With the many choices of schools that parents have in central Louisiana today, it’s natural to ask the question, “Why Catholic Education?” “Why should I enroll my child at Our Lady of Prompt Succor School?”
Our great academic program is certainly one reason, but every school touts its academics. There are many intangibles offered by OLPS School that make it an outstanding choice. A recent summary by the People’s Alliance for Continuing Education (PACE) lists just a few:
Catholic education offers young people a spiritual view of the world. We teach our students that God is in their lives and all around them. Our students pray every day and participate in Mass regularly. Religion is a part of the daily class schedule. As a child’s relationship with God develops, he or she becomes an instrument of God’s grace in the family, the community and the world.
Another fundamental value of a Catholic education is that of service. We put an emphasis on serving in the Church and the community from pre-school through sixth grade. God’s word teaches us that we are our “brother’s keeper,” and our students are taught to be sensitive to the needs of others and respond positively however they can.
Our school puts an emphasis on arts and culture. Modern society is not just about surviving but about thriving. Catholic education exposes students to drama, literature, art and music, and helps them to recognize these as gifts from God.
Catholic school students are taught to set goals in life that are not self-serving and empty. Our students are taught to set goals that do not serve only themselves but also benefit others.
We emphasize a safe environment for our students. OLPS School is not only a “drug-free zone” and a “gun-free zone” but a “Christ-centered zone.” All students recite our motto together every day with their morning prayers: “Jesus, when others see me, may they recognize you.”
OLPS School also encourages a “family” atmosphere among the students’ parents and families. This lasting social network can be a great support for young parents. It is one of the great strengths of our parish and school community.
Concerning academics, by the time Catholic school students reach the fourth grade, they are often ahead of their public-school counterparts. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Catholic school students consistently score higher on advanced achievement tests.
A recent article from the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Peoria, IL indicated that the CARA Institute at Georgetown University recently confirmed that “strong moral values” is the top reason parents choose to send their child to a Catholic school. Another study at the University of Pennsylvania confirms that “success is not the number-one priority for most parents. We’re much more concerned about our children becoming kind, compassionate and helpful.” The article reasoned, “When it comes to raising their child, many parents look at the teachers at Catholic schools as partners, trusting they are teaching the same values in school as they teach at home.”
