Why Catholic School?
The Catholic School Advantage
The Catholic School advantage is reflected throughout our academic program and the lives of the faculty and students. Students are challenged to improve the world by sharing the truth, beauty, and goodness of the faith. Catholic schools interweave the faith into every subject so that God’s providence is connected to the inquiry of mathematics, the wonder of science, and the grace of literature. Students grow to understand the roots of their faith and their responsibilities as Catholic Christians.
Students explore their faith through religion classes and activities in Scripture, Sacraments, Church, and morality.
Catholic Schools stress the value of self-discipline and commitment.
Faculty and staff are role models who share their faith, their talents, and their time.
While not all students who come to the Catholic Schools are Catholic, all share experiences of faith and values.
Catholic Schools encourage each student to accept the challenges of being a Christian in tomorrow’s world.
Values which promote understanding and service to the elderly and the handicapped, the poor and the ill, are an important part of the Catholic School experience. As a faith community, we emphasize those values which encourage students to accept others rather than exclude them, to understand the difference between right and wrong, and to commit themselves to serve God by serving others.
Excellence in Academic Achievement
A Catholic education is a challenging education. High expectations, strong motivation, effective discipline and an atmosphere of caring combine to foster excellence, and, a high quality of student performance is supported by assessment evidence.
Catholic School students score significantly above the national averages on standardized testing.
Research shows that because of a greater emphasis on homework and study, Catholic School students develop more effective writing skills.
Catholic Schools have an excellent success rate in educating minority students.
While providing a stimulating and demanding education, Catholic Schools give students a high level of individualized attention and personal sharing.
Family and Community
A Catholic School recognizes the parents and family as primary educators and joins with them to form a living community of shared visions.
Catholic Schools help students understand that each person is unique and valuable.
Catholic Schools join with the family to help students understand their special place in the family, the Church, and society.
Catholic Schools encourage family input and involvement in the ongoing education of their children. Research shows that such a partnership results in higher attendance rates and lower dropout rates.
Catholic Schools strive to create a special bond among the students, the home, the school, and the church, so that all share the strong sense of community.
Every child shares in an educational environment filled with love and concern — a community joining together to help create a better world.
Maintaining High Standards
Catholic Schools engage in an ongoing process of evaluation, certification, and accreditation of both teachers and programs. Their accountability guarantees the maintenance of Catholic School’s traditionally high standards.
The Catholic School curriculum meets all state regulations and guidelines. In addition, diocesan guidelines require a strong religious education curriculum.
Catholic School faculty members are fully qualified professionals committed to bringing out the best in their students as they grow in knowledge, skills, and values.
Association with agencies such as the National Catholic Education Association and the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, as well as with Diocesan Education Offices, helps provide programs and instruments for internal and external evaluations on an ongoing basis.
Extra-Curricular Programs
Catholic Schools are committed to the development of the whole student. Extra-curricular activities are regarded as an important part of the total learning experience. A variety of choices is offered to reflect the uniqueness of each student, to generate a healthy sense of competition, to create a spirit of cooperation, and to foster both leadership and creativity.
The emphasis is on participation by all students.
Drama, sports, and service opportunities are integral parts of the educational process.