OCEAN PINES, Md.- Shrinking student enrollments at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wilmington are forcing some to cut programs and staff.

Administrators at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Salisbury say they are seeing the affects of the poor economy. The school cut back on expenses like staff, as student enrollment declined slightly.

Its principal says the school is working to keep students enrolled, but many parents are turning to free public schools due to the bad economy.

Its principal also say the school is struggling to compete with others that have enhanced teaching facilities and programs.

"If that's what's a priority for the parents than that's what they're going to look to--the state of the art labs, and the technology--that we aren't necessarily able to compete with," said Principal Jude DeLucco.

However, another Catholic school in Ocean Pines claims it is one of two in the Diocese's system of about three dozens schools to actually have an increase in student enrollment this year.

The Most Blessed Sacrament School said its student body grew 25 percent, because of its strong curriculum and staff.

Its principal said Catholic schools have had to adapt- which has not been easy for many.

"I think that Catholic schools in general are being challenged to provide services that traditionally Catholic schools would not have been asked to provide," he said.

Tuition for one child per year at the school is at least $4,600.

Many Catholic schools say they are also relying on community groups and fundraising organizations to help keep kids enrolled, whose families are unable to afford the costs.