Arkansas Catholic has a interesting special report on the plight of the Catholic education system in the Natural State.

It notes that of the 31 Catholic schools in Arkansas, only four exist in Northeast Arkansas. St. Mary School in Paragould is cited as a prime example of how a small Catholic school can survive with the support of the community.

The support of parents and parish leadership also is a major factor in a school’s viability, even if it has a small enrollment, Bowen said.

St. Mary School in Paragould is a good example: “The parish wants this school to survive,” she said. In addition to the parish subsidy, both school parents and parishioners support the school’s fundraisers.

Bowen said the goal for a school is to effectively operate with the least amount of financial support from the parish.

The Ridge Writer had siblings and friends who attended St. Mary. Hit the picture above for the complete report from Arkansas Catholic.