Enrollment in the 207 Catholic elementary schools in Cook and Lake counties grew this year for the first time since 1965. The uptick in enrollment continues a trend in which Catholic elementary schools in the city of Chicago have seen an increase of 1,300 students over the past four years. “It’s gratifying to see all the hard work in improving Catholic schools recognized in increased enrollment,” Cardinal George said in a statement. “For nearly 50 years there has been a story of declining student enrollment in our Catholic schools, and my hope in achieving this milestone of growth is to continue rewriting the script for our Catholic school families and our church,” said Dominican Sister M. Paul McCaughey, superintendent of Catholic schools. “Bringing faith, focus and achievement to more families is the result of a commitment to excellence, engagement and energy.” Archdiocesan officials attributed the enrollment increase to excellence, engagement and energy. In terms of excellence, the schools boast high attendance and graduation rates and high test scores. Catholic school third-, fifth- and seventh-graders outperformed national averages in every category on the nationally normed Terra Nova tests, and, at the seventh-grade level, students at 206 out of 207 schools beat national averages. In terms of engagement, school principals, pastors, school board members, staff and others are working to engage more and more families by recruiting “parent ambassadors” and other volunteers to spread the good news about their schools. In addition, a number of scholarship funds have been created to help families who might need financial assistance The energy comes from everyone involved in the schools, from parents to Cardinal George, who has made a long-term commitment to the success of Catholic schools.