Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Raleigh
The Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Raleigh are accredited through Cognia. Using standards-based protocols and a holistic approach allows our schools to remain accredited on a five-year cycle and empowers our schools to improve through a reflective journey of in-depth and authentic assessments. The National Catholic Standards and Benchmarks are included as a part of this improvement process. Our Early Childhood Centers and Preschools continue to succeed through a five year validation process using the Diocese of Raleigh Standards and Assessment for Early Childhood. Teachers committed to working for the Diocese of Raleigh Catholic schools are required to be licensed through the North Carolina Department of Instruction (NC DPI) and are required to maintain a current status by renewing those licenses on a five-year cycle. The Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education in collaboration with local administration provides support, mentoring and coaching for our beginning teachers.
Statement of Non-Discriminatory Policy As To Students
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Raleigh have a racially non-discriminatory policy for all students and admit students of any race, color or national and ethnic origin to the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students.
Our schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics and other school-administered programs.
Office of Education
Lytia Reese
Superintendent of Schools
Catholic Diocese of Raleigh
The diocese’s standards draw from the state of North Carolina’s standard course of studies, diocesan expectations, and educational research. Teachers integrate the academic curriculum with faith-based learning to maximize instructional time and to facilitate the transfer of skills and understanding. Across the diocese, faculty, staff, and community members operate with the conviction that all students can learn. Finding the internal motivation that drives each student and the appropriate learning style that positions them for academic success are fundamental practices for educators in the diocese. As one teacher succinctly explained: “If you can’t learn the way I teach, then I’ll teach the way you learn.”
Integrating technology is a crucial element of instruction in our schools. Recognizing that students live in an information-based society, the diocese understands that children need to develop basic skills in information technology to function as a global citizen in a digital world. Teachers have invested much energy to create an environment that enables students to develop a high level of competence and, more importantly, a sense of social conscience and responsibility
THE ARTS
Art programs in the Diocese of Raleigh provide opportunities for children to explore, touch, see, hear, discuss, and share the gifts God has provided for all of us. Through the arts, students are able to gain awareness and understanding of their own cultural heritage, as well as the vast global community. The visual arts program seeks to open students’ souls to the pure creative energy in all of life and instill confidence in the use of their God given talents.
Music programming enables children to appreciate music in local, regional, and global contexts, as well as recognize music’s role in their personal and spiritual lives. Students enrolled in music courses perform, improvise, compose, and critically evaluate the elements of music. By understanding the role of music in the Catholic tradition, students will become more prepared to participate fully in the Liturgy.
STUDENT LIFE
Students have the opportunity to be active in the lives of the school and their surrounding
communities. Through extra-curricular activities and clubs, students can explore many different interests that expose them to various cultural and social events, as well as help them discover their natural gifts and talents. Students also learn to appreciate and value the diversity of gifts and talents of other members of their community. As one middle school teacher noted, “It is so valuable for teachers and students to interact outside of the classroom. We see a different side of each other which enables us to build bonds of community.”
School traditions are also an integral part of student life. School feast days, liturgical celebrations, service projects, field days, dances, field trips and retreats all enrich the Catholic school experience for our students. These traditions often create memories and connections that last a lifetime.
ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Athletics in Catholic schools provide students with the opportunity to strengthen their physical, mental, and spiritual lives. Through sport, they are called to be models of Christian virtue and examples of gratitude for their God-given talents. Our diocesan high school, Cardinal Gibbons High School, has a nationally recognized athletics program that offers over 50 teams in 24 sports. Gibbons was awarded the 2015-16 North Carolina Exemplary School distinction by the NCHSAA, and the school’s teams have captured numerous state titles making them one of the most successful schools in the history of North Carolina high school athletics.
Physical education is an integral component of a Catholic education, encouraging students to value their physical health as a responsibility of being stewards of their bodies, a temple of the Holy Spirit. In P.E., students develop skills and behaviors that enable them to participate in cooperative games, learn to practice socially acceptable behaviors, and respect diversity of ability.