CHARLOTTE — Demand for Catholic education continues to surge as schools across the Diocese of Charlotte welcome unprecedented numbers back to school this week.
The Diocese’s school system — 20 elementary, middle and high schools — are welcoming new teachers and leaders from California and Connecticut, and Maryland and Michigan, among other states. Enrollment is up 12 percent from a decade ago – and almost 18 percent since the pandemic began in 2020. While an official count isn’t taken until October, more than 8,100 students (and climbing) had enrolled as of July 31. Read more about record enrollment in the Diocese of Charlotte schools this year.
See the faces of some of the students walking the halls for the first time this school year.
— Photos by Troy Hull and provided
Eighth grade students return to Our Lady of Grace School excited for the new year.
Fourth grade students return to Our Lady of Grace School excited for the new year.
Third grade students return to Our Lady of Grace School excited for the new year.
First grader Sophia receives “Ready Confetti” from Mrs. Then during Meet the Teacher at Immaculata School.
Principal Tyler Kulp welcomed new and returning students and staff at the morning assembly at Our Lady of the Assumption School.
Principal Tyler Kulp welcomed new and returning students and staff at the morning assembly at Our Lady of the Assumption School.
Students return to Our Lady of Mercy School.
Students return to Our Lady of Mercy School.
Students return to Our Lady of Mercy School.
Students return to Our Lady of Mercy School.
Students return to Our Lady of Mercy School.
Students return to Sacred Heart School.
Students return to Sacred Heart School.
Students return to Sacred Heart School.
Students return to Sacred Heart School.
Students return to Sacred Heart School.
Students return to Sacred Heart School.
Students, faculty and parents smile for the first day of school at St. Leo School.
Students, faculty and parents smile for the first day of school at St. Leo School.
Students, faculty and parents smile for the first day of school at St. Leo School.
Students, faculty and parents smile for the first day of school at St. Leo School.
Students, faculty and parents smile for the first day of school at St. Leo School.
Students start the new year at Charlotte Catholic High School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at Charlotte Catholic High School.
Students start the new year at Charlotte Catholic High School.
Students start the new year at Charlotte Catholic High School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at Charlotte Catholic High School.
Students start the new year at Charlotte Catholic High School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at St. Matthew School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at St. Matthew School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at St. Matthew School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at St. Matthew School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students start the new year at St. Matthew School. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe is on campus for the first day of school.
Students are ready for the start of the year at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students are ready for the start of the year at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students are ready for the start of the year at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students are ready for the start of the year at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students meet teachers at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students meet teachers at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students meet teachers at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Students meet teachers at Holy Trinity Middle School.
Bishop McGuinness High School leadership
Bishop McGuinness High School staff welcomes students
Bishop McGuinness High School students are excited to be back on campus.
Powder Puff football game at Bishop McGuinness High School
Bishop McGuinness High School freshman attend open house
Cheerleaders welcome students to Bishop McGuinness High School.
Open house at St. Patrick School.
Open house at St. Patrick School.
Open house at St. Patrick School.
Open house at St. Patrick School.
Open house at St. Mark School.
Open house at St. Mark School.
Open house at St. Mark School.
New students welcomed at Christ the King High School.
New students welcomed at Christ the King High School.
New students welcomed at Christ the King High School.
Back to school at Christ the King High School.
Back to School at Christ the King High School
Welcome to Charlotte Catholic High School
Welcome to Charlotte Catholic High School
Holy Water on backpacks marked the start of the school year at Immaculata Catholic School .
St. Patrick School on the first day of the year.
St. Patrick School on the first day of the year.
St. Patrick School on the first day of the year.
Students are excited to be at St. Mark School this year.
Students are excited to be at St. Mark School this year.
Students are excited to be at St. Mark School this year.
Students are excited to be at St. Mark School this year.
Students are excited to be at St. Mark School this year.
Back to school at St. Leo School.
Volleyball practice at St. Michael School on the first day of school.
Asheville Catholic School blessed new playground at the beginning of the school year.
Asheville Catholic School blessed new playground at the beginning of the school year.
Asheville Catholic School blessed new playground at the beginning of the school year.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School had its first school Mass Aug. 23. Father Baiju Paul reminded students to “be who you are and be that well!” All classes were blessed and sent forth to do their best and keep Jesus in their hearts.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School had its first school Mass Aug. 23. Father Baiju Paul reminded students to “be who you are and be that well!” All classes were blessed and sent forth to do their best and keep Jesus in their hearts.
Father Brandon Jones led St. Ann School and parish congregation in a consecration of the school and the 2023-24 school year to the Immaculate Heart of Mary after the Aug. 25 Mass. Father Jones then blessed the school with holy water.
Father Brandon Jones led St. Ann School and parish congregation in a consecration of the school and the 2023-24 school year to the Immaculate Heart of Mary after the Aug. 25 Mass. Father Jones then blessed the school with holy water.
Students enjoyed the first day of school at Canongate Catholic High School in Arden.
They opened the day by praying the ninth day of the Canongate St. Margaret of Scotland Novena composed by one of the school's theology teachers.
New literature and history teachers started, and lunch break was celebrated with a pick-up soccer game and music.
New literature and history teachers started, and lunch break was celebrated with a pick-up soccer game and music.
New literature and history teachers started, and lunch break was celebrated with a pick-up soccer game and music.
New literature and history teachers started, and lunch break was celebrated with a pick-up soccer game and music.
