Catholic school education: ideal learning environment

Two-year old Adam Varagas and his brother Nicholas, 5, listen intently as teacher Adriana Mora of St. Pius X School explains the use of a chalice during First Communion. Mora was giving a tour of the school during a recent open house event at the school.

Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Relocating from Seattle to Corpus Christi for a great career opportunity might seem like a daunting task filled with endless details, but Cristal Rice said choosing a school for her five-year-old daughter Morgan was a top priority.

During the Open House event at St. Patrick School, Rice was able to visit Morgan’s classroom and meet her teachers. The enthusiastic kindergarten student proudly showed her mother and grandmother where she sits in the cafeteria for lunch.

“I did research on schools in the area, prior to relocating and St. Patrick was rated one of the highest,” she said. “Local colleagues and acquaintances also shared personal experience with their children or family members who attended St Patrick. There were consistently favorable comments, as well as advocacy in the quality education which provided a strong foundation for high school.”

Although six months may seem like an eternity for some, Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi are already enrolling for the 2016-17 school year, which starts in the fall. Two local schools, St. Patrick and St. Pius X held “Open House” events during National Catholic School’s Week in February.

Evelyn Burton, principal at St. Patrick, said the school has a long tradition of academic excellence. Enrollment at the school is just under 300, serving students in K3 through sixth grade. At St. Patrick, many students continue on to Incarnate Word Academy for middle school and high school, which is just down the street from the elementary school.

“We’re celebrating 65 years this year and the tradition continues today as we educate our children for the world of tomorrow. Our children receive an education that nurtures their spirit and heart,” she said.

The dedicated faculty and staff at St. Patrick implement strong instructional strategies and a comprehensive curriculum resulting in outstanding academic achievement, Burton said. The focus is on the development of the whole child.

“Each child is unique, possessing special individual gifts and talents. We respect and nurture differences, while developing all students to their fullest potential. We want our children to be happy children, who love learning and when they leave us, they have a strong academic background enabling them to achieve any goal they set out to accomplish,” she said.

At St. Pius X, Principal Bryan Krnavek said the goal is to provide a “strong spiritual and academic foundation in a loving, nurturing and welcoming environment.”

In 2007, the school was designated a “Blue Ribbon School,” an honor bestowed on top academic institutions by the U.S. Department of Education. Currently, St. Pius X has 180 students, from K3-sixth grade.

“We are also proud of the fact we have several desktop computers, iPads, SMARTboards and document readers in all classrooms,” Krnavek said.

At St. Pius, he noted, students in all grades receive a strong emphasis in reading, math, science and social studies.

“In addition, our students receive Accelerated Reading and Math programs, library classes, daily PE classes, and weekly Music, Spanish, art, computer and counseling classes,” he said. “Students attend daily religion classes and weekly Mass as well as receive instruction in the Atrium where the Catechesis of the Good Shepard program is taught. If you want to educate your children, not only academically but spiritually, a Catholic education is where it happens.”

Meanwhile, Rice is confident a Catholic school education is the ideal learning environment for her daughter Morgan.

“I trust St. Patrick will offer a positive and protective environment to allow my daughter to receive the best education,” she said. “And develop into a confident, independent young woman.”

Cristal Rice (left) listens as her daughter Megan explains how much she loves her class at St. Patrick School. Toni Nelson her K4 teacher at the school offers Megan a “high-five”. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic