Our Mission
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando proclaim the Gospel message within an academic environment of excellence that challenges students to be creative and critical thinkers who integrate faith, moral leadership and compassionate service in order to create a more just and humane world.
Catholic School Advantage
At the Diocese of Orlando, the Catholic School Advantage is rooted in high academic achievement and a community of faith that brings together students and their families, faculty and the Church. Together we are preparing our young people to live in a global world by sharing Gospel values and living Christ’s message of salvation.
- Excellence in Academic Achievement
- Centers of Evangelization
- Family and a Community of Faith
- Service and Extra-Curricular Programs
- Maintaining High Standards
- Investing in Our Future
Excellence in Academic Achievement
A Catholic education is a challenging education. High standards, effective discipline and a caring atmosphere combine to help each child grow to his or her fullest potential.
- Catholic school students score significantly above national and state averages on standardized tests.
- 98% of our seniors went to college this year, having earned more than $25 million in scholarships.
- Catholic schools give students a high level of individualized attention. This commitment is reinforced with programs for advanced students and also those requiring tutoring.
- 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando are Blue Ribbon schools as designated by the U.S. Department of Education. Schools selected for this prestigious award display excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement.
Centers of Evangelization
Catholic schools allow faculty and students to witness and model Christian life and behaviors. Children are given the opportunity to share our faith and Christian ideals on a daily basis.
- Because spirituality and character development are infused into the daily curriculum, Catholic students have a deep understanding of their faith and their responsibilities as Christians.
- 85% of the 5th grade students who took the ACRE (Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education) in spring 2010 scored in the advanced or proficient level. 88% of the 8th graders and 67% of the 11th graders scored in the advanced or proficient level.
- Catholic schools are the best means the Church has to pass on our faith to our young people.
Family & Community of Faith
Catholic schools recognize parents and family as primary educators and join with them to form a living community of a shared vision.
- Catholic schools help students understand that each person is unique and valuable.
- Catholic schools encourage family input and involvement in the ongoing education of their children.
- Catholic schools strive to create a special bond among students, families, the school and the Church, so that all share a strong sense of community.
- Families develop special bonds and support each other.
Service and Extra-Curricular Programs
Catholic schools are committed to the development of the whole person. A variety of choices are offered to reflect the uniqueness of each student, to generate a healthy sense of competition, create a spirit of cooperation and foster leadership and creativity.
- Catholic schools have a long tradition of fostering character and understanding through service.
- Fine arts programs including drama, music, and art.
- Athletics may include football, soccer, polo, track, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and dance.
- Other programs include student councils, honor societies, service organizations and social clubs
Maintaining High Standards
Catholic schools engage in an ongoing process of evaluation, certification and accreditation of both teachers and programs.
- All Catholic school teachers are certified through the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).
- All Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Orlando are accredited by Florida Catholic Conference. Catholic high schools are accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Investing in Our Future
Catholic school tuition is an investment that pays a lifelong dividend.
- Tuition is often supplemented by the sponsoring parish or parishes, so the Catholic community shares the cost of education.
- In addition to a strong program in the “basics,” as well as challenging programs for advanced students, Catholic schools add the significant “plus” of religious, moral and spiritual development.
- Outcomes like high standardized test scores and a college acceptance rate that consistently exceeds 95% confirm that our students are self-disciplined, self-motivated and responsible.
