Here within the Diocese of Dallas, we believe that Catholic Schools are a ministry of the church that is ultimately meant to change the lives of those we encounter. We stand behind superior academics, the moral and spiritual formation that our students encounter, and a lifelong commitment to a journey of sacramental engagement. When a family chooses Catholic education, it is important to note that they are not merely choosing a better education – they are choosing a better life.
Catholic Schools within our diocese exist as extensions of the local parish and of the greater diocesan ministry. They are designed to serve underserved populations, to support parishes, and to expand the community of the church into areas that need greater spiritual presence. We serve nearly 15,000 students across 37 sites, ranging from students who will be the first in their family to go to college all the way to those who are competing for top placement at national colleges. Nationally, our schools are continuing to be recognized with the nearly 20 Blue Ribbon Awards (open to only the top ten percent of schools nationally) in the last two decades, with three in the last two years. More importantly, however, our schools provide community, connection and development to countless families who want to grow stronger in their faith, whatever that faith background is.
BENEFITS OF A CATHOLIC EDUCATION
The benefits and impact of Catholic Schools have been well studied. We know that Catholic School students are:
More likely to pray daily, attend Mass more often, retain a Catholic identity as an adult and donate more to the Church
Twice as likely to attend college than students enrolled in public schools
Dramatically lessen or even eliminate the racial and socio-economic achievement gap seen among students in Texas
Able to at the very least double Texas state averages for achievement on the ACT for African American and Hispanic Students
Enjoy 100% high school graduation rates and 99% 4-year college attendance rates
Enjoy higher earning potential than other graduates
More civically engaged, more likely to vote, more tolerant of diverse views and more committed to service as adults
Information based on research of the National Catholic Educational Association and Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, as well as local Diocesan Comparison Data
PROPOSED NEW SCHOOL IN COLLIN COUNTY
The proposed new regional Catholic elementary school for Collin County in the Frisco-McKinney-Allen area is being founded on the principles cited above and rooted in a strong Catholic identity and tradition. The introduction and inclusion of biblical and sacramental principles is meant to form the next generation of Catholics and continue the mission of evangelization. Although the intellect is important to develop, here within the diocese, Catholic Schools and Catholic Education allow us to help parents realize the dream that their children will have the social and emotional development that allows the intellect to be applied in a manner which has an impact in the real world. The principles of loving neighbor as oneself, mercy, patience, inclusion, truthfulness, gentleness, self-control are all character traits that are desirous in vocations and careers.
Because we as Catholics believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, we cannot do any of this without your support and help. As such, a parent survey will be available on JANUARY 12th to assess the level of interest in a new school among parents in Collin County. More information on accessing the online survey will be available in parish bulletins, social media, and other means of communication. We look forward to hearing more from all of you soon.
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Let us know your thoughts on a new school in the northern part of the diocese by clicking on the red button to the right.