Christ is the Reason...
Christ is the foundation for Catholic education, and all Catholic schools are grounded firmly in Catholic beliefs, traditions and values. This spiritual mission is lived out in a variety of ways – through school liturgies, service projects, teaching of church doctrine, prayer experiences, theological reflection and retreats. All of these academic and spiritual experiences enable students to strengthen their relationship with Christ, deepen their knowledge about their faith, reflect upon their lives and develop leadership skills.

Making the Choice
In the time between kindergarten and college, children gain most of the tools they will use for the rest of their lives. These skills include academics (such as reading, writing and mathematics) as well as social, interpersonal and spiritual tools. While attending a Catholic school, children learn in a nurturing, challenging and structured environment that provides a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth. Catholic schools provide students with the knowledge, life skills and spiritual habits that complement and extend the values and expectations you have established at home. Few decisions are more important than choosing the best school for your child.

Teachers as Spiritual and Academic Leaders
In Catholic schools, teachers are educators who strive to fulfill the teaching ministry of Christ. These professionals provide a rigorous education while offering spiritual guidance in a faith-based environment. They are role models, coaches and counselors. Teachers spend many hours outside of school time helping with extracurricular activities, leading school retreats, planning school liturgies, and assisting students with their academic, personal and spiritual growth.

Educating the Whole Person
At a Catholic school, your child has the opportunity to grow in many ways. A wide variety of extracurricular activities allows students to explore and express their individual gifts and abilities. The foundation of faith that permeates every activity in a Catholic school also influences these activities. Your children will share experiences both in and out of the classroom that reinforce their beliefs in themselves, in God and in others.

Strong Sense of Community
Visit any Catholic school, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the spirit of camaraderie among students, teachers and administrators. It is a “community within a community” that unites people who share common values and goals. As students mature within this supportive environment, they are challenged to take that gift of fellowship and give back to the broader community. Students visit the elderly in nursing homes, participate in Dare to Care food drives, feed the hungry, collect money for the Junior Red Cross, bring Christmas presents to poverty-stricken areas of Appalachia, build Habitat houses and volunteer in their parishes. They visit civic and governmental institutions to learn how to make a difference. The senior class of 2006 clocked nearly 59,500 hours of community service.

Parental Involvement
The leadership and involvement of parents is critical to a successful school experience, so as your child’s primary educator, you are welcomed and valued at Catholic schools. At Catholic schools, parents become an integral part of the school as they assist with spiritual, academic, athletic and creative initiatives and get to know their child’s teachers and peers as well as other parents.

Embracing Diversity
Catholic schools welcome students from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds. Nine percent of those who attend Catholic schools are from other faith traditions. Programs are built upon a shared sense of faith and respect for the unique contributions of each student, regardless of religion, race or nationality. Every student can benefit from the Christ-centered teachings and value-based educational opportunities offered by Catholic schools.

Activities
Clubs and activities are a great way for students to develop their gifts and abilities and meet others who share the same interests. Students may choose from a wide variety of extracurricular activities – from academic and social clubs to intramural sports and the performing or fine arts. Individual schools offer a variety of activities that are open to everyone. Please contact the individual school for more information.