Combining God and academics

Walking through the front doors of Notre Dame Regional High School, it's clear you're not just entering a place of learning.

There's a large wooden cross in the center of the floor and "Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts" painted on a wall. Above the doors, a banner proclaims "Knowledge is Power."

The combination of both academics and God is what educators say has local parochial schools growing by leaps and bounds.

"The message we give and the program we provide we feel are why people come here," said Tony Buerhle, development director for Notre Dame. "It's a spin you don't get in public schools. It's based on prayer."

Around 2,300 kindergarten through 12th-graders attend Cape Girardeau County's 10 parochial schools. Most of the schools have seen increases in enrollment in recent years, which in turn has prompted grade-level expansions, building projects and even the formation of a new school this year. Some have added teachers, or expect to next year.

Holy Spirit Harvest Christian Academy recently opened at 712 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau. The school, which spans grades kindergarten through 12th as well as special-needs students of all ages, has a Baptist affiliation.

Deanna Donovan, the school's principal and director, said four students are currently enrolled and core subjects as well as a Bible class is offered. Eventually, the school will have fine arts, physical education and foreign language classes. Enrollment for the next school year was Saturday.

"We see that it's a need in the community," Donovan said. "We want to reach the children who aren't fitting into the high school mold or have fallen through the cracks because class sizes are getting larger and they're not getting the individual attention they need."

More one-on-one attention is something officials at all the parochial schools say is important. It's one of the reasons Saxony Lutheran High School principal Craig Ernstmeyer says his school is growing.

"One kid came here after being in a public school for a week and said his teacher didn't know his name. They like the smaller school atmosphere," Ernstmeyer said.

Saxony Lutheran High School has grown from 30 students in 2003 to 57 last year to 85 this year. The school moved in to a new facility in Fruitland in December. Ernstmeyer said he anticipates at least 115 students next year because of the additional space the new building provides.

The larger facility will likely attract any students looking for a Christian-based education, not just Lutherans, Ernstmeyer said. The school holds chapel services every morning and students also take a religion class.

"We strive for academics here, but we have that additional component that we want to stress as much or even more," Ernstmeyer said. "We're looking toward the future and trying to provide the best possible Christian education for all, not just for Lutherans."

Other local parochial schools are working on construction and expansion projects as well. Trinity Lutheran School is in the process of designing and building a new gymnasium.

Cape Christian School added a seventh grade this year and will expand to eighth grade next year.

"Over the years we have had a lot of interest in expanding the school to higher grade levels," said principal Bev Smart. "We really began to feel parents were not enrolling because we didn't go through eighth and we felt now was a good time to expand."

The school also added a basketball program for both boys and girls this year. The expansions have already led to increased enrollment even outside the addition of seventh grade, Smart said. Last year, the school had 115 students, and this year there are 138.

"I think parents are looking for an atmosphere that will reinforce the values they teach at home," Smart said. "Along with that, we offer a very strong academic program. Parents don't want to give up one for the other."

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

Cape Girardeau County

Catholic schools Enrollment

Notre Dame Regional High School 480

St. Mary's Cathedral School 239

St. Vincent de Paul School 347

Immaculate Conception School 289

Lutheran schools

Trinity Lutheran 164

St. Paul Lutheran School 287

Saxony Lutheran High School 85

Baptist

Holy Spirit Harvest Christian Academy 4

Nondenominational

Eagle Ridge Christian School 181

Cape Christian School 138

Deer Creek Christian Academy 30