Since the 2004-2005 school year, kindergarten through eighth-grade enrollment at JFK has increased by 25 percent, from 260 students to 328. Preschool enrollment has also grown from roughly 50 to more than 90 students this year. Classes are held in every area of the building and in four temporary classrooms while Our Lady of Victory Parish in Davenport conducts a capital campaign to add classroom space and a gathering space to the church.
Chad Steimle, principal, attributes the enrollment increase to many factors. “JFK has an outstanding product with incredibly successful students both while they are at JFK and when they go on to high school and beyond,” he says. The students are not only prepared academically but receive a well-rounded education full of enriching and challenging activities that prepare them to be leaders.
Most importantly, however, he attributes JFK’s success to staff members, parents, students, parishioners and community members who share a common value system that puts relationships first in building the kingdom of God here on Earth.
The ability to make Catholic school education more affordable has also boosted enrollment at JFK. Financial assistance since the 2004-2005 school year has grown from $18,000 to more than $83,000. Financial assistance is provided through a Scott County campaign called Embracing Our Future and the Mississippi Valley Student Tuition Organization.
