You may be considering different schooling options for your child’s middle school years. With public, private, charter, and parochial schools to weigh, it can get overwhelming. According to Very Well Family, for the 2021-2022 school year, there were 5,938 Catholic schools in operation. As you explore a Catholic middle school education, you’ll find some key differences that set it apart.
A Values-Based Approach
Catholic middle schools integrate faith and moral values across academics and student life. With religion class as a core subject, students explore their spirituality and a value system guided by Catholic teaching. This foundation sets the tone for building character and shaping choices. Teachers at Catholic middle schools model integrity in and out of the classroom. Additionally, the close-knit community gives students a sense of meaning and purpose. Even students whose families are not of this faith will benefit from learning about the importance of strengthening their ties with their community, developing their work ethic, and forming their own values system.
Academic Excellence
While nurturing students’ personal growth, Catholic schools also focus sharply on academic excellence. Most boast small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention. Expect rigorous curricula that push critical thinking skills across subjects. Standards meet or exceed state and national benchmarks. In Catholic schools, academic and moral excellence goes hand-in-hand. Students grow in knowledge, compassion, self-discipline, leadership, and more.
A Supportive Second Family
In many ways, a Catholic middle school offers an extension of family. Small, intimate environments promote bonding between students across grades. Big brother/sister programs pair younger students with older role models. With faith as a cornerstone, the school community feels like one body. Teachers, counselors, clergy, and staff provide layers of emotional and spiritual support. Students gain coping skills and resilience within a caring ecosystem. For many families, the school community becomes part of the extended family.
As you weigh middle schools for the next phase of your child’s education, keep in mind what sets Catholic schooling apart. With an emphasis on both nurturing and excellence, a Catholic middle school education prepares your child for high school, college, and beyond.
