by Jen A. Miller

The Forsatz children, one in first grade and one in pre-K, are not having exactly the same experience as their mom. That’s because her elementary school, St. Paul’s in Clifton, and her high school, Newman Prep in Wayne, no longer exist. Nor do Pope John II School in Clifton, St. Christopher’s in Parsippany, Blessed Sacrament in Margate, St. Bridget in Glassboro, St. Aedan School in Jersey City, All Saints School in Burlington, Blessed Sacrament in Newark, Holy Assumption School in Roebling, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Highlands.

Since 2001, 97 of New Jersey’s Catholic schools have closed—282 since 1971, according to the National Catholic Educational Association. Total enrollment has dropped from 275,012 students in 609 Catholic schools in 1971 to 106,797 in 327 schools today.

While declining enrollment is a critical issue for the Church, it is also a concern for the state and for local municipalities, which often must bear the burden of educating additional students. Church officials estimate that, since 2001, some 40,000 students entered New Jersey’s public school system instead of attending Catholic school. New Jersey, with the nation’s highest property taxes, spends nearly $16,000 per year on each public school child, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s the second highest price tag in the country behind New York.