#catholicschools

Introduction

Catholic schools have long played a vital role in the educational landscape, offering a blend of academic rigor and spiritual development. Across the globe, these institutions are recognized for nurturing not only the intellect but also the moral character of students. As education systems evolve, Catholic schools continue to stand out for their commitment to holistic development rooted in faith-based values.

A Legacy of Faith and Learning

Catholic education dates back centuries, grounded in the mission of the Church to teach and evangelize. The core philosophy emphasizes the integration of faith with knowledge, promoting the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Students are taught not only traditional academic subjects but also the teachings of the Catholic Church, with an emphasis on compassion, service, and ethical behavior.

Academic Excellence with a Moral Compass

Studies have consistently shown that Catholic schools perform well academically. High graduation rates, strong college admission statistics, and a disciplined learning environment are hallmarks of these institutions. But beyond grades and test scores, Catholic schools focus on instilling values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity—preparing students to become principled leaders in society.

Community and Service-Oriented Education

Accessibility and Diversity

While traditionally associated with Catholic families, many Catholic schools today welcome students from diverse religious, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Efforts to make Catholic education more accessible through scholarships and financial aid have broadened enrollment, enriching school communities with diverse perspectives while maintaining a shared moral foundation.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Like all educational institutions, Catholic schools face challenges—declining enrollment in some regions, financial pressures, and the need to adapt to technological change. However, many are embracing innovation through blended learning models, updated curricula, and stronger partnerships with local communities and dioceses. Their ability to evolve while maintaining core values is key to their continued relevance.

Conclusion

While the classrooms in the Catholic schools in West Virginia remain empty, school administration and parents see the challenge of remote learning as an opportunity to illuminate how strong they are. “We are not just trying to deal with things and get through this uncertain time. We are taking what some see as a mess and turning it to an opportunity to utilize and enhance everything we already had in place,” said Superintendent Mary Ann Deschaine. She agrees the last couple weeks and the days ahead have been and are indeed challenging mentally and emotionally, but the standards put into place years ago to constantly fulfill the mission have prepared the diocesan schools for this time. From technology and online learning to student assessments that don’t just occur once but multiple times during the school year, Deschaine said her schools are not falling behind. “I’m not saying we don’t have our obstacles, but I am saying we attack them with a positive, grateful attitude in a Christ-Centered environment,” she said.

Trey and Ashleigh Petitto, a sophomore and senior respectively, of Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg, easily transitioned into their ‘new normal’ remote learning space at home, which is frequently visited by their dog Rocco.

Not on School Schedule

While no one could have ever predicted the current “remote schooling” situation, the schools’ continual improvements in technology integration, online learning, and networking over the last 20 years have made the transition from classroom to home based learning smooth for all grades in the diocesan schools. “Our efforts in the Catholic schools ramped up in 2001, when our focus turned to integrating technology into every classroom at all grade levels,” said Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Hornyak. “We became more forward thinking in 2008, when we introduced Chromebooks to our faculty and students. From that point on teachers were trained continually on Google apps for education and began using it daily. “Fast forward to today and our teachers and students are using online platforms — teaching tools, apps, and assessments — seamlessly,” she said. “Therefore the only thing major that has changed is the four walls that surround the student. We were able to adapt on the fly. “I give our teachers, students, and parents the ultimate kudos,” she said. “It’s exciting to see how the years of training and implementation have taken off.” Hornyak said the schools are grateful to the many donors, grants, and major gifts they rely on to fund their ever-changing and improving technology. Schools from all over the state recognize how valuable these investments are and now the community can see as well. “Teachers at St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joseph Central Catholic High School (in Huntington) are providing their students with virtual lessons, assignments, and activities through online platforms such as Google Classroom, Renweb, Seesaw, and Remind App. Teachers are sharing videos and YouTube clips of themselves teaching concepts, reading stories, and explaining problems to solve,” said Dr. Carol Templeton, principal of both schools. “Teachers have been very creative and purposeful in their approach to providing their students with a variety of rich and stimulating virtual learning environments.”

Virtual Field Trips

While the classrooms in the Catholic schools in West Virginia remain empty, school administration and parents see the challenge of remote learning as an opportunity to illuminate how strong they are. “We are not just trying to deal with things and get through this uncertain time. We are taking what some see as a mess and turning it to an opportunity to utilize and enhance everything we already had in place,” said Superintendent Mary Ann Deschaine. She agrees the last couple weeks and the days ahead have been and are indeed challenging mentally and emotionally, but the standards put into place years ago to constantly fulfill the mission have prepared the diocesan schools for this time. From technology and online learning to student assessments that don’t just occur once but multiple times during the school year, Deschaine said her schools are not falling behind. “I’m not saying we don’t have our obstacles, but I am saying we attack them with a positive, grateful attitude in a Christ-Centered environment,” she said.

Trey and Ashleigh Petitto, a sophomore and senior respectively, of Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg, easily transitioned into their ‘new normal’ remote learning space at home, which is frequently visited by their dog Rocco.

Not on School Schedule

While no one could have ever predicted the current “remote schooling” situation, the schools’ continual improvements in technology integration, online learning, and networking over the last 20 years have made the transition from classroom to home based learning smooth for all grades in the diocesan schools. “Our efforts in the Catholic schools ramped up in 2001, when our focus turned to integrating technology into every classroom at all grade levels,” said Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Hornyak. “We became more forward thinking in 2008, when we introduced Chromebooks to our faculty and students. From that point on teachers were trained continually on Google apps for education and began using it daily. “Fast forward to today and our teachers and students are using online platforms — teaching tools, apps, and assessments — seamlessly,” she said. “Therefore the only thing major that has changed is the four walls that surround the student. We were able to adapt on the fly. “I give our teachers, students, and parents the ultimate kudos,” she said. “It’s exciting to see how the years of training and implementation have taken off.” Hornyak said the schools are grateful to the many donors, grants, and major gifts they rely on to fund their ever-changing and improving technology. Schools from all over the state recognize how valuable these investments are and now the community can see as well. “Teachers at St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joseph Central Catholic High School (in Huntington) are providing their students with virtual lessons, assignments, and activities through online platforms such as Google Classroom, Renweb, Seesaw, and Remind App. Teachers are sharing videos and YouTube clips of themselves teaching concepts, reading stories, and explaining problems to solve,” said Dr. Carol Templeton, principal of both schools. “Teachers have been very creative and purposeful in their approach to providing their students with a variety of rich and stimulating virtual learning environments.”

Virtual Field Trips

Catholic school and its’ leadership in Springfield (IL) admit that yeah, they rather not have a great teacher, if she is gay and is in love with another woman.

Yes, their right to have such an absurd policy (and yes such Anti-Gay religious beliefs are indeed absurd) but it just shows how morally bankrupt the Catholic church has been and is.