Catholic schools around the United States are participating in Discover Catholic Schools Week, a new annual event from the National Catholic Educational Association. It's underway from Nov. 8 through Nov. 14. The NCEA’s theme for these events is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”
For Discover Catholic Schools Week, we’re featuring several of the ways in which Catholic education provides a transformational learning experience. Of course, we invite you to learn more about our Catholic schools all year round!
Grow in faith and grace
Students have regular opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ in our Catholic schools. From attending Mass during the school week, to beginning every day in prayer, these opportunities are the building blocks for a life of relationship with Christ. In fact, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, millennials who attended a Catholic school are 7x-8x more likely to attend Sunday Mass as adults!
Related: See what Jacob says about his faith journey at Muskegon Catholic Central
Achieve more in school and life
Having Christ as our foundation makes for a learning environment where outcomes are second to none. For instance, the National Assessment of Educational Progress data -- commonly called the Nation's Report Card -- tracks student performance in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades at public, charter, Catholic, and other private schools. The latest results show Catholic school students across the country outperformed their peers in core subjects like math, science, reading, and technology and engineering literacy.
Related: Watch Nohemi describe how Grand Rapids Catholic Central prepared her for her future career
Develop creativity and character
In Catholic schools, we educate the whole child – mind, body and soul. With the whole child in mind, our dynamic cocurricular activities enrich and extend the classroom experience. Students can participate in diverse activities that encourage innovation and the pursuit of personal potential. Championship-caliber athletics and visual, musical, dramatic, and technological arts inspire students and invite them to excel.
Feel welcomed and cherished
Because our mission is rooted in Christ, who calls us to value and love all people, each student is honored and celebrated in our Catholic schools. Families of many faiths and cultures find strength and meaning in our schools. Families of all financial means do, too. Our stewardship and scholarship programs make Catholic education an affordable, attractive option for all who seek it.
Related: Hear from Lucas and his parents about the spirit of welcome at Holy Trinity Catholic School
Check out the rest of our website, CatholicSchools4U.org, to learn more about the 31 Catholic schools here in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Plus, you can click the button below to contact one of our admissions experts about choosing a Catholic education for your family!