Austin Area Catholic Schools is boasting a 25-pupil up swing in enrollment this fall for preschool through grade 12, a notable increase for a private school system with a total student population of 337.

AACS director Mary Holtorf, who noted earlier in the week she believes small class sizes are a draw and have contributed to its history of significantly above-average ACT scores, said the elementary expects a dozen new students and Pacelli should have 10.

Although AACS charges tuition, Holtorf said that should not deter those who want an education there.

“We don’t like to say that’s going to be an issue for students,” Holtorf said. “We get tuition assistance through alumni support, and our three parishes support us.”

Parents are required to pay part of the tuition, Holtorf said, so “sometimes they have a vested interest.”

The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Lyle-Pacelli Athletics football’s opening game will be Friday, Sept. 12 at Wescott Field, and homecoming begins Oct. 4.