want this kind of success for their kids and their families,” says Brian. “We’re also focused on retention. We make an individual plan for each student. We personalize their experience because everyone has different needs and goals.”
For those of you who have chosen to enroll your children at Reitz Memorial High School, Brian would like to thank you personally for entrusting the school with your child’s education.
“We don’t take that responsibility lightly, and we are very grateful you have chosen us,” says Brian. “We believe in you and in this partnership. We work hard so that every student leaving here is ready to take on the world and knows that we’re serving something bigger than ourselves. Let’s keep moving ahead together.”
Director of Enrollment and Marketing Brian Heathcott (left) meeting with a prospective family.
Brian Heathcott helps a student find her way during this year’s Freshman Orientation.
Every year, families are welcomed to the annual Open House at Reitz Memorial, giving them a chance to see what makes us unique. Families receive a tour of the school and get to meet with various students, teachers, departments, and organizations within our school.
As a welcoming gesture, members of the Reitz Memorial faculty and staff deliver yard signs to all new families, welcoming them to the Reitz Memorial Family. This is done the week before the start of the school year.
St. Benedict Cathedral School eighth-graders during their visit day on Sept. 30
