The current population of Naperville is approximately 130,000. It is estimated that half of Naperville is catholic, served by 6 parishes. Today there are a total of 3 catholic classrooms per grade in Naperville, the same amount as in 1982 when Naperville had a population of only 40,000. The existing parochial schools have large waiting lists.
Many parents wish to provide their children the opportunity to be educated in a catholic school.
Some local public schools are overcrowded and borders keep changing while children are shifted to different buildings year to year, separated from friends and relationships. In 1998, the 3 parishes contracted Meitler Consultants, a well-respected firm that specializes in parochial school feasibility studies, to conduct a study in Naperville. They have been involved with the opening, closing and consolidation of schools and have been in business for over 20 years. The committee interviewed several consultants and contacted references. The committee determined that Meitler was an excellent choice.