Recently in his inaugural address, Governor Carcieri stated, "By far, the greatest challenge facing us today is providing a high quality education to all our young people." Recently, the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Providence celebrated National Catholic Schools Week, which makes this a good time to stop and consider those qualities that make our Catholic schools learning centers that provide a first-rate Catholic education that prepares students to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
The graduation rate in both Catholic elementary and secondary schools is 99.5 percent. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to reach their God-given potential. Ninety-seven percent of Catholic secondary school students pursue a college education, and those same students were offered more than $24 million in scholarship money at the end of the last school year. Why are Catholic schools successful in educating Rhode Island children? Among many reasons, the following stand out:
• Those who administer and teach in Catholic schools are well qualified and bring a dedication that is "second to none" to the ministry of Catholic education
• The parents of students in Catholic schools are involved in their children's education and do all that they can to enhance the viability of Catholic schools
• Students who attend Catholic schools are challenged and encouraged to develop their individual talents and abilities
• Catholic schools provide opportunities for faith development along with intellectual, moral, artistic and physical development
• Catholic school communities are caring environments where students are respected and counted upon to do their best
• Catholic school administrators and teachers work together to provide the best educational program for the students whom they serve.
Interestingly, the preceding is accomplished using fewer financial resources than public schools spend per pupil. The average Catholic school elementary per-pupil cost is $3,600, and the secondary average per-pupil cost is $8,600. All in all, Rhode Island Catholic schools save the cities and towns more than $196 million annually, providing much-needed resources for students and teachers in public schools.
I am sure you agree that Catholic schools not only provide for their own students, but also provide tremendous value for public schools. The above figure is based on 2004-05 published per-pupil costs for each city and town in Rhode Island, and the number of Catholic school students who would attend a public school in those cities and towns if they were not enrolled in Catholic schools.
Our schools do face challenges ¬ challenges we are prepared to meet. As we work each day to provide a first-rate education to our students, we are working to meet the new fire code regulations. Despite a number of financial assistance opportunities, obtaining a Catholic education is difficult for low- and middle-income families; however, we are blessed to have widespread support for a number of scholarship programs that provide families, regardless of their economic situation, the means through which such an educational opportunity can be realized. Challenges are really opportunities in disguise. Therefore the future holds many opportunities for Catholic schools to become stronger and to possess a vitality that will sustain them for future generations.
Catholic schools are quality Catholic educational facilities that provide students with the academic and moral tools to be successful, productive and responsible individuals.
Let us celebrate Catholic Schools: Beacons of Hope ¬ Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!
(This story originally published in The Providence Visitor)
