Detroit — So, you’ve discerned, prayed and made the decision to send your child to a Catholic school. Now what? There might be a Catholic school nearby, but is it the best choice for your student?

Often, parents know of the benefits a Catholic school can provide over public education, but deciphering the differences between Catholic schools themselves is a trickier matter. There’s more to deciding on a Catholic school than simply the school’s location; open houses can provide a chance for parents and students to visit, see the school and ask questions.

The archdiocesan Department of Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools provides the following list of questions for parents and students to consider:

 

Spiritual life

• How often is religion taught?

• What religion textbooks are used?

• Is religion just a class, or is it faith modeled, nurtured throughout the day?

• How involved is the pastor with the school children?

• How often do students attend Mass and other liturgies?

• Outside of Mass, what other opportunities are provided for students to gather for prayer (i.e., rosary, prayer services, reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, etc.)?

• How are Catholic virtues taught outside of religion class?

• Is sacramental preparation available?

• How will each child be made to feel that he/she is valued as a part of the community?

• How is the school involved as a part of the parish community?

• What kinds of opportunities are there for Christian service in the school and community?

 

Academics

• Is the school accredited?

• What is the accrediting agency?

• Does the school have a special focus or theme for the curriculum?

• How current are the textbooks?

• What high schools and colleges do graduates attend?

• What is the main teaching style?

• Is the school’s tenor traditional (lecture-based lessons) or non-traditional (e.g. group activity, peer work, writing workshops and active learning)?

• What classes are offered in addition to core subjects (e.g. English, math, history and science)?

• How do test scores compare to surrounding schools?

• Are classes self-contained in which students stay with a teacher all day for core classes (grade schools)?

• What is the average class size?

 

Teachers and students

• What is the staff size and turnover rate?

• Are all teachers certified catechists? Are they Catholic?

• What support structures are in place for the staff?

• What professional development is offered to the teachers?

• Is there cultural and gender diversity at the school?

• What is the male-to-female ratio in each grade?

• How are students encouraged to work through conflict?

• Are students invested in learning? How can you tell?

• What do students say about the school?

• What are the accommodations for students with diverse learning needs (e.g. students with disabilities, limited English proficiency and gifted students)?

• Are services available to address students’ special learning needs (e.g. school psychologist)?

• What types of parent-teacher communication occur?

 

Things to consider

• What is the school’s mission statement?

• What are the administrators’ credentials and certification?

• What is the principal’s educational philosophy?

• How are parents involved in the life of the school?

• In what environment would my child thrive?

• What are my child’s gifts?

• Where does my child need to grow?

• What is the uniform policy and where can uniforms be purchased?

 

Day-to-day school life

• Does the day begin and end with prayer?

• Are extracurricular activities evident in the school?

• Do the students have opportunities to work together and collaborate on projects?