Moving against the rigorous flow of the economic downturn, the school experienced an increase in enrollment (see story, page 1) for the first time in three years.

The faculty is overjoyed—as they rightfully should be—to hear that the 5 percent of their salaries that were cut in 2008-09 due to declining enrollment will be restored at the beginning of October as a result of the increase.

While our teachers may infuriate us from time to time, we believe they deserve every penny for the exemplary work and education they bring to the table.

In addition, the school’s ability to attract and retain employees is in great part tied to compensation.

The rise in enrollment benefits the students, too, especially those in the lower and middle schools, which had the greatest increases.

Larger class sizes up to a point bring more energy to the classroom, creating a vibrant class interaction with a greater number of students.

While enrollment still isn’t anywhere near where it was 10 years ago—468 compared to 2002-03’s 525—it is still an improvement that demonstrates Country Day’s perseverance and success despite this economic crisis.

Other schools, such as Loretto High School, haven’t been so fortunate.

Loretto, an all-girls Roman Catholic school, closed in 2009 due to exactly what our school was facing: declining enrollment. Kathryn Arnett (a former lower-school student) was a junior at the time.

According to Arnett, the head of Loretto knew that the school was on the verge of closing for years, but kept it from the students and parents.

“I was sad, angry, and scared, yet hopeful that it would remain open,” Arnett, now a freshman at Occidental College, said. “It was a very jarring experience.”

Arnett then transferred to St. Francis High School, which was an “unpleasant experience” for her.

“I was a ‘freshman’ amongst juniors,” she said. “I had to learn the different ways St. Francis operated without as much guidance as a normal freshman would, and of course everyone labeled us as ‘the Loretto girls.’

“Eventually I became comfortable at St. Francis, but I never really felt like it was ‘my’ school.”
While Loretto’s closure may seem like an impossible nightmare to many of us, let it serve us as a reminder of what might have happened.

Country Day, we’re glad you’re here to stay.