Lasallian Education

There remains a constant need to be attentive to, and present with, the poor in the struggle for justice. Fortunately, there is hope and encouragement in a Lasallian educational mission that chooses to love unconditionally and offers the skills needed for life in the 21st century; a mission that displays conscientious care of human beings and calls each of us to demonstrate and teach respect for every person, no matter their station in life, academic ability, or any other measure by which they might be judged. And it is this that makes a Lasallian education distinctive in the world today.

The Christian Brothers and their lay partners serve approximately 1,000,000 children, youth, and adults in 80 countries across the world, making the Lasallian Schools the 2nd largest network of educational providers in the world.

Today, the Christian Brothers of the Midwest operate 14 high schools with a total of 9,660 students. Of these, 31% are from minority backgrounds, and 13% qualify for free or reduced-fee lunches. Inclusive of all our educational ministries throughout the Midwest - middle schools, high schools, and universities - the District serves 24,000 students who are supported by 4,000 administrators, staff, and faculty.

The fact is that without scholarship assistance, many of these students would not be able to attend Lasallian Schools. They would not have the opportunity to grow and thrive in an environment dedicated to their individual growth, their role in society, and their place in the community. They would not have the distinctive opportunity to develop as students, as leaders - as human beings - that a Lasallian education provides.

The average base high school tuition in $13,340 per year. For many students, that is a difficult number to reach. So, of these students, it isn’t surprising that more than half, 54%, request $37,739,297 in financial aid, and 4,553 receive aid of some amount. Approximately $27 million in aid is awarded. Of the air awarded, 74%, or $19.9 million, is need-based. As you can see from the numbers, there are not enough scholarship funds to meet the need. In a given year, over 650 students who request aid will not receive it.

The issues of affordability, excellence in teaching, and institutional capacity remain our concerns and priorities. In today’s environment, it is increasingly difficult to help our schools and their students in a sustainable manner. Costs rise every year and students and their families find it more difficult to keep up. The cost of a Catholic school education is prohibitive for many. The COVID-19 crisis has only complicated matters more.

Is it the Christian Brothers’ hope to be able to provide for, and teach, as many students as possible - to give those who seek and deserve a quality, Lasallian education, an opportunity. This can only be done through scholarship funds - scholarship funds provided by the generosity of those who have paved the way for those who follow.