The Springfield Catholic Diocese said its 13 schools in western Massachusetts will open in September for in-person learning five days a week.
The Diocese said its schools have the space to accommodate students safely.
With public school reopening plans up in the air because of COVID-19, the Diocese has seen a significant increase in interest this summer.
Superintendent Daniel Baillargeon said one principal told him she’s been getting calls from prospective parents.
"Because they’re uncertain about how often the public schools are going to be in — whether they’re going to be in full-time or not — they’re starting to reach out to her particular school, and asking her about spots that are available for the upcoming fall," he said.
Baillargeon said that for the first time in years, St. Mary's School in Lee now has a waiting list of 11 students for one of its pre-K classes.
He said he expects an additional surge of interest after public schools release their final plans for the fall.
Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield operates independently, and is developing its own plan.
