Back to School 2014

Plans in place for growing Catholic schools, not managing decline

Christopher Mominey, head of Catholic schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, spoke of Catholic school enrollment, education trends, faith formation and more in a wide ranging interview days before students headed back to school -- see all the stories in our Back to School guide.

Unusual but true: Catholic schools in inner-city are expanding

St. Malachy School will move into a closed Philadelphia public school to accommodate growing enrollment, a trend for all the Independence Mission Schools. The system of 14 Catholic grade schools is on track to see a 1,000-student increase this year.

Kids heading back to school get big assist from Office Depot

The Office Depot Foundation is donating approximately 400 "sackpacks" to archdiocesan elementary school students before the new school year begins Wednesday, Sept. 3 in the archdiocese.

Holy Child Academy eighth graders earn 14 scholarships

Eight eighth graders from the Drexel Hill school earned 12 academic scholarships from several private independent and archdiocesan high schools. In addition, two students received scholarships from local organizations.

5K run and walk to benefit Drexel Hill school’s athletic programs

Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 6 starting at 8:30 a.m. Check in and walk-up registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The course will take participants through the beautiful, tree-lined streets of Drexel Park in Delaware County.

First graduate of La Salle’s language program serves families and church

Sister Donna Cicalese put her translation and interpretation degree to work helping families at CHOP, and now she will help serve the language needs of her congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Devon Prep students delay summer vacation to help the needy

Although the school year ended in mid-June for 28 area Devon Prep students and five chaperones, summer vacation was delayed as the group traveled to Delaware for a week-long mission trip run through through Catholic Heart Workcamp.

Now it’s easier for children to have a free lunch at school

Nutritional Development Services is helping needy families eliminate the need to fill out paper applications for school meals. The Community Eligibility Provision allows schools with high percentages of qualifying students to provide free breakfast and lunch to all children in the school.