School decisions are often some of the hardest choices parents make, but a great recommendation can make it easier. Check out these school lists.
Schooling decisions are often some of the hardest choices parents have to make, but a great recommendation from a trusted source can make it easier.
That’s why parents might like to know about several “recommended school lists” that have done the legwork for you. While no educational option is perfect, it brings comfort and peace of mind to know your child’s school is vetted and recommended.
Recommended schools
When making these decisions, parents might look at the National Blue Ribbon Schools list, which includes Catholic schools, or the National Catholic Honor Roll, or even your local Niche.com reviews (they have a filter for Catholic schools!).
Perhaps the most rigorous list is The Cardinal Newman Society’s. While better known for their list of recommended Newman Guide colleges (check out their upcoming Virtual College Fair on October 9), the Society also offers a list of recommended K-12 schools. You may be pleasantly surprised to find a listed school near you.
The process to become a Newman Guide recognized school is not easy. Everything from the school’s academic curriculum to policies and procedures goes under review, affirming that the school offers a model Catholic education:
A Newman Guide School strives for the very best of Catholic education. By affirming its commitment to the established standards, a Newman Guide School stands as an exemplar of faithful Catholic education for other schools nationwide.
A look at one Newman Guide School
The newest school to be added to the Newman Guide list is Kingswood Academy in Darien, Illinois.
Aleteia reached out to the school’s principal, Dominic Sepich, to learn more about the honor.
What does it mean for Kingswood to be named a Newman Guide school?
Being recognized as a Newman Guide school is the highest of honors. It is a statement that Kingswood Academy strives to be as Catholic as it can be. It shows we are serious about passing on the Catholic faith, with no apologies.
I have seen our parents' positive reactions to the news. It gives our entire community a sense of comfort when they drop their children off at school each day. Our parents know they made the right choice with Kingswood. It tells them Kingswood stays faithful to Christ and the mission of school.
Why are resources like the Newman Guide helpful to parents making school decisions?
Too many schools, both public and private, want parents to just drop off their children and leave them alone. This is the challenge for Catholic parents and it is why I left the public schools after 25 years of service. Parents have the right and duty to know what is being taught to their children.
The Newman Guide Recognition gives parents assurance that the Catholic faith is upheld, the curriculum is solid, the faculty is faithful, they are partners, and the principles of Catholic Identity are always present. It is a great starting point to know which schools to seek out. It helps parents find other faithful families and leads them to the type of community that faithful families need.
What if you don’t have a great school near you?
A parent might read about these amazing Catholic schools around the U.S. and feel disheartened about their own lack of school options. Most of us can't relocate for a school either.
Take comfort in knowing that your role as the parent is the single most important factor for your child's future, both academically and spiritually. This truth is affirmed both by research and by the experiences of countless families. And it’s exactly why schools like Kingswood Academy make full partnership with parents such a vital part of their mission.
If you’re curious about the research on this topic, check out The Smartest Kids in the World, a very informative look at best educational practices around the world. (Bonus: The book includes a great list of questions to ask when touring a school!)
The bottom line is that what you do in your home as a mom or dad is more important than anything that happens in a classroom. While the school decision is not an easy one, hopefully knowing this brings you peace as you discern the best school choice for your family. When you trust in God and root your family life in prayer and His will, you can't go wrong.
