More Signs Catholic Schools Are Thriving

It's no secret that we at ACE believe strongly in the future of Catholic schools. We've written before about the game-changing research from Nicole Stelle Garnett and Peg Brinig on the importance of Catholic schools in Lost Classroom, Lost Community, which shows that neighborhoods that close Catholic schools suffer in terms of crime and social cohesion. Others joined the two researchers recently to discuss the critical role Catholic schools play for the future of our children.

Marquette Law School gathered together academics, policy makers, and clergy to discuss how Catholic schools can both survive and thrive in today's world. Panelists praised the unique gifts of Catholic schools, and stressed that Catholic schools could improve by finding ways to adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape. Here are some highlights:

"We know intuitively that the Catholic education we received made a difference in our lives and in others’ lives. . . . At this point in our history, we cannot permit Catholic education to disappear in our social landscape." 
—Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee

"I think Catholic education is on the verge of renaissance, especially in urban areas."
—Andy Smarick, Bellwether Education Partners

"We provide those fundamentally important components—certainly to give their kids the best possible opportunity to be safe, loved and have a chance at college."
—Kathleen Cepelka, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Read more about the conference on Catholic Herald Online.