Why a Catholic School Education?
Imagine the world of difference you can make by enrolling your
child in a Catholic school. A world of difference by placing
faith at the center of everything they do. Catholic schools
build on and enhance the faith foundation you establish in
your home. The school day begins and ends with prayer. Students
know that God is included in all school activities. How does
this make a difference? It begins with the belief that your
child is a unique individual created by God with special gifts
and talents. Because faith is at the center, everything is
different:
- How students are taught.
- How students are guided.
- How confidence and esteem
are built.
- How team spirit develops.
- How students approach difficulties.
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This all flows from a faith-based belief in the dignity of the
human person.
Catholic schools make a world of difference in organized classrooms
with freedom to learn…Catholic schools strive to provide
disciplined classrooms where students are able to focus on learning.
Experienced Catholic teachers and principals work with
students to teach the importance of personal responsibility,
self-control, and consideration for others. Catholic schools
teach teamwork, honesty, respect for life, respect for self and
respect for others. Therefore, Catholic school classrooms are
safe and nurturing environments for learning and creating.
- Catholic schools strive for academic excellence and
student success.
- Catholic schools work with the local Bishop in establishing
the religious education curriculum and the school’s religious practices.
- Catholic schools strive to create a religious community
where staff and students share their faith through
common prayer and religious celebrations, and where
religious art is proudly displayed.
- Catholic schools work toward establishing respectful
relationships amongst all members of the school
community. To this end, positive discipline policies
are
followed, and standards regarding dress, speech and behavior are maintained
in order to support the schools religious values.
- Catholic schools desire that religious faith and
understanding permeate all subjects in the curriculum;
therefore, all subject areas are potentially
religious. Teachers
are encouraged to incorporate a religious perspective into their lesson
planning
and delivery.
- Catholic schools are sensitive and respectful of
the faith and beliefs of other Christians and members
of other faith communities who will find
a welcome
in
Catholic schools. This does not reduce in any way the freedom of Catholic
schools to openly study, practice, and celebrate their own Catholic
faith.
- Catholic schools strive to create in their students
an attitude of tolerance and respect for all people
of good will.
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Catholic
schools teach that faith and justice are inseparable. The
love of God requires the love of neighbor; faith is expressed
in support
of human rights and social justice. Catholic education has
long been characterized by a commitment to high and appropriate
standards
in all aspects of its educational mission. The history of
Catholic schooling embodies a constant effort to promote academic
excellence
for a diverse group of students in an environment permeated
by religious values and beliefs. However, the mission and purpose
of Catholic schools is larger than attainment of academic
competency.
Commitment to the full development of the spiritual as well
as the academic potential of the student is equal.
There are 2.6 million children enrolled in the more than
8,200 Catholic elementary and secondary schools that serve
this nation.
America’s Catholic schools serve a diverse population.
The academic success of Catholic schools, particularly with
the disadvantaged, has been well documented by several independent
research studies. Nationally, over 99 percent of Catholic
secondary school students graduate and 97 percent go on to
post-secondary
education.
The Catholic School advantage is reflected in the philosophy
that permeates the total education program and the lives
of the faculty and students. This philosophy challenges students
to
improve the world by sharing Gospel values and living Christ’s
message of salvation. They grow to understand the roots of
their faith and their responsibilities as Christians.
- Students explore their faith through 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.
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Values that 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 that 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.
Benefits to a Catholic education include:
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