Opting for a Catholic High School: One Student’s Perspective

By Diane & Maria Calvin

A few weeks ago, in an article entitled “A Weighty Decision: Public or Parochial School,” I shared with you the decision-making process my husband and I undertook eight years ago regarding where to sent our firstborn for her elementary education. After careful deliberation, we chose to send her to our local parish school. We were so pleased with our decision that our next three children followed suit.

Presently, our family is represented in the first, third, sixth, and eighth grades. Our eldest will be graduating in the spring and moving on to high school. After looking at and carefully deliberating her own options, Maria has decided to attend the local diocesan high school. She then wrote an essay explaining how her faith life and love of God aided her in this choice.

Because my previous article on this subject of school choice was from a parent’s perspective, I thought it would be interesting for you to hear the viewpoint of one who has lived the “Catholic School Experience” firsthand, and why she has chosen to continue her education in the same vein.

Archdiocesan All the Way
When first deciding what high school to go to, I was almost positive I was going to attend Archbishop Wood in Warminster, but I visited and researched other schools in the area in order to make the best choice. This is what I discovered.

The local public high school has a very good academic program and gives me many chances for meeting new people, but it’s just too big. Sure, I want to meet new people, but in a smaller and more community-like environment. Also, there were no opportunities, classes, or specific programs that would give me the chance to grow in faith and love for God.

That’s when I began to look at smaller private Catholic schools. They also offered a solid academic program, and had great art and music classes, all in a Catholic environment. These were the things I was looking for! However, these schools are all-girl schools. I know this has advantages, but I want to be in a co-ed environment where I can learn how to deal with all kinds of people, both men and women. This will be good preparation for when I go out into the real world.

I then went back to my original instinct: Archbishop Wood, the nearby diocesan high school. Their advanced placement courses will allow me to excel in subjects that I am good at or particularly interested in, such as history, math, and English. Meeting these academic challenges will help me prepare for and attend a good college. In fact, 97 percent of Wood’s graduates go on to receive a college education.

The variety of extra-curricular programs will give me the chance to participate in activities that are both fun and educational. I am especially interested in the band, Art Club, and the school newspaper. Working on different activities with a wide variety of people will help me become an even more well-rounded person.

The community service/volunteer work offered to students at Archdiocesan schools is so valuable. I can help with the Aid for Friends program or visit those in nursing homes. I could even take time out during the summer to work with those who are less fortunate in Appalachia. Through helping those who are in need of special care, I can come to a better understanding of how blessed I am, while at the same time helping others.

Having a chapel right in the school is such an advantage for everyone. I can go there to attend Mass or just to pray. I could also visit before a test or presentation, just to calm myself down. Student retreats give me the chance to get away and spend time with God.

My friends have siblings who attend Archbishop Wood and have truly enjoyed the experience. They say it has a welcoming atmosphere with a variety of people and activities for everyone.

I enjoyed the eight years I spent in school at St. Catherine of Siena, and wish to continue my education in a similar environment. An archdiocesan school seems the best way to accomplish my goals of growing in faith, obtaining a great education, participating in fun activities, and becoming a well rounded person.

Diane Calvin is a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Horsham.