The Twin Points of Emphasis in Catholic Schools

Whether an elementary school or high school,? or whether a Catholic school is a diocesan school, a school founded by a religious order, or an independent school,? we have twin priorities for our students: to help them grow in knowledge and faith.?

Often, however, we look at those two things in competition with each other. “If I emphasize the faith too much,” someone might say, “people will think we’re not serious about the academic program.”

Similarly, I overheard someone say recently, “Well, we don’t want to be TOO Catholic!”?

I think that sentiment misunderstands the relationship between faith and reason--as if they are two "topics of study." Here’s how I talk about both at Prince of Peace Catholic School (Plano, TX):?

The Life of Faith: Catholic schools exist to encourage a living encounter with Jesus Christ. We seek to form students who are faithful. Through our school masses, our morning prayer, our study and service opportunities, students are immersed in a culture where the practice of faith is natural, almost like breathing.

This, ultimately, is the great gift of a Catholic school. The practice of faith is not an isolated “Sunday obligation,” but an integral part of children’s lives, providing a sense of order, meaning and peace to the chaotic, busy life typical of the American family today.? In our goal to create disciples, we welcome the participation of families of all faiths who desire that their children receive an excellent education founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ.?

The Academic Program: God’s grace elevates all of us, making what might be otherwise “ordinary” into something “extraordinary.” This is the reason for our optimism in our children. We believe our culture too often underestimates kids, waters things down, expects too little. In contrast, we think they can? do great things if they’re immersed in a dynamic, supportive culture that encourages them to stretch. We want students to be prepared.?

Our students come to us with a lot of momentum from their families. We must extend that trajectory forward, putting them in a position to succeed in high school and beyond. Whatever a child’s natural aptitude, we strive to help them grow in knowledge, curiosity and a sense of wonder.?

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It's never one against the other! A school marked by a lively faith, that believes its students are children of God, has much more reason to believe they are capable of doing great things. It creates a genuine optimism that helps kids achieve more, believing that they "can do all things through Christ who strengthens them!"