The Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia.

Student and teacher praying the Rosary together

Faith is the heart of Catholic education

Catholic schools educate the whole child – academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. As children grow, they are searching for answers to their emerging questions about the world, their identity, and powers greater than themselves. Our schools are safe, caring communities where your child can explore the realities of life while remaining firmly grounded in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

God is part of the everyday environment. Daily prayer, regularly attending Mass together, and inspirational images present throughout our schools serve as frequent reminders of Jesus’ message for all of us.

“Our children love attending a faith-based school and have commented that starting the day with a prayer and being able to have faith be part of their day is comforting."

 

We Believe…

  • Families provide the foundation for the faith development of their children and value partnering with parents in forming their children in the Catholic faith.
  • Catholic schools are integral to the mission of the Church and as the responsibility of the entire church.
  • Catholic schools are positioned as the heart of the church’s life, and as such, share in the responsibility of being church in the world.
  • Catholic schools are formative communities where prayer and worship, justice and peace, reconciliation and evangelization become lived experiences.
  • All students, both Catholic and non-Catholic, are welcome to experience the beauty and richness of a Catholic education.
  • Religious and cultural diversity ultimately enriches the entire educational experience for all students.

“I see the ministry of Catholic Schools as more important than ever...

…offering parents a great option to nurture the academic achievement of their children while also forming them in Catholic teaching, values and morals that will guide their life.”
– Bishop Barry Knestout

Beacons of Light for the Future

Catholic schools provide opportunities for your child to

  • Encounter Jesus and nurture their relationship with God
  • Live our faith daily and nurture a commitment to serving others
  • Grow as servant leaders and missionary disciples
  • Develop a strong moral compass to navigate life

Catholic school students are more likely to pray daily, attend church more often, and retain a Catholic identity as an adult. Catholic school graduates are more civically engaged, more likely to vote, more tolerant of diverse views, and more committed to service/get involved in social advocacy as adults.

Nearly 30% of families in our schools practice other faiths. 
Parents value the academic excellence of a Catholic education, embrace the universal beliefs, and seek a faith-filled community to nurture their child.

Benedictine praying

Catholic education makes a significant impact in our lives.  These resources help explain the values you can expect to find through a solid Catholic school experience.

Ten Reasons Why Catholic Education Still Matters

The Many Benefits of a Catholic Education