During the 2023-24 school year, preschool enrollment comprised 31 percent of the total student body at the 15 Catholic schools operated by the Diocese of Rochester, according to Frank Arvizzigno, the diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools.
This statistic was highlighted on April 25 when a team from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools recommended reaccreditation for the diocesan Catholic school system. Jon Cuniak, chairperson of the visiting team, emphasized the importance of retaining preschool students through to kindergarten and beyond. “The long-term viability of our schools may hinge on keeping these young students enrolled,” Cuniak said. “Preschools should focus on transitioning students to kindergarten and encouraging continued enrollment in Catholic schools.”
Arvizzigno acknowledged that retaining students has always been a goal but stressed that efforts are being intensified. “It’s a significant challenge, but it’s a priority for us,” he said.
Growing Importance of Preschool Education
Preschool education, once considered optional, is now increasingly valued by parents, Arvizzigno noted. Many parents recognize preschool as a crucial step in preparing their children for kindergarten. With both parents often working outside the home, preschool can be a more affordable option compared to childcare. Additionally, preschools offer more than basic education—they provide physical education, art, music classes, and sometimes access to a school counselor.
Strengthening Connections with Preschool Families
Despite the investment in preschool education, some families plan to switch to public schools for kindergarten. Arvizzigno said this varies by school and lacks specific statistics. To counter this, Catholic schools aim to foster a sense of community. At St. Pius Tenth School, Principal Maria Cahill ensures prospective families see the entire school during tours, not just the preschool classrooms. “When families see what we offer, they often fall in love with our school,” Cahill said, noting that about 65 percent of St. Pius preschool graduates continue on to kindergarten there.
Cahill also encourages prospective families to interact with current families and participate in school events like the annual open house and ice cream social. Additionally, St. Pius has increased its pre-K 3 program from two days to three or five days a week, responding to parent feedback about childcare needs.
At St. Ambrose Academy, preschoolers visit the kindergarten classroom each spring, where they engage in various activities with kindergartners. Preschool teacher Victoria Morales also provides kindergarten teachers’ contact information to parents for any questions.
Building Lasting Connections Among Students
Adam and Katelyn McDermott, who enrolled their son Brayden at St. Mary Our Mother School in Horseheads, plan to keep him there beyond preschool, a decision reinforced by their positive experiences. “We appreciate the integration among classes,” Adam McDermott said. His wife, Katelyn, noted the value of older students interacting with younger ones, saying, “It warms my heart to see Brayden saying goodbye to friends of all ages.” Their younger son, Jackson, will start preschool at St. Mary Our Mother this fall.