Date of Award

Spring 3-9-2020

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Executive Ed.D. in Education Leadership Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Martin Finkelstein, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Richard Blissett, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Mary Meehan, Ph.D,

Keywords

Catholic secondary school sustainability, Catholic school admissions

Abstract

Since 2003, Catholic school enrollment has decreased nationally creating closings, mergers, and consolidation of many Catholic schools. This study sought to understand how a subgroup of Catholic secondary schools managed to navigate the external forces distressing Catholic secondary schools nationally. This study will define what enrollment management practices were used in the Washington, D.C. area that sustained and even grew this subgroup of Catholic secondary schools. This study is vital to Catholic education because it will define what enrollment practices work best, thus, helping Catholic schools globally. This study investigated Catholic secondary schools and secondary school administrators in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through their enrollment processes and defined the four components of enrollment management. These components—admission management, retention, research, and marketing—are the conceptual basis for the study and the research questions. The findings from this study revealed four themes: promoting community involvement, organizing a team development approach, seeking professional feedback/advice, and increasing focus on public relations. The study will guide professionals in admissions and administration to design the best practices and policies for sustainable schools. Furthermore, the study will broaden collaborative leadership and professional culture in Catholic schools, creating a sustainable school network.

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