Text and tables from a variety of sources are assembled to illustrate the past and present situation of Catholic elementary schools in the United States. Between 1965-66 and 1978-79, the number of Catholic elementary schools has decreased, although other private elementary schools have increased. Lay teachers continue to replace religious community members and diocesan clergy. In 1984-85 about 80 percent of the faculty at Catholic elementary schools were lay teachers. Of the 169 dioceses in 1984-85, 100 (60 percent) supplied useable data about their sources of revenue: about 46 percent from the parish, 41 percent from tuition, and 13 percent from other sources. On the basis of about 83 percent of the schools reporting, over half charge $500 or more for tuition. In 1970-71, 72 percent of the schools charged less than $100. Catholic elementary schools spent about $2 billion for operating expenses in 1984-85. Despite fewer students and schools, higher salaries and other costs led to the national per pupil cost in 1984-85 of $947, a 21 percent increase over 1982-83. Annual increases in expenditure per student have averaged about 10 percent in the decade since 1972-73. The financial value of the services contributed by religious community members and diocesan clergy is not included in these costs. (MLF)