In tonight's Family First report, NBC-15's Sarah Carlson explains how many schools with an added expense are not feeling the pinch.

" Here we have a common mission. Everyone knows what they are coming to a catholic school for. "

St. Joseph's Catholic School in Fort Atkinson... is more than a school.
We visited them during "spirit week" and saw the spirit of family.

" There's no guessing whether or not you're doing the right thing. Everybody's on the same page. "

Including their parents, who get *very involved.
One of the big decisions *these kids* parents have to make is to spend extra money for school.
When they *could chose to do it for free.

" Fort Public schools are great schools and yet we'll have a ten percent increase two consecutive years in our enrollment. "

They are seeing *many* more families chose this option, despite our struggling economy.
Second grade teacher Michele Simonson ... whose children are the *third* generation St. Joe's students... understands why.

" I feel very fortunate to be able to live out my faith every single minute of the day. It's not something you need to tuck away and you can bring it out ."

" Rose Stiemke:I know a lot of my friends that don't go to this school, don't like going to church (because we have to go to church on Thursday) they think it's boring or whatever but it's really not b/c you get to participate and read."

"You get kinda closer bonds with your friends and it's more fun and we get to we go to church and we get to participate."

At St. Joe's ... the children are raised to incorporate God into all walks of life which their parents can't put a price tag on.

"Sometimes it is a sacrifice. You have to maybe decide if you're going on that elaborate vacation or if this is a commitment you're willing to make."