Developing a Predictive Metric to Assess School Viability

Identification, Description, and Perceived Viability of K—12 Consolidated Catholic School Systems

“…Lundy (1999) concluded similar results in an earlier investigation of parish elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago where he reported that survivor schools had nearly twice the total enrollment than non-survivor schools (345 to 175). In addition to total enrollment, James et al (2008) also found enrollment trend to be a significant variable that impacts school viability. Schools that maintained positive enrollment trends were more likely to remain open than schools that continued to lose enrollment ( James et al, 2008).…”

“…In addition to total enrollment, James et al (2008) also found enrollment trend to be a significant variable that impacts school viability. Schools that maintained positive enrollment trends were more likely to remain open than schools that continued to lose enrollment ( James et al, 2008).…”

“…In a study of parish elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, James et al (2008) found a reliable method to predict viability; these factors include total enrollment, enrollment trends, and a ratio of median household income with tuition. James et al (2008) found that the average total enrollment of parish schools that closed was below 200 while schools that remained opened had an average total enrollment that exceeded 200 students.…”

“…In a study of parish elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, James et al (2008) found a reliable method to predict viability; these factors include total enrollment, enrollment trends, and a ratio of median household income with tuition. James et al (2008) found that the average total enrollment of parish schools that closed was below 200 while schools that remained opened had an average total enrollment that exceeded 200 students. Lundy (1999) concluded similar results in an earlier investigation of parish elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago where he reported that survivor schools had nearly twice the total enrollment than non-survivor schools (345 to 175).…”

“…but enrollment dropped a staggering 23.4% during that same time. While it is clear that enrollment and financial pressures impact school viability, only two studies have developed predictive measures that help identify unstable schools prior to closure ( James, Tichy, Collins, & Schwob, 2008;Lundy, 1999).…”