With the tough economic times, private schools say they're trying to keep their heads above water. And although they say enrollment rates are staying steady, administrators admit they're a little nervous about the future.

While students hit the books to study, private school leaders say they're keeping a close eye on expenses, to stay out of the red.

"I think food prices, gas and heat and electricity, all of that has gone up. And that affects the overall budget,” says Regis High School Principal Bill Uelmen.

He says the economy is hitting private schools hard, since their only income is from tuition, parishes, and developers, like alumni and the local community.

"We have some of our major fundraisers and that's going to be critical as far as eventually affecting the cost of Catholic education,” says Uelmen.

And it's a high cost for parents. Tuition at Regis High School is $3,900 a year per student. Immanuel Lutheran in Eau Claire says its tuition is $2,800.

And when you have more than one student in the school, it's pricey.

But Uelmen says parents see private school education as an investment in their child. Not only educationally, but spiritually as well.

"I think our parents are willing to make that sacrifice because they truly believe that this is the best educational environment for their sons and daughters,” he says.

And Julie Eklund agrees. Right now she has two children enrolled in a private school.

"From kindergarten on, I felt my child was being educated, not only academically and socially, but also emotionally and spiritually, the whole child,” Eklund says.

And although she says you have to make financial sacrifices when you're sending your child to a more expensive school, parents shouldn't take learning lightly.

"Even in economic hardships, I think you can never, never underestimate the value of your child's education,” Eklund says.

Uelmen says enrollment at the high school is only down by four students this year, while Immanuel Lutheran says it's enrollment is up by 8 students.