The Northwest Catholic District School Board is reporting a slight decline in enrolment for the start of the new school year.
There were 15 fewer students in enrolled in catholic schools September 1st than there were back in June.
But education director Mary Catherine Kelly says there are signs of future growth.
"We are very excited that our kindergarten classes have grown most at Sacred Heart (in Sioux Lookout), St. Joseph's (in Dryden) and St. Michael's," says Kelly. "That's very encouraging that some young families are sending their children to the catholic schools."
In the Rainy River district, St. Francis saw a drop of 14 students while enrolments at St. Michael's and Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton remained unchanged.