Just the Facts: Catholic Education in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I am more inspired than ever by the mission and vitality of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Our Lord’s command in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” is at the heart of everything we do. This divine mission is lived out daily in our classrooms, hallways, and school communities.
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I am more inspired than ever by the mission and vitality of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Our Lord’s command in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” is at the heart of everything we do. This divine mission is lived out daily in our classrooms, hallways, and school communities.
Today, over 13,000 students are enrolled in our 46 Catholic schools and early childhood centers. We proudly rank as the 39th largest diocese (out of 196) for Catholic school enrollment in the United States. While Catholic school enrollment nationwide has declined by 13.2% over the past decade, our diocese has grown by 7.7%. Most of our schools now have waitlists at one or more grade levels. This is a testament to the strength and appeal of our Catholic education. We are also excited to announce the construction of our newest PreK-8 school, Mater Dei Catholic School, opening for the 2027-2028 school year at St. Anne Parish, in Ruskin.
Our academic achievements are equally impressive. Students in our schools consistently score above the national average on the TerraNova, a nationally norm-referenced standardized assessment. By the time students are in the eighth grade, their grade equivalent scores are about three years above grade level on average in English, language arts, and mathematics.
Nationally, the story is the same. According to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Catholic school students outperform their peers across all categories.
If Catholic schools were a state, they would rank first in the nation in both math and reading for grades four and eight. These outcomes hold true even among low-income students, who perform far better in Catholic schools than in their assigned public schools.
Most importantly, our schools are unapologetically Catholic. To borrow a culinary metaphor, our students are “marinated” in the faith — immersed in daily prayer, the sacraments, academic excellence, and the joyful witness of faculty and staff. Faith is not an add-on; it is the foundation of who we are, what we teach, and how we live. Our mission is to help each child become the person God has called them to be, and that goal is pursued daily through school Masses, religious instruction, retreats, and acts of service. Each year, many students and even staff members choose to enter the Catholic Church, moved by the lived experience of faith and community in our schools.
As we begin this new school year, we celebrate the growth, excellence, and faith that define our Catholic schools. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we will continue forming students to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
This article highlights the impact of contributions made to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg’s Catholic Ministry Appeal.
Christopher Pastura is Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Centers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, serving over 13,000 students in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties.
For more information about the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers, click here.
