Introduction and Purpose of the Study
Dear Reader,
In spring 2025, a group of Catholic families in Guelph began exploring the possibility of establishing a new, independent Catholic school: Regina Caeli Academy Guelph. Rooted in fidelity to the Magisterium and committed to forming children in both faith and reason, the proposed school would offer an education that fully integrates Catholic teaching, liturgical life, and academic excellence.
To guide early discernment, we conducted a community interest survey to better understand the needs, desires, and priorities of local Catholic families. The anonymous survey was shared through local community networks and social media groups. We received 94 responses from families across Wellington County and the surrounding area.
This report summarizes the key findings and highlights the opportunity that now exists to serve families who are seeking a school environment that is joyfully Catholic, mission-driven, and in communion with the local Church.
“If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.”
— St. Catherine of Siena
On the pages that follow, you’ll see what 94 local families in Guelph and the surrounding area have shared as their priorities for their children. For many, the idea of an independent Catholic school—one that not only teaches the richness of our faith but weaves it into every part of school life—is more than appealing. It is, quite literally, an answer to their prayers.
With sincere gratitude,
The Regina Caeli Academy Planning Team
Community Interest Survey Overview
The Regina Caeli Academy community interest survey was first distributed on May 22nd, 2025 and collected anonymous responses until June 27th, 2025 – the Feast of The Sacred Heart.
Enrollment outside of Catholic school system
Of those ‘very interested in full-time’ families who shared enrollment info, 42%
are using non-Catholic schools.
75% of “very interested in part-time” families who shared enrollment info are outside of the Catholic school system with a majority doing homeschooling.
“We need to better educate our children in catechism and faith formation and apologetics.”
– Anonymous Parent in Guelph
How Many Children Are Represented By Each Family’s Interest Level?
“I supply teach. I have seen that many classes rooms don’t have a separate 40-minute block that focuses on religion (even though they are supposed to). Prayer, bible study, sacraments, learning about the saints, etc. are most often not incorporated on a daily basis. The schools are missing role models that have a strong rich faith connection. Many teachers are not modeling their faith to students.”
– Anonymous Parent and Catholic Educator
Key Insight: There is a healthy student pipeline for both immediate and future enrollments.
What Are The Educational Priorities Families Want Supported In Guelph?
How Families Ranked Educational Objectives By Priority
1) Catholic-First Education
2) Academic Achievement
3) Teaching Faith & Morals
4) Being Part of a Strong Community of Catholic Families
5) Smaller Class Sizes
6) Physical Exercise & Outdoor Activity
7) Strong French Language Programming
N=94
39 families selected “Catholic-First Education” as their number one educational priority with another 16 families listing that as their second
highest priority.
19 families selected “Academic Achievement” as their top choice while 18 families had it second.
“I’ve worked in Catholic public schools. Little to no practicing Catholics within staff, and having a large class size means the intellectually-driven students will be overlooked. Behaviours have been out of control. It has not become a place for a child to learn freely and discover the Catholic faith.”
– Anonymous Parent and Catholic Educator in Guelph
Financial Feasibility And Program Delivery
What Are The Financial Demographics? Is There Financial Feasibility?
Survey results suggest many families are in a position to support tuition-based education. Among those strongly interested in full-time enrollment, 43% report household incomes over $100,000. Similarly, 39% of families interested in part-time enrollment fall within that same income range. This reflects a community capable of sustaining an independent Catholic school, especially with thoughtful tuition models and fundraising support.
Regina Caeli Academy is committed to making a faithful Catholic education accessible to families of diverse means. Considerations are being made to include tuition assistance, multi-child discounts, fundraising, and flexible payment options such as deferred or incremental schedules.
Our goal: no family should feel excluded due to finances.
What Do Parents And Families Want From Their Catholic Educational Programming?
“A focus on liberal arts and being a well rounded person. Engaging with the classics, studying the bible, and programming that is well connected; not courses operating in silos.”
“Knowledge, truth-based education lead by trusted, practicing, believing, qualified Catholic teachers.”
“Holistic Education where students experience real mentorship (not just distant relationships with teachers and others)…learning about themselves and their gifts, and practicing life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving…All this in a vibrant, faithful Catholic context would be incredible!”
“Nature provokes children into thought, action, and formulation of their own ideas. When children are involved in experiences with nature, they learn to appreciate God’s beautiful creation.”
“I have a special needs child. She attends mass monthly due to her disability. Myself every Sunday. Her Catholic elementary school was unable to meet her needs, and I found there were far too many non-Catholic and Catholic in name only parents. Was disappointed.”
“Cultural diversity, the Catholic Church is so rich and profound, and we need to live this richness, including the cultural diversity within the church!”
“I want my son surrounded by other Catholic practicing families who he can build good relationships with, and that this education is affordable for all.”
“A strong music program at all levels, celebrating important feast days with prayers (especially the Rosary) and [regular] Mass.”
An Invitation To Build What Catholic Families In Guelph Have Been Praying For
The families who responded to this survey are not asking for something extravagant. They are praying for something faithful. They long for a school that partners with them in forming children who know and love Jesus, who understand the beauty of our Catholic faith, and who are equipped to live it joyfully and courageously.
This report reflects more than data—it reflects hope. It reveals a community ready to build something beautiful together, with the guidance and blessing of the Church.
We humbly invite you to consider what could unfold if we take the next faithful step—together.
