In May 2023, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City reached out to Meitler to help them plan for the future of Catholic schools in the archdiocese. Several factors motivated them to engage in a planning process. Shifting demographics meant that some schools in the archdiocese are seeing enrollment declines. However, population growth led the archdiocese to consider opening new schools in other areas. In addition, the state of Oklahoma approved a tax credit scholarship in May 2023, which encouraged the archdiocese to plan for its potential impact.
Meitler was asked to help with several key priorities:
- Conduct a comprehensive data and demographic study throughout the archdiocese.
- Lead new school feasibility studies to help the leadership of the archdiocese make informed decisions about new Catholic schools, taking into account potential enrollment as well as potential impact on existing Catholic schools.
- Assess parents’ willingness to enroll their children in Catholic schools, especially in light of the newly passed tax credit scholarship program.
Meitler's first step was to conduct a thorough data and demographic study of all forty-six counties in the archdiocese. It is always better when a diocese or archdiocese chooses to develop a comprehensive, integrated picture, rather than just look at individual silos in scattered communities. The goal of the data and demographic study was to have detailed information to see where existing schools might have opportunities for growth or expansion, and where there might be potential for new schools.
The study provided a deep analysis of current demographics, as well as a look at trends and projections. Meitler highlighted areas of growth by city, by county, and by deanery. Growth was broken out by both birth rates and rates of migration into the area. For each area, Meitler provided projections by age – knowing that the overall population is growing is helpful, but knowing the projected percentage increase among children ages 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 is even more helpful. The study also looked at public school enrollment, to see if it tracked with population growth, or if it suggested a growing parental desire for educational alternatives.
In addition to demographics, Meitler did a market research survey throughout the archdiocese. The survey received 1,498 responses from parents of a child in 12th grade or younger. The survey asked where their children are currently in school, their decision-making factors when choosing a school for their children, how likely they would be to enroll their children if a new Catholic school opened in their area, and their reasons why they would, or would not, enroll in the new school.
As a result of the demographic study and market research survey, eight areas were identified for a deeper dive into the possibility of new schools. Six of those were identified by the archdiocese even before the study, but two others emerged because of the data provided by the study. Subsequently, the archdiocese commissioned Meitler to conduct two more detailed new school studies, one for St. Monica Parish in Edmond, and one for St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Harrah.
When Meitler gave its overall data presentation to archdiocesan leaders, Archbishop Paul Coakley found the presentation so helpful and insightful that he asked Meitler’s President, Angela Gunderson, to come back to give a presentation to the Assembly of Catholic Professionals OKC on May 16, 2024. The group was very interested and engaged. Afterward, someone said to Angela, “That was the most questions we’ve ever had following a speaker.”
From experience, we at Meitler know that the same data-informed, research-based, proactive planning approach that was so appreciated in Oklahoma City will work in other places as well. We see several factors that are keys to success:
- A willingness to invest time and resources in planning for the future.
- A willingness to ask probing questions, especially “Are we doing what’s best for our children and families?”
- A willingness to use a comprehensive approach to ensure a big-picture view.
If you would like to learn more about how Meitler can help your diocese, parish, or school plan for a stronger future, please contact us. We would love to talk with you.
