Why Do Catholic Schools Matter?

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week Mass! 

This morning is the start of Catholic Schools Week. Although it is a very fun and active week, it is important to try to slow down and put into perspective what Catholic schools, and in particular St. Francis Borgia Grade School, provides students on a daily basis.

Some believe that it does not matter where a student goes to school. I disagree. Please allow me to articulate four reasons why a Catholic education at Borgia Grade School matters.

First,  Learning matters. I can tell you all the statistics you would like to hear about how products of Catholic schools have higher test scores, or their near-perfect high school graduation rate, or the growing number of those with a Catholic education going to four-year colleges or universities (all of which are true), but it is not about statistics. It is about learning. At Borgia, we do not simply deliver information to children; we teach children, and we teach them how to learn.

We teach to the child, not to the book, not to the class, and certainly, not to the standardized test. Borgia has high standards that push children to reach their potential and beyond. The only way this is possible is because our teachers know your child, Mrs. Gulledge knows your child, I know, your child, Father Joe knows your child.

This type of care and personal attention for your child is immeasurable. We spend over 35 hours a week helping them grow in faith and knowledge. We know them and we do what it takes for them succeed.

The second reason why Borgia matters is one very close to my heart, and that is safety. Plain and simple:  Safety matters. Over the past two years, we have implemented safety measures. However, safety is more than just locks; it is about community. We look after each other. Just about every faculty member knows every student. We know who is who and where they should be. Our teachers work as a team to make sure each child is safe.

Third, we whole-heartily believe that  Character matters. At Borgia, we feel that one of our major roles is to provide an education that goes beyond the classroom. We teach each child how to be a good person; we teach integrity and provide them with a moral compass to make good decisions. In the younger grades, we have classes dedicated to how to be a friend. We teach them that having manners and being courteous is important, and I teach them to look people in the eye when they firmly shake someone’s hand.

As a Catholic school, we are able to do all of these things in any class, at any time. Many schools do not have the luxury to teach virtues and even those that do, simply do not. We do. It is fundamentally part of who we are, and I would not have it any other way.

Finally, and considering where I am right now, I may be preaching to the choir here, but  Faith matters. This is the most important aspect of our school. A few weeks ago, I walked by the second grade room and overheard the students talk about their reconciliation. What a wonderful experience for them to do that together, and then talk about it in school.

Each child is different, that was God’s intention, which is why we treat each one as individual gifts from God, even when they are sent to my office. I often speak of forming the foundations of a child and faith is where it stems from. To me, the bottom line is that:  Faith is the cornerstone of life.

Without it, personal successes and achievements have little relevance. With it, you realize that your successes and achievements are not only for you, but should be shared with others; with your family, friends, teachers, homeless, and homebound, just as Jesus taught us. We teach this type of stewardship in every grade. Borgia takes the role of faith formation very seriously. Father Joe once said that we are not a private school; we are a parochial school. A private school’s job is to get you into Harvard; a Parochial school’s job is to get you into heaven.

Parents, no matter where you are with you own faith, the opportunity to give your child the cornerstone they need for life is one that should not be passed up.

Overall, we prepare students very well to face all the challenges that will come their way in the future. I realize that our education is a sacrifice, but by attending Borgia Grade School, your child will establish a foundation of moral structure and develop integrity that cannot always be achieved in other schools. Your sacrifice should be look at as an investment in your child. It is an investment that is not only well worth it, but one that will last a lifetime.

And let me be clear, Father Joe, Mrs. Gulledge, the staff, and I are committed to providing an education to every child in this parish that desires it, regardless of financial ability.

In conclusion, I personally welcome you to our Open House today to visit the school and see all the great things we are doing and the amazing things your children have learned about the history of St. Francis Borgia. Please join us in the cafeteria for lunch in support of the 7th grade class.

As we begin Catholic School Week, let us spend this time celebrating Catholic schools, but recognize what matters to us: Learning, Safety, Character, and Faith. These foundations of a faith-filled, successful child start right here at Borgia Grade School.