How to evaluate Catholic elementary schools

[nodito]

We may be moving in the spring we have several options for towns that have Catholic schools. I’d like to tour them and see the facilities but beyond that, what’s the best way to evaluate the quality of education my child would receive? One is a blue ribbon school, I know that’s good. But none of them publish test scores or anything like that. What makes your local Catholic school great or terrible? What should I look for and ask about?

 

[Irishmom2]

Ask them about their scores. If they are good, they will have no problem letting you know.
Ask about the possibility of mass attendance, how often etc. Ask if you have to buy your textbooks. Ask about fundraising, some schools have a lot of it, some not at all. Ask about volunteer opportunities for parents. Ask about art, music and phys ed programs, as well as after school clubs. Cafeteria or only bring lunch from home?

 

[commenter]

We may be moving in the spring we have several options for towns that have Catholic schools. I’d like to tour them and see the facilities but beyond that, what’s the best way to evaluate the quality of education my child would receive? One is a blue ribbon school, I know that’s good. But none of them publish test scores or anything like that. What makes your local Catholic school great or terrible? What should I look for and ask about?

If the schools are sponsored by a parish, check out the recent parish bulletins, often they are online. Look for info about the school, but also a sense of the pastor, who may have a lot of influence on the spiritual environment of the school.
How often do students go to Mass, and specifically how often Confession offered?

Are they using Common Core? This is bad in itself, but if they are, see if they have extensively modified it in a Catholic direction. Better if they don’t have it at all.

What kind of religion text do they use? I am sure they will all say their texts have an imprimatur, and are approved by the diocese, but in many places that is a very low standard. Look for doctrinal content - who publishes it, who endorses it?

Talk to a parent if possible. Address your own family’s concerns. Does the parent feel they have (name removed by moderator)ut? I don’t know what level of school you are looking for. If a high school, what clubs do they have? Anything like a prolife club? Many Catholic high schools put a huge priority on peace and justice. When you visit a school, look at the bulletin boards. Is there much here that would not be found on a public school bulletin board?

Are there crucifixes in classrooms? The best resource for evaluating schools is the site of the Cardinal Newman Society.

A number of new schools have begun in recent years, often with classical curriculum. This includes Latin, maybe Philosophy, History rather than Social Studies, Theology rather than Religious Studies, reading the classics. You might find an older school that offers this too

Check the school website. If they use the word “values” at least once every paragraph, skip it. Remember that is what the public schools obsess over too. You want some doctrine, some formation, not Let Each Flower Bloom and Blossom In Its Own Way.

 

[mountee]

You have received excellent ideas from the other posters and I woild like to add one more suggestion. When you are closer to the move email the principal and ask them if you could have some contact info for parents you could talk to about the school. Speak with a couple of parents from the schools that interest you and ask them the questions that are most important to you. Do not make any decisions until you have visited the schools and attended Mass. Pray about this decision as often as you can and ask for God’s guidance every step of the way.

 

[mommy_k]

Ask about the credentials of the lay teachers, how long each teacher has been teaching, and if their certifications match the grade level they are assigned to.

Ask if the lay teachers are practicing catholic. There is a big difference if the teachers are devout or if they are just skimming over religion.The religion text books are important, as posted above… Ask to see one.

A catholic school is great if they educate the whole child, academically, spiritually and emotionally. I would ask how the educate to these expectations.

You have to pick the school which matches your child’s personality and temperment too…some enviornments are high energy, some have a more quiet , gentle feeling about them.

Lastly, ask how enrollment has been and if the school is sustainable for the length of time your child will be there.

 

[Maximilan_Kolbe]

This isn’t always a sure sign, but we noticed that our school’s associated parish consistently leads the diocese in vocations. I love Monsignor, and do not know what his secret is, but it isn’t just blind chance, after the same results for over a decade. Something he does is working. And since he has a major hand in the school, especially the religious aspect, this was a large factor. It is a blue-ribbon school too, which says something about the school.

A lot depends on priorities. I attended a school in the area that is a private Catholic school, and phenomenal in terms of education. Run by the Sisters of Notre Dame De Namur, it’s academic credentials are unparalleled. However, I was never impressed by the results of its religious education. it’s tuition is now $12k a year, and that breeds a lot of wealthy parents creating a bit of a cabal at the school, and their emphasis is rarely improving children’s catechesis.

Our priority was religious impact first, academics second, and everything else was a distant third. I’d also look at what high schools the eighth graders are going off to as an indication of the makeup of the school, as well as the scholarship money the eighth graders are offered. The school will tell you that, and it will tell you how well those children are competing with their local peers in terms of education.