catholic school experience essay

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STUDENT ESSAY: Why I love attending Catholic school

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Editor’s note: Each year St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Anchorage holds a student essay contest for the annual Catholic Schools Week celebration. The following essay by 6th grader Nicholas Febbo took first place this year’s contest and included a $500 scholarship.

Most people overlook Catholic schools but they are a great source for religious formation and a good source of knowledge and service. Catholic schooling has changed me for the better, and you might just be inspired to take another look at Catholic schools.

Faith and religion are both important. Catholic schools have helped me come back to them. Before I went to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I looked at church like a chore. Now I view church like school (which I think is fun) — a time to learn. Also, now that I’m in a Catholic school, I learn more about God and my faith. A year and a half ago, if someone asked me to whom God gave the Ten Commandments I would have probably said “some guy” or “Jesus,” but now I know it was Moses. Before attending St. Elizabeth Ann Seton I didn’t really know who I was or what I could be. Now I know about vocations and what God calls us to be. I know who I am and what I want to be. In a nutshell, I can clearly say that Catholic schools are a great source of faith formation.

Catholic schools are also a great source of knowledge thanks to teachers who encourage and help me progress onward. Back in my old school, I wasn’t a straight-A student, but now that I’m in a Catholic school and in such an encouraging environment, my grades have skyrocketed. Before I went to Catholic school, if you said something complicated or hard to understand, it would have probably gone right over my head. Now I try to decipher and understand the more complex things in life. Catholic schools are great way to learn about Catholicism and just about anything else.

I haven’t told you about how Catholic schools emphasize service to others. Before attending St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I wasn’t the best kid — now I get in trouble much less, and I’m much nicer. Another thing is helping others. At this school, we grow potatoes to give to the homeless and we make sandwiches for them too. I didn’t used to care much about those things but now I ask people if they need help.

As you can see, Catholic schools focus on teaching religion as well as helping students learn about ourselves, others and the world around us. I hope this inspires you to think about Catholic schools.

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Show More “Storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Timothy 6:19).” This bible verse truly encapsulates what it means to me to be a student at a Catholic school. Through my experiences attending a Catholic school, I have learned many life lessons that I will treasure and keep close to my heart in every aspect of my life. Being a Catholic school student has given me valuable essentials that I know will better prepare me for the road ahead. One of the many fundamental lessons I have learned while attending a Catholic school is that no matter where you come from or what you believe in, we are all one people put on this planet to serve others. This piece of wisdom has great significance to me because through the guidance and benevolence of my administrators, I was shown the immense power that this lesson holds, which greatly helped to cultivate my core beliefs. Goodness can radiate throughout our world if more people make the effort to do so, and being at a Catholic school has …show more content… Through the theology classes I have taken, I began to truly recognize the role that God plays in my life. Furthermore, at a Catholic school, I gained a community of people who help me grow in the faith that I have in God and myself. Being part of this community gave me the sight to see that the relationship I have with God holds immense significance in my life. By the way of his influence, I am reminded that wherever I may be in life, I will always be in good hands. Through the encouragement of those placed in my life by my Father, I can live out the life God wants me to live; I am able to be a good steward of the church. The Word of God that has been revealed to me, through the further teachings of the faculty and staff, will always echo in my mind and give me true strength to succeed in all that I

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We Asked Alumni: How Has Catholic Education Influenced Your Life?

A personal account: building a strong foundation at st. agnes, the importance of service, the value of retreats, translating to the classroom, life as a catholic school graduate, consider enrolling at st. agnes, st. agnes academy.

Time to Speak — The value of a Catholic education

By Catie Flaugher

In a matter of months, I will graduate from high school. With a few steps and a handshake, I will be released into the world to start a new chapter of my life. It was in preparation for my future — applying to colleges, to be precise — that I realized the fortune that has been bestowed upon me.

The application process for colleges and scholarships is fierce. It exposes both the strengths and weaknesses of a multitude of educational systems. In comparing my education with those of my peers, it became evident to me that I have benefited from the high standards that the Catholic school system has set.

During my twelve years in the Catholic school system, I acquired a sense of academic excellence fostered by each teacher whose classroom I ever entered. The passion for teaching and gaining knowledge that my teachers have always exuded is undeniable and inspirational.

With teachers that clearly enjoy their profession, I cannot help but approach learning with the same fervor. Without diligence, the quality of work they demand would be unattainable. Most importantly, the enthusiasm and dedication they instill leads me to constantly raise my own standards for the work I do, both in and out of the classroom.

The lessons I learn in school are far from limited to facts and figures. From the men and women who lead by example, I know the true value of respect, humility, and honesty. By holding me to a high code of conduct in the classroom, the sense of morality by which I lead my life grows stronger each day.

The love of an inclusive community that I experience in Catholic schools calls me to provide the same to everyone I meet. This love has taught me to approach all of God’s creation with the same tenderness and compassion that reveals itself to me each day.

In caring for my brothers and sisters in Christ and learning about the faith, my spirituality evolves as well. Service opportunities provided in the Catholic school system enrich me. Continuous theological study gives me a deep understanding of the faith and a thirst to learn more of the history and tradition of the Catholic Church.

Through this education, I gain pride and excitement in my faith. While the importance of knowing one’s faith and serving those in need are valuable lessons to impart to the students of Catholic schools, I believe an even higher standard is set: the standard for Catholicism. My education has provided me with the essential truth that to truly profess the faith, Catholics must live the faith. There is no other way.

When I graduate, I will carry a diploma as a physical sign of the education I received. More importantly, I will carry the skills to rise to whatever challenges I may face and a thirst for learning.

I will carry a high personal set of expectations that began to form at an early age and were refined during my years in school. I will carry the love and respect of my teachers and classmates. I will carry the essence of Catholic education.

Deacon Stuart Priddy lives life of service

What a beautiful and compelling tribute to Catholic education, Catie! All your teachers and administrators during your years of Catholic schooling must be very, very proud of you! Thank you for taking the time to write the article. No doubt all of us who work with love and dedication in our Archdiocesan Catholic schools are rejoicing in your stellar tribute to your Catholic education!

May you always know God’s loving presence as you move on to college and your future!

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Our Lady of Lourdes

Students Inspire in Catholic Schools’ Week Essays

February 04, 2021

Open gallery

For Catholic Schools week, all students in religion classes composed a short essay on the topic: “What Catholic School Has Meant to Me”. Religion teachers collectively have selected these top 5 essays!  

Please click here to read Paige’s essay.

Please click here to read Nina’s essay. 

Please click here to read Ella’s essay.

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Essay contest entrants love their Catholic schools

February 15, 2022

To celebrate the gift of Catholic school education, Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of Catholic Schools, sponsored a Catholic Schools Week essay contest for kindergarten-through-grade-12 students in any of the 10 Catholic schools.

Ian Ceballos, kindergarten student from St. Joseph School in Knoxville, shared his reasons for loving St. Joseph. He stated, “I love St. Joseph because my teachers read to us. Our school has different cultures.” Henri Sowards, kindergarten student also from St. Joseph, shared his love by saying, “We can pray.” Any schoolteacher knows that a key part of any school day is lunch. First-grade student Billy Zengel, St. Joseph, stated emphatically, “We have the best lunches and the BEST part is the blessing.” Billy also loves “the singing at Mass.”

Second-grade winner Gabriel (Gabe) Parrilla from St. Mary School in Oak Ridge wrote that he loves his Catholic school “because the teachers care for us. Also I get to go to the chapel and see God.” Gabriel loves that “the Fathers come to our classroom to talk to us. And his friends are nice.” Emilia Stitz and Sadie Pellegrin, both second-grade students at St. Mary, wrote about their love of the atrium and being able to pray to Jesus. St. Mary School has an atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd that is a focal point of the school.

The message of God’s love and infinite forgiveness was beautifully conveyed by third-grade student Alexis Koronka when she said that “Catholic school has taught me that I do not have to be perfect because God loves me anyway. Catholic school teaches us how to forgive each other. When we make a mistake, the teachers help us to learn from them. Catholic school makes me feel safe and loved every day.”

Fourth-grader Harper Widener shared that “the teachers teach us all we need to know about God from the time of Adam and Eve to Jesus’ resurrection. This will make us better Christians in adulthood.” And fifth-grade student Isabelle Swindeman wishes she went to a bigger school, but then she remembers that other schools are not Catholic schools. She shared how the school pushes her to be a better person and shared how she instituted a fundraiser called Art for the Heart. Giving to others has taught her how she wants to live her life. She also shared about reading the book about the Afghanistan girl that could not go to school, Malala. She stated, “Whenever I have a bad day or get tired of school, I imagine if someone took away my right to go to school. I love school.”

Eliana Barker was a new sixth-grade student at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. She wrote in her winning essay that Catholic school has already made a big impact on her life. “I made new friends who were very welcoming to me as new students. They have taught me about kindness to others by showing they really care about me. Catholic school has given me so many opportunities that I didn’t have before like art, Spanish, and music. My teachers have learning games to help the students understand the topic in a fun way. These new experiences have pushed me to explore new interests. I have learned to share Christ’s love.”

For Mary Zengel, seventh-grade winner, she “can learn things in the light of my faith.” She also wrote about the sense of community and stated that “there are no bullies, ‘mean girls,’ or groups like that at our school. I think going to a Catholic school will help me stay in the Church my whole life because I learned about and was allowed to talk about my faith at school.” For Nathan Jungels, Catholic school demonstrates excellence. The St. Jude School eighth-grade student stated that Catholic school has taught him that “greatness will never be achieved overnight, in morality nor general and social life. Greatness only emerges from arduous labor, hope, and faith in God, and most importantly, truly wanting and reaching for success.” This school represents his “hope for a bright and successful future.”

The three winners at the high school level candidly revealed their struggles and the changes that have occurred in their lives because of Catholic school. Andrew Chapman, Notre Dame High School, stated, “When I first came to Notre Dame, I was instantly welcomed. I had no friends, all of which I left in Georgia. The teachers care so much more here and help me learn how I need to learn. They are nice and friendly and even make jokes with me.” In his previous school, Andrew did not feel that he always got the help that he needed, but the teachers at his Catholic school give the care and attention that he needs, and he found that his grades stayed the same—they were always A’s—but the amount he learned grew astronomically.

Rylie Lumley confided that as a non-Catholic the concept of Catholicism intimidated her. She had not been very religious before enrolling at Notre Dame High School. On her first day, she heard Father Chris Manning speak at an all-school Mass. Through the following weeks she began to listen more. “I paid more attention to the words he was saying. I stopped listening to his words from a religious standpoint, but from a general life standpoint; it is simply the want and intention to be a better person. I am truly happy with my education at this school, and the happiness I have gained since transferring here is something I never thought I would find.” Gracie Wade also shared how her “faith in God has risen,” and she has pushed herself to seek out ways she can live through the eyes of God. “They motivated us to go out and individually find our place with God and understand that every experience is different.” Gracie has found her experience at her Catholic school has made her life more fulfilling.

“These students are only a few students who have shared their voices about the transformation that occurs each day in our Catholic schools,” Mrs. Prater said. “Catholic schools make a difference in the lives of students and families every day. To experience this difference, we invite you to visit one of our 10 Catholic schools in the diocese.”

List of essay contest winners

• Kindergarten winner: Ian Ceballos, St. Joseph School, Knoxville
• Kindergarten honorable mention: Henry Sowards, St. Joseph School
• First-grade winner: Billy Zengel, St. Joseph School
• Second-grade winner: Gabriel Parrilla, St. Mary School, Oak Ridge
• Second-grade honorable mention: Emilia “Millie” Stitz, St. Mary School, Oak Ridge
• Second-grade honorable mention: Sadie Pellegrin, St. Mary School, Oak Ridge
• Third-grade winner: Alexis Koronka, St. Joseph School
• Third-grade honorable mention: Johnny Zengel, St. Joseph School
• Fourth-grade winner: Harper Widener, St. Joseph School
• Fifth-grade winner: Isabelle Swindeman, St. Joseph School
• Sixth-grade winner: Eliana Barker, St. John Neumann School, Farragut
• Sixth-grade honorable mention: Ross Fox, St. Joseph School
• Seventh-grade winner: Mary Zengel, St. Joseph School
• Eighth-grade winner: Nathan Jungels, St. Jude School, Chattanooga
• Eighth-grade honorable mention: Ryan Fillauer, St. Jude School
• Eighth-grade honorable mention: Gracie Gicakara, St. Jude School
• Eighth-grade honorable mention: Megan Steere, St. Jude School
• High school winner: Andrew Chapman, Notre Dame High School, Chattanooga
• High school winner: Rylie Lumley, Notre Dame High School
• High school winner: Gracie Wade, Notre Dame High School

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Archbishop Fabre leads deacons in renewal of vows

By Bill Brewer Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre presided at a Vespers service in which the Diocese of Knoxville’s deacons renewed their diaconal vows. The service was held on Feb. 22, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, in Cathedral Hall on the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus campus. The deacons were joined by their wives, who also renewed their pledge of support before Archbishop Fabre. Joining the permanent deacons for the service were several candidates in the next class preparing for the permanent diaconate. Assisting Archbishop Fabre in leading the service was Deacon Jim Bello, who assists in leading the Diocese of Knoxville Office of the Diaconate and Deacon Formation. Deacon Bello shared that Archbishop Fabre inquired about a gathering where he could meet the diocese’s deacons. “He asked if there was anything on the schedule for deacons and their wives where I could... Read more →

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Knowing the Lord Jesus, walking with Him, studying with Him, serving with Christ, and sharing the table of the Lord Jesus is what prepares a person to be His witness to the world. - Bishop Jaime Soto, Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento

Why do children go to school? You’re probably thinking, “That’s obvious. To learn, of course!” But is academic knowledge, alone, the end goal of the learning experience? What if the educational process could deliver on more than just one outcome? A Catholic education is a one-of-a-kind learning experience because it focuses on more than just academics. We believe that nurturing the entire person in mind, body, and spirit is necessary for a happy, healthy, and balanced life. Catholic Schools provide children with the invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge, explore their passions, create community, strengthen their sense of self and come to know God all in one place.

Explore a few of the many reasons a Catholic School is the best choice for your child’s education:

THE CATHOLIC ADVANTAGE

A Catholic education is unlike any other learning experience. Why? Catholic Schools educate to develop the whole child . The educational process is an opportunity to cultivate the entire person by engaging the human need for physical, mental, social, and spiritual nourishment. It is the mission of Catholic Schools to do just that.

Catholic Schools understand the multi-faceted nature of child development and are heavily invested in the wellbeing of their students. In the state of California, school attendance is compulsory for children ages six through eighteen. Thinking of a school as a place where children are entertained, disciplined, kept busy, or babysat is just as much a disservice to them as it is to us. At a Catholic School, education is more than just a requirement or a means to prevent truancy. It is an occasion to celebrate learning, develop talents, create lifelong bonds, and to love and serve God every day.

Our teaching style is effective because it is comprehensive. Children in our Schools benefit from a learning experience that develops all of the physical, emotional, social and spiritual qualities integral to human health and happiness. We recognize that children are the heirs of our future. Brimming with wonder, joy, and a zeal for life, among us all it is they who have the brightest hopes and biggest dreams for the state of the world. Catholic Schools think highly of their students and have gratitude for children the world over, as they are movers and shakers with the power to determine the course of history.

Catholic Schools are proud to serve parents who desire the highest quality academic instruction for their children. Excellence in academics is the hallmark of a Catholic education. With an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1, an education with us is personalized, relevant and conducive to the success of each individual (NCEA). Routinely surpassing public schools in state- and national-level academic benchmarks, Catholic Schools encourage critical thinking, practical application, and creative problem-solving. 1 Because of our high academic standards, 99% of those students who attend Catholic high school graduate. And of those, 86% attend 4-year colleges. 2

In bringing children the best educational opportunities, Catholic Schools ensure that their academic curriculums reflect societal changes, especially those in technology. Diocesan Schools support the expanding role of technology in the educational experience and continually seek ways to integrate digital learning into the classroom experience. This pursuit also creates teachable moments where, in the spirit of Christian formation, students are not only taught how to operate technology, but also learn that it is our collective responsibility to apply this knowledge positively and respectfully.

Enrichment activities are fundamental to a well-rounded education. Catholic Schools laud the benefits of creative expression through mediums like visual art, music, and dance. Programs that support these talents are always woven into the Catholic School curriculum because they allow students to create, express, and experiment in healthy and empowering ways. Art is one of the ultimate unifiers. Human emotion is experienced and shared through movement and melody. Cultural distinctions are recognized and appreciated through the interaction of vibrant colors, sights and sounds. The solidarity instituted by music and art draws us closer as a human community under God.

Catholic Schools also recognize recreational and competitive athletics as sources of spiritual and physical enrichment. Sports programs promote the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle through physical fitness. Spiritual and moral development are fostered through teamwork, camaraderie, hard work and healthy competition in fun and positive environments. Above all, children learn valuable lessons in character formation when they must conduct themselves in situations where winning is not guaranteed. They learn how to cope with loss, and how to harness it as an incentive for growth.

A Catholic education is unique because it prioritizes community. You may be familiar with the phrase, “It takes a whole village to raise our children.” The truth behind this philosophy cannot be overstated. Everything we do and believe goes back to how we can best serve our children. Human psychology advises that success is maximized in inclusive environments where people feel like they are a part of a world or an idea that is bigger than themselves. When there is a culture of community around the educational process, children feel more positive, supported, and confident in their ability to excel personally and professionally. In fact, studies show that teacher commitment, student engagement, and student achievement are higher in Catholic Schools because we operate as communities rather than bureaucracies. 3

Community is a focal part of the everyday experience at a Catholic School. All mornings begin with sacred silence followed by school-wide prayer with all teachers, faculty, and students in attendance. At Mass, we worship together as faith-filled communities, thanking the Lord for giving us another day to enjoy our families, the many gifts we have been given, and the opportunity to be led by His grace. Each school activity, from sporting events to theatre productions, is preceded by prayer and the affirmation of community.

School-sponsored functions give life to our parochial communities. Parents and children participate in regular fundraising events and socials where friendship is celebrated, bonds are forged over delicious food and drink, and connections are established through faith and good fellowship. Regardless of personal viewpoints on worldly affairs, parents who seek both bright futures and the promise of salvation for their children already share something significant. There is no better foundation for community than the kindness and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. As he is the basis of all that is just and good on this Earth, no matter what our differences or personal beliefs, it is in Him that we share our strongest bond and find greatest cohesion.

At a Catholic School, academic learning is not the only outcome of an exceptional education. The primary goal of a Catholic education is to prepare children for salvation. Students learn that God does not expect us to be perfect, or to tire ourselves by pursuing the hopeless venture that is perfection. What He wants most is for us to become our best selves. Giving glory to God is a lifelong exercise in acceptance, trust, and patience. When we choose to focus our energies on knowing and serving God, we can truly wash away our self-doubt and let go of the unhealthy and unachievable desire to be perfect. All that we are and everything that we do becomes more precious than a quest for vanity, fame or recognition when we aspire to serve God. We teach our children that becoming your best self has nothing to do with being perfect; it means honing your talents and transforming your strengths into a vocation that has a positive impact on society.

Catholic Schools are exceptional because they focus on informing and developing loving and productive citizens who care about the condition of their communities. Studies show that the emphasis Catholic Schools place on service and faith formation produces students who are more civically engaged, tolerant of diverse views, committed to service as adults, and less likely to be incarcerated than their public school peers. (Campbell, 2001).Children in Catholic Schools are not only called to be high academic achievers, they are also called to be loving disciples of Jesus Christ. That being said, academics do not take a back seat in the learning process. Instead, we believe developing the intellectual aptitudes God has given us is the best way to grow in holiness.

However, Catholic Schools also understand that the way a person chooses to exercise his or her knowledge is far more important than having knowledge itself. Therefore, we support character development, instilling in children ethical values that ultimately guide their decision-making process; from their personal, everyday behaviors to their chosen career paths. Moral conduct is built into the very fabric of school culture. Following the example of Jesus Christ, students are required to model Christian behavior by honoring the dignity of each individual. We encourage the expression of faith in word, thought, and deed.

Above all, a Catholic education forms compassionate yet judicious leaders who are prepared to rise up to the complexities of a dynamic and ever-changing world. Graduates of Catholic Schools have solid academic foundations, spiritual fortitude, strong moral convictions, and the desire to be civically engaged. Guided by God’s grace, we give students the tools they need to shape their futures and to become their best selves. As Catholic educators, we are humbled by the knowledge that our students move on to translate their spirituality, skills and scholarship into actions that transform the world.

1 Coleman, J., Hoffman, T., & Kilgore, S. (1982). High School Achievement: Catholic and Public Schools Compared. NY: Basic Books; Sander, W. (1996). Catholic Schools: Private and Social Effects. Boston: Kluwer Academic.)

2 McDonald, Dale, PBVM. Ph.D. and Margaret Schultz, Annual Statistical Report 2013-2014, National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA, 2014).

3 Marks, G. (2009). Accounting for school-sector differences in university entrance performance. Australian Journal of Education, 53, 19-38).

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Ten Reasons Why Catholic Education Still Matters

Reverend Ronald J. Nuzzi, Ph.D. Director, ACE  RISE  (Renewing Identity, Strengthening Evangelization) offers ten reasons why Catholic schools still have an important place in our world.

1. An Incarnational View of the World Catholic School students learn that God is present and active in their lives and in the world. They learn to recognize the "footprints of God" in their daily experiences, especially in the midst of life's challenges. They develop a sense of "sacramental awareness". They see the signs of God's love around them, and become instruments of God's grace in their own neighborhoods, communities and the world. In an incarnational view of the world, there is no such thing as a secular subject as all learning helps to develop and bring to full bloom that image of God that is in each person. 2. Immersion in the Paschal Mystery Our lives are a series of small and not so small dyings and risings. In union with the Paschal Mystery, we realize that there is redemptive power in suffering, and in the power of the cross. In it lies the answer to the mystery of all of life's successes and failures. In the experience of the Paschal Mystery, we also realize the need for community. Like Jesus, we encounter our own Simon of Cyrenes to help us along the way. Wins and losses on the athletic field, As and Fs in class, and laughter and tears in our lives are the way we participate in Jesus' dying and rising. 3. The Value of Relationships as a Reflection of the Divine Catholic school students learn to experience God's grace and presence in their lives through their relationships with family, friends and teachers. The loving and supportive relationships they experience are reflections of the love and life-giving dynamic of the Trinity. As a community we celebrate our successes and achievements. We share grief and downfalls. We unite together in solidarity, and even challenge each other to become better reflections of the divine. We are made for community. 4. A Nuanced View of Scripture Catholic school students are given the opportunity to explore the beauty and richness of Sacred Scripture seen through the lens of faith and lived out in daily practice. They experience the ongoing revelation of God in Scripture as the One who leads the Israelites through the promised land, and who redeems them through His cross and resurrection. They also come to view the human person as created in God's image and likeness, and destined for eternal life. They learn to apply Scripture to their own lives as a tool for prayer and the true guide for virtuous living. 5. Civic Engagement In recent research, it has been reported that private school graduates are significantly more likely to actively participate in civic activities than their public school counterparts. Catholic Schools were ranked #1 in the percentage of graduates who actively participate in civic and community activities such as voting, volunteering, letter-writing to legislators, Catholic Concerns Day, and donations to charity, not just for a tax write-off, but out of a sense of the requirements of justice. 6. Service for the Common Good Catholic schools promote service as an essential component of their curriculum. Many Catholic schools have service programs from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Higher education programs such as the Jesuit or Dominican Volunteer Corps promote service at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Diocesan organizations such as Catholic Family Services provide resources and help to people from all walks of life. Catholic school students learn that since community is at the heart of who we are, there are no strangers, only brothers and sisters in the Lord. We have a responsibility to respond to the needs of others because we are all part of God's family. 7. Discipline as a Faith Expectation Catholic schools promote self-discipline through clarity of moral vision that is based on the Gospel. Students are challenged to be Christ-like in word and action. They are asked to examine their choices and action in light of the Ten Commandments and the Gospel law of love. They are given a theological foundation for ethical behavior. Students are not good because they act in accord with rules and expectations. Rather, because students are good, i.e. sons and daughters of God, they are expected to act and make choices that are in keeping with this dignity. 8. The Centrality of Arts, Ritual, Drama, Music to the Life of Faith Through Catholic education, students are exposed to the richness of the religious tradition. Music, Art, Literature, Drama and Ritual are rooted in the rich history of the Church, and find their truest glory as an expression of divine praise. 9. The Fullness of the Catholic Identity at the Heart of the Church Catholic education has always been at the heart of the Catholic mission. Catholic education, and the students who are the product of it, have been called the "greatest work of the Church". They have been entrusted with the fullness of faith and have been charged with the mission of evangelization. They are to go out into the world and share the gifts they have received, as doctors, lawyers, policemen, firemen, businessmen and women, teachers, priests and religious, all as Catholic school graduates. Catholic school graduates are a leaven in society, helping the broader community to be the best that it can be. 10. Personal Excellence as a Spiritual Goal Catholic school students learn that excellence is a response to God's blessings. Academic excellence is not a gospel value in and of itself. The Sermon on the Mount doesn't say "Blessed are you who get all A's." Education must have an altruistic orientation. Students learn so as to help others, and make a difference in the world around them.

Why Your Children Will Benefit From a Catholic Education

One of the most critical decisions parents make for their children is where to educate them. Since children spend so many of their waking hours at school, their school can play a significant role in shaping them as a person.

The right school will not only teach them core subjects like math, science or English — it will also instill values like teamwork, personal responsibility, compassion and more. Catholic schools are an ideal choice for families who want to invest in their children’s education and help them become their best selves. Why choose Catholic school over public school? Read on to learn more.

Help Other Children Get a Catholic Education

Essential Benefits of a Catholic Education

There are many advantages of a Catholic education, but we can group these into two main categories: the quality of academic instruction and the foundation of faith it provides. In a sense, these categories are two sides of the same coin, because Catholic educators understand a quality education should engage with a student on all levels, including both intellectually and spiritually. As  Pope Benedict XVI pointed out , “A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person.”

Why is Catholic school important? A quality Catholic education can give students a solid foundation in academic subjects, preparing them well for college and careers, and can give them a sound spiritual foundation, preparing them for life more broadly. The value of Catholic school is that students have a place to grow and thrive as a whole person.

Benefits of Catholic School vs. Public School

If you’re considering Catholic school for your children, you’re likely wondering about the pros and cons of Catholic school, compared to a secular education. In virtually any way you can compare Catholic and public schools, Catholic school comes out ahead as the better option for your child. Let’s look at a few ways Catholic schools distinguish themselves from public schools.

1. Higher Graduation Rates

Historically, Catholic schools tend to have higher graduation rates than public schools — a demonstration of Catholic educators’ commitment to keeping students engaged with their education. A 2018 study also found that Catholic school students went on to experience  higher graduation rates from college , compared to their peers who had attended public school.

2. Higher Achievement and College Readiness

On the whole, Catholic students tend to outperform their public school peers academically. There are many ways to measure academic achievement, but whether it’s  reading and math scores for elementary and middle school  students or  ACT scores for high school students , Catholic school students demonstrate higher achievement levels than public school students. Catholic high school students also go on to have  higher GPAs in college  compared to college students who attended public school.

3. Lower Student-Teacher Ratio

Another advantage of Catholic schools is that they tend to have a lower student-teacher ratio than public schools. The average student-teacher ratio for public schools in the U.S.  is approximately 16-to-1 , while the average student-teacher ratio for  Catholic schools is 12-to-1 . This significant difference can allow teachers in Catholic schools to engage more effectively with each student in their classroom.

4. Emphasis on Religious Values

If the critical distinctions above aren’t enough, another reason to choose Catholic school over public school for your child is the added spiritual component that is absent from public education. There are multiple ways to invest in your children’s spiritual education, even if they are in public school. However, students in Catholic school benefit from a common thread of Biblical values woven through all their academic classes.

5. A Sense of Community

When your child’s school is part of your church parish, your whole family can enjoy stronger bonds with other parishioners. Rather than having separate groups of church and school friends, students at Catholic schools benefit from one especially rich and tightly woven community. Catholic schools also tend to place a high priority on involving parents in their children’s education, which brings members of the group even closer together.

Why Parents Choose Catholic Schools

If you’re searching for reasons to send your child to Catholic school, you don’t have to look far. All of the advantages we touched on above are convincing reasons to consider. If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I send my child to Catholic school?” or “Is Catholic education better than public?” see if you can relate to any of these descriptions. If so, you may want to choose Catholic school for your student.

You Want Your Child to Receive Catholic Instruction Throughout the Week

Some parents send their children to Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes on the weekends to invest in their students’ spiritual and theological understanding, but during the week, these students find themselves immersed in a completely secular environment. This phenomenon can encourage students to compartmentalize their spiritual lives from their “regular” lives at school. Parents who want their children to absorb Catholic teachings throughout the week should choose Catholic school for their children.

You Want Your Child to Realize Their Academic Potential

As we’ve seen, Catholic schools have a reputation for helping students reach higher levels of academic achievement in their K-12 years and even achieve higher grades in college. Catholic schools even  outperform other types of private schools  in many cases. If you want your child to unlock their academic potential and go on to further their education at the postsecondary level, Catholic school is a wise choice.

You Are Not Catholic, but Want Your Child to Learn Moral Values

Catholic schools are not only for Catholic families. You may be surprised to know that  19.1% of students enrolled in Catholic schools  are non-Catholic. Regardless of your family’s faith background, your child can benefit from the moral values and civic responsibility they will learn and from the example of their teachers who can serve as positive role models.

You Are Looking for an Affordable Private School Option

One deterrent to sending children to private school is tuition. Public school can be a more attractive option because you have already paid for it with your taxpayer dollars. If you want to send your child to public school, but are concerned about cost, it’s helpful to know that Catholic schools can be more affordable than other private schools. Many dioceses and Catholic schools will help offset a parish family’s costs by offering financial assistance programs.

You Want Your Child to Learn and Grow in a Healthy Community

Finally, if you want your child to learn in a community that builds them up — not just as a student but as a person — Catholic school is an excellent choice. Catholic schools seek to foster a strong and healthy sense of community while helping your child develop as an individual. Being in a positive environment can help your student enjoy school and develop healthy self-esteem and respect for others which is one of many reasons why you may want to choose Catholic education.

The Importance of Catholic Education

At Catholic World Mission, education is one of our four pillars. That’s because we recognize the significant role that education can play around the world for helping people overcome poverty and other challenges, and for understanding themselves and the world around them better. That’s why we assist schools across the globe. Take a moment to  learn more about our education projects .

Check Out our Education Projects

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Catholic Schools are Communities and Families: A Freshman Essay

Think about your freshmen year of high school. Do you remember how it felt those first few weeks? What is it like for a freshmen in high school nowadays?

To answer, consider the essay below, written by Tyler Evans (far left), pictured with fellow freshmen Tim Fehrman and Jaksen Wonderlich, just started high school last month. Tyler says,

“Catholic schools are community and families. Gross Catholic reminds me of St. Gerald because of the family aspect and the faith life. Just like St. Gerald, Gross Catholic has a small, tightly-knit community filled with faith and kindness.”

Communities work together, learn together and bond together. I want to continue to learn in a community based in Christ and attend a school that has a sense of family. I chose to attend Gross Catholic because it is not only a community, but a family that excels under the presence of God. I also want to attend Gross Catholic because of its challenging academics and many activities.

One of the core values at Gross Catholic is to be authentically faithful. God and the Holy Trinity are present throughout the school day and are an important part of the school culture. My faith is very important to me because it has always helped me through tough times, like last year when I was diagnosed with cancer. My elementary school classmates at St. Gerald School helped me face my diagnosis with courage and hope.

I love to learn more about my faith and will have opportunities to discuss my faith at Gross Catholic. I will also participate in service projects that incorporate the Corporal Works of Mercy. Gross Catholic will prepare me for a life full of faith, and a life in community with God.

Another core value of Gross Catholic is to be academically driven. Their challenging academics will prepare me for the real world and will help me achieve my goal of getting into the Air Force Academy. I believe that the education that I will receive at Gross Catholic will give me opportunities that I wouldn’t get anywhere else. There are also many extracurriculars that interest me such as mock trial, trapshooting and academic decathlon. I will also have the opportunity to participate in sports I enjoy such as swimming, track and cross-country.

My peers, teachers and staff at St. Gerald Catholic School prepared me for life and I want to bring that knowledge with me to my next level of education at Gross Catholic. I will forever cherish my St. Gerald memories and look forward to making new memories at my Catholic high school.

We are so happy to hear Tyler is healthy, well and thriving and that he cherishes his experience in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Praise be to God! Tyler recently shared more of his story as advocate for school choice here .

Tyler’s mother Nicole is currently employed at Gross Catholic High School, and she shared the story of her faith encounter in our Catholic schools as well:  https://www.federationforchildren.org/voices-for-choice/nicole-evans/

Read more stories of Every Day Impact from Catholic schools

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Why Catholic Education?

Why Choose a Catholic School

What Matters To You?

For generations, Catholic Schools have focused on the values that so many seek in a quality education: superior academic results; faith formation and the building of character; and a safe, caring community where your child is accepted, respected and never lost in the crowd.

These are not abstractions. They’re not part of an educational “wish list.” At Catholic schools, these are tangible, visible realities forged from tradition, intellect, wisdom, and the passionate commitment of the region’s best teachers.

So what matters to you?

Superior Academics ... And Results

• Over 99% of Catholic school students graduate.
• ACT scores are in the top 25% nationally.
• Over 98% of high school students go on to college.
• Last year, over a quarter of a billion dollars in college scholarships were awarded to area students.
• Catholic elementary students test from one to three grades higher on Iowa standardized tests.

Faith and Character

Yes, Catholic schools are different. The experience is designed to be transformational, to make a difference in the life of every student. From Day 1 at a Catholic school, your child learns in a disciplined environment…one that respects every individual…one that seeks to promote selflessness, self-control, the pursuit of justice and faith in action:

• Last year, area students provided over 115 thousand hours of service to their communities
• Teachers, coaches and administrators emphasize a God-centered life of perseverance, courage conscientiousness and Christian charity
• Studies indicate that strong character development may correlate – as much or more than academic achievement – to later success in life

The mission of a Catholic school is to provide a faith-filled education built upon Catholic virtues and the life of Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of a meaningful life. Catholic schools point the way to personal success rooted in moral character.

A Safe, Caring Community

People choose Catholic schools as an extension of their families. They want the values taught at home to be witnessed and lived at school. This is precisely what they get in a Catholic school community.

• The Catholic school is a community where your child is accepted, respected and never lost in the crowd.
• Our schools are accountable, responsive, and operate according to the highest professional standards.
• Your participation is important and we welcome your involvement.

If you care about your child’s performance, preparation and results, choose a higher standard … choose a Catholic school near you today.

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EdChoice Expansion Scholarship Award

Seventh grader, Evan Cope, was selected as the winner of an essay contest in honor of Catholic Schools Week 2016 at Assumption Catholic School in Jacksonville. The students were asked to write on the topic, “What does going to a Catholic school mean to you?” The purpose of the essay was to highlight the benefits of a Catholic education and how it can help prepare children for future success.

Here is a copy of Evan’s winning essay:

“What Does Going to a Catholic School Mean to You?” by Evan Cope – 7th Grade

Several wonderful things come to my mind when I hear the words “Catholic school.” I think of happiness and freedom from the everyday hustle and bustle of life that Catholic school offers. I have been going to a Catholic school for about two years now. I had no clue as to what was in store for me as I began the journey, but what a fun and exhilarating ride it has been. Catholic school means so much to me, from a safe environment, to freedom of religion, and uniforms that encourage togetherness and a family environment.

Catholic school is the second safest environment I know, next to the comfort of my own home, of course. Catholic school is a place where I can touch base with my friends without having to avoid courtyard skirmishes. At my previous school, playground squabbles would break out, and in the hallways, someone’s meaty fist was often waiting to play you like a game of “Bop-It.”  In Catholic school, not only do the students respect other students, but the teachers respect the students as well.  They are always willing to take the time to discuss anything that may be on a student’s mind.  In public school, teachers will often shrug you off like last spring’s fashions.

At my old public school, I had show and tell and brought in a necklace with a cross on it to explain my faith.  Though I was excited to share my faith with other students, I was discouraged from doing so. There I was, in the second grade, and unable to be a messenger of God.  Here at Catholic school, we are encouraged to spread our knowledge in our faith. We have opportunities for religion class, mass, and adoration that can’t be provided anywhere else. With all these resources that allow me to learn more about my faith, I grow in my spiritual walk daily, and even my parents learn something that they weren’t taught in their old days of Sunday school. Adoration is great after a long, tough day at school.  It frees your mind from all distractions and with Mass, we are given the chance to receive the Eucharist every Tuesday.

Have you ever been picked on because of the appearance of your clothes or because some people felt that your attire wasn’t fashionable?  This happens to children on a daily basis in public school.  Here at Catholic school however, this simply isn’t the case.  This is because everyone is wearing the exact same thing and looks just like the next person.  You might think this would make for a boring experience.  On the contrary, everyone looks presentable, professional, and is ready to learn.

Catholic school means all these things and so much more.  I am thriving academically in a safe environment and am encouraged to grow in my faith and share it with others.  A neat, clean, uniform appearance ensures that all students are focused on learning and are preparing for success.  I am very grateful for the opportunities in Catholic school and I hope to pass the tradition on to my children one day.

Evan’s essay was selected among the middle school students at Assumption Catholic School in Jacksonville.

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My Catholic Experience Paper

Well I grew up in a Catholic family with a grandmother who was very spiritual, and even had her own room with hundreds of saints, and she would pray to them for different requests. I never really understood church or many of the Bible stories. The church services were so discipline to me, and felt like a punishment because of the standing and kneeling all through out the service. I moved away with my mother and siblings and we ended up staying at this homeless shelter that was ran by a non denominational church, so part of our agreement to stay was to attend this church. I found this church to be open to anyone and everyone, and during our time their I got baptized. I enjoyed this church. From that time I never really considered myself Catholic, because I could never …show more content…

Which now I know that Jesus was God 's way of giving salvation for everyone including the Gentiles. The only way this could happen was through Jesus' sacrifice, which replaced the animal sacrifices that were required. The Old Testament being the original text for God's people, but they continued to turn their back on God, so God provided himself as Jesus and the New Testament as a guideline for all believers to live by. Many other questions about my experience with Catholisum for example, praying to saints, and the importance placed on the Virgin Mary. After further research I came up with the opinion that praying to saints goes against what the Bible states, which is that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ. While I do agree that Mary was an important figure in our religion , but I don't place her in the same category as Jesus. I also don' t agree with how people are voted into sainthood by other humans, because humans are all sinners, so if humans vote in saints, then these saints will be receiving God's

Marian Catholic Essay Samples

First, I would like to thank those reading this essay for taking the time to even consider me for Marian Catholic. I believe I have many gifts I can bring to the table for Marian. Many of these gifts fall in to the categories of prayer, study, community, and service.

Annual Catholic Appeal Essay Sample

The Annual Catholic Appeal has done a lot for the community like helping out with the youth. They do different things like gives schools money to keep the school up and going. They also encourage leadership for the youth so they will be leaders and so they won’t be followers. They are helpful to the community in many ways. The Annual Catholic Appeal makes a big difference in the community by encouraging leadership, supporting young people, and providing money for catholic school students.

Newark Catholic Research Paper

Last night at Northridge high school the Newark Catholic Green Wave rolled in Johnstown looking to sing the hometown Northridge Vikings. So far this season for Newark Catholic it has been a very up and down season, where injuries have hurt this team but caused the coaching staff to build depth and for the Vikings it has been a season that have seen get a win over a,5-4 Minford team and posting two other wins.

Religious Experience Research Paper

For this paper I decided to sit down with my childhood friend from my St. Thomas More Catholic School days. Katarina and I have known each other since we were 5 years old. I remember attending church with her family on Sunday morning, spending the night at her house, occasionally attending her family's BBQ's on Easter Sunday, and inviting her to all my birthday parties at Chuck E Cheese. Though we lost touch after high school we found each other again thanks to social media. We are both from Hispanic Catholic families so it was always assumed that we would grow up to be Catholic too. To my surprise I found that on Katie's social media page under religious views it did not say Catholic as I expected but rather Wicca. Turns out Katie decided that the Catholic faith wasn't for her and opted instead to convert to Wicca.

Imago Dei Theology

In this paper, I am going to share my ideas of theology. I believe that one of the biggest mistakes I made in the past was that I was afraid of being rejected, so I wrote a theology paper and tried to give the previous COM what I thought they wanted to hear instead of what was truly inside of me. Fortunately for me, even though I was not given a green light in order to see the Eccleastical Council, I was licensed to preach and this gave me time

Catholic High School Research Paper

It is important for me to attend Bishop McNamara Catholic High School because I want the best possible education I can get in high school. I need to be prepared for college and Bishop McNamara is the school that I feel would best prepare me for my college years. Bishop McNamara is also my ideal school because of the Catholic education I will receive and is very appealing because of the small size, allowing more one-on-one with the teachers.

College Admissions Essay: Double Life

I grew up in the church. My father was a deacon and my mother was a Sunday school teacher. I never remember a time that church was not the center of my life. I experienced great hurt in my young life and nobody knew pain I endured. I would not realize until much later in my life the affect that one event would have on me. My teenage years were turbulent. These years were a time that was marked by poor choices and rebellion. I developed two lives. One I projected in the church and the other outside the church. I never really gave the fact that I was living a double life much thought.

Catholic Chrities Research Paper

Do you know how many of your County neighbors are barely making ends meet—often not earning enough to cover just one unexpected expense? A recent survey revealed that about 46% of Americans don’t feel they have enough money to cover a $400 emergency expense. Rather than paying it outright, these individuals and families have to put the expense on a credit card or simply cannot cover it.

Catholic Identity Paper

The identity of a Catholic school is the key variable that sets that school apart from all others, and without a commitment to fostering the Catholic identity, a Catholic school becomes just a school. The Congregation for Catholic Education (1988) cited in Earl (2008) noted that if the Catholic identity "is not present, then there is little left which can make the school Catholic" (p. 197). Integral in developing and maintaining the Catholic identity of a school is the faith formation of both the adults who work in the building, as well as the students who attend. Nourishing the spirituality of these groups is the responsibility of the administration and those who lead the school. However, the faith formation needs of each group are unique, but nonetheless dependent on each other, to form the Catholic identity of the school.

Being Catholic Research Paper

God is an important part of my life everyday from the moment I wake up to when I go to bed. Since I was a little kid my mom has always taught me the values of being a catholic. Being catholic doesn't mean going to church every Sunday and confessing your sins to later do them again. Being catholic means engaging with god and finding a deeper meaning during church. Being catholic means knowing and loving god as a human being. Being catholic means talking to god about your sins and finding ways to being a better person in life. God is a part of our life day to day he influences us in becoming a better catholic. Being catholic means finding ways to serve god through our life's vocation and trying to live out the core values of a catholic. God challenges

Baptism Research Paper

Throughout the course of organized religion both present and past, ritualistic acts of praise and worship have been practiced as a sign of both love and honor to God. Catholicism refers to these rituals as sacraments. As Christians and members of this faith, the first sacrament received by each member is Baptism. This sacrament has not only been practiced since the beginning of our faith, but has deep meaning and symbolic ties to the start of creation with Adam and Eve. I hope to prove through both illustration and published works how Baptism as a sacrament is both a sign and symbol of humanities desire to become closer to God by cleansing them of original sin through this ritual and rite of passage.

My Catholic Mass Experience Paper

During elementary school I decided I wanted to move in with my father who did attend church religiously every Sunday morning. Catholic mass was awful and difficult to understand. My father put my brothers and I through communion and made us participate in church bible study to further understand the religion. As I got older my views on Catholicism had gotten worse, I started hating going to church. When the nuns called my age group to have children’s church my father forced me to go, they took us to a room that had no windows and was always cold. The nuns made us read the old testament in the King James Bible version and I always had a hard time reading and understanding it because of the way it was written. This experience made me hate and

Essay on The Catholic Religion

The world has more than one billion Catholics and with the ever growing population, it will only get larger in number. To be a Catholic means to have complete faith in God and his divine grace. Having God's divine grace means to obey it and keep it holy as it was created by God and given to his people. The religion itself is based on this and the people take it very seriously. Catholics believe that all people are of good nature but when one commits a sin it not only hurts that one person but the people and the Church.

Holy Spirit Research Paper

18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Christian Reflection Paper

Christian Tradition course exposed me to the Christian Tradition based on Biblical and church history. The course taught me the differences and similarities of Christian Tradition from other major world religions. I learned about the significance of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Trinity based on the teachings of the Bible. The course also briefly covered 2,000 years of church history but with emphasis on the impact of the Council of Nicea, Council of Chalcedon, and John and Charles Wesley on Christianity. The professor emphasized the importance of the reformation that sparked a revolution in the church.

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