South Orange Catholic Schools, from Nursery through Senior Year, Thrive

While budget cutbacks have been on public school agendas this year,  is doing another kind of math. The 35 young women who graduated in 2011, all of whom are headed to college in the fall, earned $3.4 million in merit-based scholarship money. Likewise, South Orange's daycare and elementary school, , has posted impressive stats and anecdotal success—even playing an—for the year.

Local schools' continued growth bucks the statewide Catholic school trend. A report authored by The Governor's Study Commission on New Jersey's Nonpublic Schools, and released in July 2010 by Gov. Chris Christie, noted that non-public schools serve some 160,000 students in New Jersey. However, the report, "Quality Education for All of New Jersey's Children: The Importance of Supporting the Complementary Relationship Between New Jersey's Public and Nonpublic Schools," noted that enrollment dropped 29,000 between 2004 and 2009, largely for financial reasons. (These are the latest available figures.)

Despite such numbers, Marylawn opened its doors for the first time last fall to seventh and eighth graders. Fiana Muhlberger, Director of Admissions and Marketing, notes the school welcomed "17 seventh and eighth graders from South Orange, Maplewood, Union, Newark, and the Oranges." Across town, Sister Judith Blair, S.C.C. confirmed that Our Lady of Sorrows had the largest enrollment in recent memory during the 2010-'11 year. (Enrollment figures for this year were not available as of this writing.)

Marylawn principal Christine Lopez explained the changes: "Our impetus for starting this program is to expand the curriculum initiatives that we can offer to young women in our community." 

The middle school curriculum includes lab science, world languages, fine arts (music, art and theater) and physical education programs. Muhlberger explained that the program is designed to offer a "personalized education geared towards jump-starting academic growth."

"They are an excellent group of young women and a wonderful addition to the Marylawn family," said Muhlberger of the students.

She notes that the youngest Marylawn girls have excellent role models in the more senior students: the class of 2011 has maintained a 10-year record of 100 percent graduation and 100 percent college acceptances.

"Our teachers are tough, but they are exactly what we need," says Kidist Niguisse, Class of 2013. "As Marylawn steps up, we step up."

A Marylawn parent says, "Imagine your child is walking in the dark, she knows the way but she's frustrated because she can't seem to find her way, then all of a sudden a light comes on and everything becomes clear and she sees the way. That's what Marylawn has done for my daughter."

OLS claims a similar loyalty from parents, some of whom are alumni. "As a 1979 graduate, it seems fitting to send my children to the school that has upheld such a high standards for education, spiritual and personal growth for generations," says Peter Byrne, parent of 4th grade and kindergarten students.

The school has added not only students to the roll book, but programs to the curriculum. Students who demonstrate mastery in a particular subject can advance grade levels. A fifth grader who is adept at math can do sixth or seventh grade work in that subject area, for example.

While OLS's growth may be due, in part, to in Maplewood, The Nursery at OLS, a daycare facility, opened on school grounds in 2009. OLS now tends and teaches children from infancy through eighth grade, including after-school care, a priority in this community.

The school measures growth in other ways, as well. The gym floor and bleachers were replaced and upgraded this year, as an investment in the school's future. The community celebrated principal Judith Blair on her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years as a Sister of Christian Charity. At the same time, the school looks forward: the school's , which provides food for school lunches and a food pantry, .

The garden, a parent-led initiative, involved teachers and students in the planning and the planting. "More than 200 students from grades K-8 took part.  Teachers and parent volunteers supervised as students dug up grass, hauled dirt to amend the soil and created paths for easy access. Students also designed and created wooden garden plaques to help identify plantings and to decorate the garden border," explains parent Jennifer Newman.

Such participation is typical and part of the school's draw for one mother of two. "The school's success is driven by the hard work of each student, the tireless commitment of volunteer parents and  a dedicated teaching staff," explains Louie Torres, parent of third grade and kindergarten students.

Our Lady of Sorrows tuition is $4,870 for a parishioner, and $6,925 for a non-parishioner, with discounts for multiple children in a family. (Daycare tuition varies by age and options.) Participation in school fundraisers is also expected, though only "to the extent their [family] means will permit," according to the school website.

a decision the school made with the economy in mind. Rev. Msgr. Robert Emery was pleased. “We know that a child’s elementary education plays a paramount role in their academic, social and personal development. This is why more people are considering a private school education," he said. "Our goal is to keep Our Lady of Sorrows an affordable option for families so we can maintain our existing student base and keep growing.”

Marylawn of the Oranges tuition rates are $8,450 for high school and $5,650 for middle school. The school offers assistance in finding appropriate aid, grants and scholarship.

The cost of these local schools is a fraction of that at many independent schools where tuition, fees, and books can total $30,000 annually. Still, in a time of economic uncertainly, their growing appeal to local families is intriguing.

Associated with the Sisters of Christian Charity, both schools offer a religious education as part of their mission. This draws a number of families, such as the Chambers. "We chose OLS," says Melanie Chambers, mother of a fourth grader and a kindergarden student, "because we wanted our children to obtain a well-rounded, faith-based education, which would help them to become respectful, honest and caring individuals."

However, both schools have Catholic and non-Catholic students on the rolls. OLS parents offer additional reasons for choosing the school.

"I came to OLS because of small class sizes, personalized attention and a sense of community," says Patty Caballero, mother of a fourth grader and a kindergardener. "Teachers and administrators know my children—and me—by name and, together, we make sure my children succeed in learning."

Many parents note that the school reflects the community. "We chose to send our children to OLS, because it's not only a great academic institution, but it's diverse and family-oriented... it feels like home," explains Heather Boisrond, parent of a fifth grader and a pre-schooler. Likewise, parent Torres says that OLS, "offered my family a diverse educational environment with a strong academic track record and a wide range of athletic activities."

When the OLS third- and fourth-grade basketball team played an exhibition at the Prudential Center, the entire cheerleading squad and some 200 students, teachers and parents attended to watch and support.

Marylawn students cite a similar feeling of community in the school; an active alumnae association supports school efforts. One fundraiser is a book written by a graduate, dedicated to a former teacher. Angel Mann, Class of 2010, now a student at Temple University, says, "At Marylawn, I found a strong sisterhood that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else and I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Both Marylawn and OLS students wear school uniforms that distinguish them from other kids around town. The growing enrollment numbers at both schools suggest that OLS and Marylawn students will be ever more visible in the community in coming school years.