Catholic schools in the Lethbridge area are experiencing a high growth in student enrollment. (Photo: Holy Spirit Catholic School Division)

By David Opinko

Holy Spirit schools see surge in student enrollment

Oct 15, 2024 | 12:48 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – One local school division is reporting a large increase in its student population.

The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division says it welcomed 5,363 students at its locations in southern Alberta this fall. That is an increase of 234 students compared to last year or, 4.35 per cent.

Board Chair Dr. Carmen Mombourquette says it represents an increase of about one full elementary school.

“We are pleased that parents want to provide faith-based education to their children while we also look forward to actually opening another elementary school to help accommodate some of this rapid growth,” says Mombourquette.

The Division says a few schools in particular saw surges in student enrollment:

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

• Trinity Learning School: +47%
• St. Paul School: +16%
• St. Francis Junior High School: +12%
• Ecole St. Mary School: +8%
• Catholic Central High School (CCH): +7%
• St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School: +6%
• St. Teresa of Calcutta School: +6%

For CCH, the high school broke the 1,000-student threshold for the first time in its history.

St. Paul School Principal Ryan Myndio says he is thrilled to see the high level of growth across the school division.

“The eagerness to assist all members of our community in a Christ-like manner is why this division has fully embraced the motto of ‘All are Welcome, All Belong.’ Like other schools in our division, St. Paul is building a reputation that Holy Spirit Catholic Schools celebrate the diversity of our students while providing an inclusive faith-based education,” says Myndio.

Holy Spirit says its budget deficit has been reduced by half, from $1.1 million to $550,000. The reduction was the result of funding and projected enrollment growth adjustments.

Early registration for new students for the 2025-26 school year will begin in February 2025. Re-registration for existing students will start in January.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.