Registration For Stepinac High School 2009 Freshmen Class Increases 33%

May 21, 2009 - PRLog -- Archbishop Stepinac High School’s tradition of providing a top quality education at an affordable tuition—combined with concerns about the economy—played a key role in the sharp increase in the number of students who will be in the freshmen class of 2009 over this year’s graduating class. A total of 162 students will begin classes next September, representing a 33% increase over this year’s graduating class of 122.

Stepinac’s increased enrollment contrasts with some other area Catholic high schools that have experienced a decrease in the number of students registered for the new school year beginning in September.

Paul Carty, Stepinac principal, said that the “the severity of the recession played a key role in the uptick we experienced  both in the number of parents who attended our Open House last fall and in the number of applications we received.” He added: “Up until a year ago when the economy was doing well, the cost differential between Stepinac and other high schools in the region didn’t seem to be a factor.”

Carty noted that Stepinac’s tuition has historically been lower than at other area Catholic high schools but academic standards are equally high. Stepinac’s 2009 tuition of $7,300 per year is about half the cost of tuition at other Catholic high schools and covers nearly all the expenses except for the cost of books and uniforms. “This results in significant annual savings that parents can apply to their children’s college education.”

A survey of 63 parents of the Stepinac’s 2009 freshmen students underscores how the economy and tuition levels have factored in choosing schools.

•   When asked how important a factor was Stepinac’s tuition, 57% said “very important” while another 31% indicated it was “somewhat important”.
•   32% said Stepinac’s tuition was significantly lower than other Catholic High School while 57% thought it was “competitive.”
•   50% said they were very concerned about being able to afford their children’s education over the next four years because of the current economic situation while 32% noted they were “somewhat concerned.”
•   59% believe that Stepinac’s tuition levels will help them to save money for their children’s college.
•   44% of the parents ranked academic excellence as the number one reason why they selected Stepinac, followed by the school’s reputation and Christian values at  20% and 19%, respectively.

Carty noted that there was also an increase in the number of parents inquiring about the availability of scholarships and financial aid. “Over the past 12 years, we’ve raised more than $1 million, making it possible to provide scholarships and financial assistance to qualified students. The successful fund raising has also enabled the school to plan new programs.”

Centrally located in White Plains, Stepinac High School draws students from a wide geographic area encompassing many Westchester communities and the Bronx. Commuting is not an issue for students living in outlying areas because of the school’s close proximity to mass transportation.

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Founded in 1948, Archbishop Stepinac High School’s mission is to offer young men a highly competitive academic and extracurricular program that will prepare them for college and leadership roles. The faculty and staff accomplish these objectives by pursuing excellence and creating a supportive, disciplined atmosphere with a strong sense of camaraderie and Christian values that are unique to the Stepinac experience. For more information on Stepinac High School please visit www.stepinac.org.