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SALT LAKE CITY -- The recession may be forcing more families to change their lifestyles, but enrollment at private schools in Utah and nationwide is as strong as ever.
At the Madeleine Choir School on 1st Avenue in Salt Lake City, enrollment is holding steady - 234 students last year and 234 students enrolled for the fall.
Principal Christina Vierra McGill believes access to art and music is one reason parents are choosing to keep their children in schools like hers. "It's not a monetary decision, even though it might be a monetary strain," she tells KSL.
That monetary strain is still evident in the form of requests for financial aid, which are up $50,000 at the Madeleine Choir School from a year ago.
When tuition already didn't completely cover the cost of educating all the students, that's caused a strain on the school.
"Our tuition is $5,600," says McGill. "Our cost per student is more to the tune of $8,100 to $8,200. Times that by 234 kids - we've got a lot of money to make up."
The school turns to fundraisers and grants during the year to help bridge that gap, but McGill says as a Catholic school, they're dedicated to helping parents find ways to afford a Catholic education.
To see students from the Madeleine Choir School in action click here.
E-mail: bbruce@ksl.com
