Parents choose Catholic education for its Mission and Philosophy:
The Mission of Catholic Education
Catholic schools exist to form young persons in Christ and in culture. The formation in Christ entails building the capacities of each student for life with God in time and in eternity. The formation in culture entails building the intellectual, emotional, and physical capacities of each student for responsible life in society.
The Philosophy of Catholic Education
Catholic school education is distinguished by religious principles, such as:
- Humans are created in the image of God.
- Christ—per Catholic Church understanding—is THE model for human living.
- The human capacity for God—our faith—and the human capacity for truth—our reason—are complementary.
- Love of God and love of neighbor are enjoined on all.
- Freedom (rights) and responsibility (duties) are ordered to each other.
Catholic school education is distinguished by professional principles, such as:
- School and parents are educational partners.
- The school engages the ‘whole person’ of the student.
- Teachers are professionally competent and personally suited to educate.
- The school commits to building the maximum learning capacities of each student.
- The student commits to working to one’s maximum learning capacity (with the support of parents).
“Here is where students discover the true value of the human person: loved by God, with a mission on earth and a destiny that is immortal. As a result, they learn the virtues of self-respect and self-love, and of love for others – a love that is universal. In addition, each student will develop a willingness to embrace life, and also his or her own unique vocation, as a fulfilment of God’s will.”
The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, #76