St. Michael's School on Tybee: Enrollment Up Almost 30%

During these tough economic times, many families are doing what they can to cut their expenses. For some, it means taking their children out of private school and enrolling them in public school. News 3 education reporter, Randi Hempel, found one school that's growing, St. Michael's Catholic School on Tybee Island.

St. Michael's Catholic School is bucking the odds. Enrollment went from 60 students last year to 77 this year, which is a 28 percent increase.

Today I visited the school to see how things are different in the classrooms.

Pre-kindergarten students get some one on one time at St. Michael’s Catholic School on Tybee Island.

“We wanted more one on one and we knew some people who sent their children here and we understand that it was a family oriented place and we really wanted that for her," says mother, Lori Fritts.

Lori Fritts says she and her husband considered sending 4-year old daughter, Allison, to public school, but she didn't make the lottery. Day care was out, and as for other private schools closer to their Wilmington Island home:

“There were so many kids per class. I called a couple of places, you know, my husband and I discussed it and we just decided,” explains Lori.

That this was the perfect place for Allison.

Small class size is key at St. Michael's For instance here in the pre-k class, there are only 14 students in the class and the teacher has a helper. The average class size is just 10 students.

“Our teachers are highly qualified the majority have a masters degree or higher and families who would be interested in coming to St. Michael's I think they'd be happy,” says Holly Lanford, principal at St. Michael’s Catholic School.

“It is just such a small knit family that's how it feels to me and my husband and Allison and in this day and age, that's what you need,” continues Lori.

The school's principal says there's room for more, however, they'll limit growth to keep class size small.

If you're interested, here's St. Michael's to arrange a tour at 912-786-4507.