WHY CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Two priests performing a religious ceremony at an altar inside a church. One priest, wearing a red stole over white robes, has his hands raised. The other, in white robes with a cream stole, stands with hands clasped. The altar has a white cloth with a cross and olive branch embroidery, and various religious items are on it. In the background, there is a large candle and ornate church architecture.
The Seal of Saint Francis Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, featuring a blue shield with a heart, a praying hand, and a cross, surrounded by a circular text that reads 'Saint Francis Academy Baltimore, 1828, Maryland'.
A red brick church building with a cross on top, multiple arched windows, and a wooden front door with steps leading up to it, surrounded by garden beds and trees.

Now, more than ever, the world needs what Catholic schools have to offer.

What makes a Catholic education special? It’s the high standards, the moral foundation, and the positive, compassionate energy that our society needs right now.

Our story starts with our heritage: going back to 1634, when Maryland was settled as a refuge for English Catholics; to 1789, when the Archdiocese of Baltimore was established as the first Catholic diocese in the United States; to 1810, when Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton laid the foundation for the Catholic school system in the United States by opening her school for girls in Baltimore; and to 1828, when Mother Mary Lange founded America’s first Catholic school for girls of color.

That spirit of education has been in our hearts ever since, and it has played out in our school every day. Here, every scholar is valued. Learning is celebrated. Faith is strengthened. And we provide the rigorous, advanced education that our children need.

And for all of us – clergy and laity – providing that education is far more than a job. It’s a higher calling.

A graduation ceremony taking place in a gymnasium with a woman in a white cap and gown shaking hands with a man in academic regalia on a stage, with chairs and banners in the background.

For the Archdiocese of Baltimore: Catholic Schools, Rise Above.

After all, Catholic schools are founded in faith, helping scholars realize the full potential of their God given abilities and bringing Christ’s message of service to others above self. Sharing the promise of eternal life is what raises Catholic education to a higher level.

We also demonstrate that Catholic schools rise to the high standards – particularly in math, science, and technology – to keep up with the demands of today. And to do all of that in a way that no one else could claim is an identity that could only belong to the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Our schools challenge students and teachers to go beyond the status quo and exceed expectations.