Why Parents Choose Orlando Catholic Schools

Many parents realize a Catholic education from the Diocese of Orlando is more than learning to read, write, add, and subtract. Students learn kindness, respect, compassion, and are given a strong religious education. Teachers in Catholic schools in Orlando instruct the mind, body, and spirit of each student. Their teachers understand the importance of graduating students who can make a difference in the world. Catholic school graduates are more civic-minded; they volunteer, are more likely to vote, and give back to their church. Catholic graduation rates exceed public school graduation rates, and according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 84% of Catholic graduates continue their education at a four-year college or university. At Bishop Moore Catholic High School, the only Catholic high school in Orange and Seminole counties, 99% of graduates do so.While much of the rest of the nation is facing a decline in Catholic school enrollment, Catholic schools in Central Florida have seen student numbers increasing, bringing notice to the region’s 42 outstanding Catholic schools. Many believe the escalating numbers are due to an influx of non-native students who attended Catholic schools in the northern part of the United States before moving to Florida. A large number of the new students are local, consisting primarily of Hispanic, black and non-Catholic students. The diversity affects the student population, showing students a more complete worldview of people and cultures. Many families are also taking advantage of state vouchers to assist in paying tuition and material needs, which further expands the diversity of Catholic schools.Last spring, the National Catholic Education Association hosted its annual convention in Orlando. Patrick Lofton, executive vice president of the National Catholic Education Association, visited three Catholic schools in Orlando in preparation for the event, and was extremely impressed with the quality of education as well as “…the inclusion, the diversity and the sense of welcome.” Students from every school created postcards welcoming members and spreading goodwill.Near that same time, the University of Notre Dame noted the Diocese of Orlando’s progress and pledged to work with four of the Diocese’s schools by offering professional development for educators as well as providing an academic coach to schools located in low-income communities. Innovations such as these place the Catholic schools in Orlando ahead of other private schools in the area. Call the Diocese of Orlando today at 407-246-4903 and read about our schools by visiting our website and reading our informative blogs.