Thursday, 08/09/07, The Tennessean

Pope John Paul II High just keeps on growing

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HENDERSONVILLE — One of the largest Catholic schools in the Midstate is reinventing itself this school year — again.

When Pope John Paul II High School opened five years ago with 240 students, it became the first Catholic high school — and one of only a handful of private education options — in Sumner County. This year, the school has grown to 680 students and expanded its offerings.

Senior Stephen Catignani said he isn't surprised his school draws more kids every year, some of them from as far as Kentucky.

"The academics are hard, but it's worth it. The teachers here, they let you know that you have somebody to go to when you're in a hole," said Stephen, a star athlete who plays football, baseball and basketball and wants to become a pharmacist. "Some of the closest friends of mine are teachers here."

The school's consistent growth reflects a trend among Catholic schools in the region — but not in the nation, local and national experts say. Enrollment in Catholic schools in Davidson, Sumner, Rutherford and Williamson counties has been going up over the years, mirroring the population boom, said Rick Musacchio, spokesman for the Diocese of Nashville. The diocese encompasses 38 counties and 22 schools.

Nationally, the numbers have been dwindling, according to Joe McTighe, executive director of the Council for American Private Education. Eleven percent of U.S. students attend private schools. In the 1960s, McTighe said, 80 percent of the nation's private school enrollment was at Catholic schools, but that number has dropped to less than 50 percent, partially due to hikes in tuition. At Pope John Paul II, tuition is $8,500 annually for Catholics and $9,870 for non-Catholics.

Striking a balance

Since 2002, Pope John Paul II High — nicknamed JP2 — has embraced change. Once, the science faculty got together and rewrote the curriculum, said Hans Broekman, the school's first and only headmaster, who leaves next year to lead Liverpool College in England.

"It's not a school that seeks to repeat other schools or itself," he said. "I like the culture of the school, which balances beautifully the strong friendships with an ambitious vision for every student."

This year, that vision includes the new Great Books program.

Students in all grades read eight books a year and meet three times a week to use the text as a springboard to discussions about social and spiritual issues.

Once a week, they'll also go to a "family-style" lunch, a new activity that brings students and teachers together at the school cafeteria to chat over a meal.

There are conversation and laughter in hallways and classrooms. As students change classes, they not only catch up with their peers but also their teachers. That camaraderie lured Brent Fernandez back to the school this year after a break to further his education. He oversees the school's community service program, revamped this year to offer more options for service.

"There's really a sense of family here," he said. "Some professors just lecture, and you're just a number. Here, teachers care beyond the test and homework."

School draws many

In its first year, half of the students at the school came from Nashville, 35 percent from Sumner County and the rest from the neighboring counties, Broekman said.

The proportions have since changed, now drawing about half of the student body from Sumner County and the rest from the region — from Nashville and Fort Campbell to Franklin, Tenn., and Franklin, Ky. About 70 percent are Catholic, Broekman said.

"Our attempt is not to fill any geographic void; it's about Catholic education," he said. "People are attracted to the school because it's challenging academically and they recognize the excellence of the faculty."