Catholic School Difference

1. Faith-based education: Catholic schools provide a faith-based education rooted in Catholic teachings and values. They offer a distinct religious curriculum that includes religious studies, sacramental preparation, and, amongst other religious activities, regular participation in Mass. This emphasis on faith helps students develop a strong moral compass and a sense of purpose.
2. Character formation: Catholic schools aim to develop the whole person, focusing on character formation as much as academic achievement. They strive to instill virtues such as honesty, compassion, humility, and respect for all others. Catholic schools often have a strong emphasis on discipline and personal responsibility.
3. Academic excellence: Catholic schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence. They typically have rigorous academic programs and high standards for student achievement. Many Catholic schools have a long-standing reputation for providing quality education, often boasting high graduation rates and college acceptance rates. St. Theresa’s reading scores are nearly 10 percentage points higher than the public and charter schools within a five mile radius.
4. Sense of community: Catholic schools often foster a strong sense of community among students, parents, teachers, and staff. The smaller class sizes and close-knit environment allow for more individualized attention and personalized instruction. Students are able to build interpersonal relationships with their peers, both in the classroom and across grade levels. This sense of community creates a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where students feel cared for and valued.
5. Service and social justice: Catholic schools encourage students to engage in service to others and to promote social justice. They often organize volunteer activities, community outreach programs, and charitable initiatives. Catholic social teachings, including principles of justice, solidarity, and care for the marginalized, are integrated into the curriculum, encouraging students to become compassionate and active members of society.
6. Integration of faith and reason: Catholic schools emphasize the harmony between faith and reason. They strive to integrate Catholic teachings and values into all aspects of education, including science, literature, history, and the arts. This integration encourages students to develop critical thinking skills while deepening their understanding of their faith.
7. Strong parental involvement: Catholic schools tend to have strong parental involvement, with parents playing an active role in their child's education. Parents are often encouraged to participate in school activities, volunteer, and contribute to the school's community. This partnership between parents and educators creates a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

It's important to note that while these characteristics are commonly associated with Catholic schools, we are constantly working to improve in all these areas and make St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School the best school possible for our students and families. With these attributes in mind - we encourage our families to be active partners with us and reinforce character and values at home.