Why a Catholic school education matters now
With the nation entering its third pandemic year, at times it seemed the biggest triumph for any school was simply keeping the doors open. From the start of the 2020-21 school year, the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark were able to offer primarily in-person learning to students, while following health and safety protocol to minimize pandemic-related disruptions to families.
Across the nation, Catholic schools have been applauded for their commitment to keeping teaching in-person while maintaining some semblance of normalcy for their students. Though collectively we have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic, we have also shared in the success of renewed interest in what our schools have to offer. With increased attention to our schools, we celebrate this year’s Catholic Schools Week by revisiting the top reasons to choose a Catholic school.
High standards and strong values
In today’s rapidly changing society, high academic standards alone fall short of holistically preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Parents who choose Catholic education seek a foundation of strong moral values in addition to rigorous instruction. Our Catholic schools don’t just develop academic skills, but also build character through a curriculum embedded in the gospels. Our rigorous curriculum challenges students while providing developmentally appropriate supports along the way. We are committed to the mission of preparing students for college, life, and beyond which is why on average, Catholic school students at each grade level exceed national norms in math, reading, and language.
Safe and secure environment
Families trust Catholic school educators to provide school environments in which students can securely develop intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. In response, we strive to provide physically and emotionally safe learning environments where students can confidently learn and grow into the future leaders our communities need. Archdiocesan school leaders proactively identify and assess potential risks to the community and utilize local resources to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of students and staff.
Daily exposure to the faith
Consistent exposure to the Catholic faith aids students in developing a religious foundation on which they can rely for the rest of their lives. On a daily basis, Catholic school students engage with the faith through instruction, activities, exposure to Scripture, the sacraments, the church, and morality. Together with their teachers and peers, students worship and pray in the school setting, leading them to embrace the role of religion in their everyday lives.
Outside accreditation
Association and accrediting agencies affirm to the public member schools’ trustworthiness and commitment to continuous growth and improvement and guide schools to achieve excellence through the process of accreditation. Accreditation requires a lengthy and in-depth study of a school’s methods and outcomes using programs and tools provided by the accrediting body for internal and external assessments on an ongoing basis. The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. Parents can be assured that our accredited schools adhere and are accountable to the Middle States’ standards for quality education.
Community and relationships
Catholic school students learn to experience God’s grace and presence in their lives through their relationships with family, friends, and teachers. As a community, Catholic schools celebrate our achievements and support each other through our griefs. Faculty and staff at Catholic schools are role models who share their Catholic faith, talents, and time with their students. As compared to large, impersonal public schools, many Catholic schools have smaller student bodies, allowing for more personal interaction and opportunities to shine.
Partnership with parents
Catholic schools encourage parental involvement and relationship building within the school. Together, parents, parish, and school form a support network for students. Research shows that such a partnership results in increased attendance rates and decreased dropout rates. Catholic school leaders value parents and offer ongoing opportunities for them to share their own talents with the school community through volunteer work, committee service, and collaboration.
Student achievement
Studies have shown that Catholic school students score significantly higher than the national average on standardized tests. According to The National Catholic Educational Association, 99 percent of Catholic secondary school students graduate and 90 percent go on to college. In general, on national and standardized tests, Catholic schools consistently outperform public and other private schools by as much as 20 percentage points.
One of the most valuable things we have learned from this pandemic is the importance of healthy, strong communities. Catholic institutions have always been at the center of such communities, providing support and resources to strengthen those they serve from the inside out. In a moment where countless families and students have found themselves in crisis as a direct result of the pandemic, Catholic school families have benefitted from Catholic schools’ unwavering commitment to our shared mission.
The Archdiocese of Newark welcomes parents who seek more than just an academic experience to explore the benefits of our schools. With 74 schools offering programs from Preschool through 12th grade and locations spanning Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties, there are options for every family. To learn more about our schools, or to locate a school near you, visit www.CatholicSchoolsNJ.org or contact the Office of Catholic Schools directly at 973-497-4260.
Christine Lombardo is the director for School Enrollment, Marketing and Communications for the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark.
