Celebrate Catholic Schools Week will be January 26 – February 1, 2020. For additional information check www.ncea.org.
Plaids. Pews. Priests. When you think of Catholic schools, some of those familiar
images may immediately jump to mind. But when you’re considering the right education option for your student, you should have all the facts. Teresa Bennett, the Principal of San Carlos School in Monterey debunked some of the common myths of Catholic school education.
- Catholic schools are too expensive. Most of our Catholic schools have some of the lowest tuition rates in the area. Also, tuition assistance is available for those who qualify. The amounts of tuition assistance vary depending on the resources of the school, but many of the elementary schools can provide approximately one-quarter of the tuition costs. Some of our Catholic High Schools can provide substantial tuition assistance.
- Catholic schools are only for Catholics. Students and families of all faiths are welcome and enroll in our Catholic Schools. Although the focus of our religion curriculum is to learn about the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith, if comfortable, students of other faiths are encouraged to share their traditions and practices to build an understanding of similarities and differences between faith practices.
- Catholic schools lack diversity. Catholic schools reflect the diversity of the larger community and embrace the richness people of all backgrounds and socio-economic groups bring to the community. The schools abide by the comprehensive non-discrimination policy set by the Diocese of Monterey, both in hiring and student admissions.
- Catholic schools are stuck in the past. Catholic schools provide students and teachers with up-to-date technology for teaching and learning in the classroom. Classroom teachers are credentialed through the state of California and Professional Development in many best practices for teaching are offered year-round through the Department of Catholic Schools, local school districts, and state-wide teacher development programs.
- My student would miss out on extra-curricular at a Catholic school. All of our Catholic Schools participate in organized sports leagues in their local areas. Art is part of the curriculum in all our schools, either as a structured course with an on-staff art teacher or through school-based or local community-based docent programs. Music instruction is provided in varying ways through a hired music teacher or community programs available during the after school hours.
- Catholic schools don’t teach the standard curriculum because of the conflict between faith and some subject matters. Catholic Schools follow California State Standards as a basic guideline and integrate Catholic Identity into all subject areas.
- Once you choose a Catholic school, you are locked into this system until high school or college. The choice of a Catholic Education is available to every age and can begin at any time in the educational journey.
- Catholic schools are strict and limit individuality. Catholic schools hold students to a high standard of behavior based on respect for each other and the learning environment. Teachers partner with parents to provide a healthy, safe, nurturing space for our students; thus, all students benefit from the adherence to what are reasonable guidelines. Most Catholic schools do require students to wear a uniform, which reduces the pressure on students to compete with regards to material possessions and promotes an appreciation for individuals based on their character and not the outward appearance.
- Catholic schools are not regulated or accredited, and this makes it harder to get into college. All Diocese of Monterey Catholic Schools are WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and WCEA (Western Catholic Educational Association) accredited.
- Catholic education doesn’t prepare students for life outside of school because of small class sizes and an insulated atmosphere. Like other schools, the class size in Catholic schools vary. Students are well prepared academically and socially to move into higher learning institutions. Catholic schools provide numerous opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and public speaking. The focus on service to others and being a supportive, productive community member both inside and outside of the classroom builds confidence and a sense of purpose that drives our graduates’ success.