Executive Summary

Survey Results for the Father Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School

The survey results are in and indicate overwhelming support for construction of the academic facilities of the Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School.  Over 480 respondents from Columbia’s three parishes and parishes in surrounding communities confirm the school’s three-fold focus should be offering

• A Catholic-based education.
• College preparatory academic program.
• Leadership development opportunities for students.

This Fall, in conjunction with the University of Missouri School of Business, a survey was completed by Catholics in Columbia and the surrounding communities, inviting their input on the proposed regional Catholic high school.  The survey – updating the original feasibility study conducted in 2005 – was conducted to determine potential enrollment, identify factors that are likely to affect the enrollment, and gauge the affordability and financial support for the high school.  To date, one-half of the project’s $16 million construction cost has been pledged.

Based on the survey’s positive results, the Executive Committee supports the following recommendations:

• The high school should have a strong Catholic identity.
• Construction of the academic facilities should begin as soon as possible, adding other facilities later.  Sixty-three percent (63%) of respondents support the construction now, and that same percentage will definitely or likely enroll their children in the school.
• Resources should be planned for approximately 80 ninth and tenth grade students in the first year of operations, with eleventh and twelfth grades added the following years.
• Nearly two-thirds of the respondents are financially able to meet the tuition cost of $5,300, one-third needing varying degrees of assistance.
• Respondents support a competitive sports program that could eventually include soccer, basketball, track, volleyball, cross-country, swimming, and football.
• The fine arts program should focus on photography, painting, and instrumental music.
• Academic clubs and extra-curricular activities could be added as funding allows.

A prospective student body, interest and resources as defined in the survey, makes the Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School closer to becoming a reality.

Detailed survey results are available here.