Value of Our Catholic Schools

A Catholic Education

The Catholic schools of the Diocese of Sioux Falls have a longstanding and well-deserved reputation for academic excellence. Not only are Catholic schools across the diocese committed to providing an excellent academic education, but forming and awakening faith in students. Each school is a community of faith, where students, teachers and families share Catholic values through worship, studies and caring relationships so each student can achieve their God-given potential.

A Catholic education develops the whole person – spirit, mind and body – through spiritual and academic formation. Principles for Catholic schools include:

  • Catholic schools are faith communities.
  • Catholic schools are committed to academic excellence.
  • Catholic schools incorporate spirituality into all aspects of curriculum.
  • Catholic school students provide service to the parish and community.
  • Catholic schools welcome everyone.

Academic Excellence

Our Catholic schools offer comprehensive curriculum that promotes and fosters academic achievement. A Catholic education is challenging. High expectations of all students, fully-qualified and dedicated faculty along with high standards, academic rigor and personalized attention in small class sizes result in higher academic outcomes and successful transitions to high school and college.

Catholic schools in our diocese are academic successes. Catholic schools engage in an ongoing accreditation process and continuous student testing.

  • Catholic school students perform above average on standardized tests.
  • Catholic high schools have high graduation rates.
  • Catholic high school graduates are likely to attend college.

Catholic Identity

Our Catholic school students explore and understand their faith through academic classes that focus on scripture, sacrament, morality, church history and traditions. Catholic identity is reflected throughout the curriculum; though not all students who attend Catholic schools are Catholic, all do share experiences of faith, values and moral character development in the Catholic tradition.

Catholic schools invite and challenge the community to be fully engaged in the life of the Church. Daily prayer, often led by students, and weekly celebrations of Mass provide opportunities for students to practice their faith and take leadership roles in preparation.

  • Catholic school students are more likely to pray daily.
  • Catholic school students attend Mass more regularly.
  • Catholic school students are more likely to practice Catholicism in adulthood.

Parents and Family

Community is a vital part of our Catholic schools. Students and families are part of a successful faith and educational community. Parents of Catholic school students are traditionally more involved and engaged in their student’s education. Parents are supportive and volunteer in the classroom, at home with homework and in the student family organizations of the school.

As a parent, you know the importance of making an informed decision and you want the best for your child. Catholic schools may be right for your family. Here is a checklist of things to consider about a Catholic education.

  • Make a school visit.
  • Meet with the priest, principal and teachers.
  • Meet with other parents.
  • Can your student shadow another student during a school day?
  • What are the school’s test scores?
  • What types of financial assistance are available?
  • How often do the students attend Mass?
  • How are religion and faith incorporated in all daily activities?