Growing the Catholic School Family in the Archdiocese of Washington
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Guest post by Barbara Quisquinay, Hispanic Enrollment & Marketing Coordinator, Catholic Schools Office, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Our Catholic school family is growing. We have increased Hispanic student enrollment from 10% (in 2016) to 19% this year in the Archdiocese of Washington. This remarkable achievement reflects not only the dedication of our staff members, but also the commitment of our pastors, principals, family liaisons, and volunteers who contribute every day to the mission of
making Catholic education more accessible to families.
This amazing 80% growth cannot be attributed to any one factor. In partnership with others, we have developed a variety of programs to strengthen enrollment, retention, and engagement efforts across our school communities. One such program is Bridges for Schools. Our office has partnered with the Crimsonbridge Foundation over eight years to provide schools with funding and resources that help break down barriers that could prevent families from choosing a Catholic education for their children.
Schools have strategically used Bridges for Schools grant funds to create more welcoming environments for families. Whether through a friendly face who speaks their language, translated brochures and videos, or open houses and school tours offered in Spanish, schools have worked diligently to make families feel welcomed and supported. Many schools have seen the value of this program and have applied for Bridges for Schools year after year to continue expanding opportunities for parent engagement and student services.
We have been inspired by the increasingly innovative ways schools have used the Bridges for Schools grant to promote cultural diversity, improve access to information, and build stronger connections with families. Perhaps the most meaningful outcome has been the growth in the number of bilingual staff members serving our school communities. Diversity is a gift that brings joy, fraternity, and renewal to our schools. Every new family that joins one of our schools enriches the community by bringing their unique history, culture, talents, and experiences, making us all stronger and richer.
Personally, I feel blessed and deeply grateful for the impact this work has had on my life. I have witnessed how each of us forms a vital link in the chain that makes Catholic education accessible to Hispanic families across the United States. Especially during challenging times, every person plays an essential role in fulfilling this mission.
This is more than a job; it is a calling, one that comes with both joys and challenges. Collaborating with partners and mentors from other dioceses has strengthened my understanding of this mission and inspired me to continue serving and supporting this work with dedication and hope. Together, we continue to build schools that reflect the beauty, diversity, and unity of the Catholic Church.
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Barbara Quisquinay is the Hispanic Enrollment & Marketing Coordinator for the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Washington. Within six years, Barbara has built a robust Hispanic Liaison Network, provided direct support and training to schools, launched a Parent Ambassadors program, and increased the bilingual communications capacity of the archdiocese and its schools.
