Why Choose a Catholic School?
I grew up in a small South Louisiana town with three school options. It was more like two-and-a-half options (Bayou Lafourche Academy had about 20 kids total!). My then options were the local public school or Ascension Catholic School. Considering how both my mom and her dad attended ACS, the options quickly narrowed down to one. My class was the first kindergarten class at ACS, and I loved it! Ms. Sue was my teacher, and I can still see her sweet smile. My siblings all went to school several years before me, and this left me super jealous. I wanted to be in school with the big kids so badly that I would annoy my mom constantly about when she was going to let me go to school. As soon as ACS opened its doors for kindergarteners, my mom quickly signed me up. From day one, I was the kid jumping out of the car quickly waving bye to mom without one tear shed. Looking back now, I had no idea I was in a Catholic school until second grade when I made my First Communion. I knew I was in school and that was enough for me. Fast forward to 1985, I was over the Catholic school experience. I realize now that the primary reason I was “over” Catholic schools, was more about my restlessness and less about the school itself. I did not appreciate then the great fortune I had to have parents who valued a Catholic education for their children over taking fancy vacations.
My twelve years at ACS were mostly good ones. I pretty much went to school with the same group of kids all the way through. I have fond memories of the nuns, namely Sisters Angelle and Marguerite. Their calm demeanors still stand out all these years later. I also have not-so-fond memories of nuns, namely Sister Mary Philip. During the years leading up to 5th grade, I heard horror stories from the older kids about Sr. Mary Philip that truly had me wanting to stay in 4th grade forever! As I entered middle school in the fall of 1980, all my fears dissipated when word got out that she was no longer the principal. Hallelujah! I never actually met her, so in all fairness, she probably was a very lovely person (kids are guilty of exaggerating a lot). In hindsight, I see where having the nuns in school truly did make a difference in my education. To date, one of my best teachers was Sr. Natalie, or as we affectionately called her, “Sr. Nat.” Although at the time she did scare me, she also had another side that made her likable despite the fears. I truly believe today’s schools all need at least one “Sr. Nat!”
If you are a parent reading this and you are currently asking yourself, “Why should I send my child to a Catholic school when public school is free?” Here is a list of my “Top Five” reasons why Catholic education is one of the best educations:
“The mission of the Catholic school is the integral formation of students, so that they may be true to their condition as Christ’s disciples and as such work effectively for the evangelization of culture and for the common good of society.”
1. Smaller environment.
Your child will be in a smaller environment where he or she can get the proper attention they need without falling through the cracks.
2. An additional weekly Mass.
I think going to daily Mass is a great way to deepen your Catholic faith. This one additional mass (although not daily) can do the same thing for your child.
3. Daily prayer.
In a Catholic school, your child will be able to pray aloud every day. Our prayers are our conversations with God. How awesome to know your child will be conversing with God throughout their school day.
4. No fears about what is being taught.
In a Catholic school, you can rest assured that your child is not only getting a great education about the basics (reading, math, etc.), but also a great lesson in Godly, Christian values that will carry them throughout life.
5. It’s Catholic!
When your faith is important to your family, having your Catholic children attend a Catholic school just makes sense. Trust me when I say it is better than any fancy vacation.
