NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS VS. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: WHERE SHOULD I SEND MY CHILD?
See what makes Catholic schools stand out from other Christian schools.
Many parents who seek a religious or private education for their child wonder whether it’s worth extra effort to send their child to a specifically Catholic school. This article touches on what Christian schools of all kinds can do – and what makes Catholic schools unique.
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS AND THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE
Christian schools of all denominations, including non-denominational schools, offer a great alternative to traditional public education and other private schools. A common thread among Christian schools is that we provide a space where students can explore their faith and deepen their spirituality through values-based education.
The Catholic school difference is that our schools and faith are part of something bigger. Catholic Schools have an enduring legacy of academic excellence and extensive experience cultivating future leaders.
For over 200 years, Catholic Schools across the United States have delivered high quality educational experiences while preparing future leaders. Outside of public education, Catholic Schools are the largest system of schools in this country.
Although each school has its unique culture and charism, across the nation we are rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and built on a strong foundation of experience and tradition. As an expression of our faith, we welcome students of diverse backgrounds and seek to nurture their unique gifts while educating the “whole person” – mind, body, spirit.
We view our educational ministry as a partnership with parents and our schools operate within Christ-centered communities of staff, students, and their families. As a result, we have impressive outcomes. Our students do not just graduate prepared for college and life, but are eager to take on the challenges of the 21st century by giving back to their communities and sharing their unique gifts with the world.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION AT AMHS
AMHS strives to lift up our students and nurture their unique gifts through the support of an incredible, Christ-centered community where all are welcome. Our unique charism at AMHS is best captured through the motto chosen by the most reverend Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy. We open and close each school day in a prayer that begins with his motto, “In Christ there is joy and hope.”
Archbishop Murphy’s legacy and commitment to Catholic education continue to guide us into the future. Community and strong relationships, where we encounter God’s love for all people, are at the heart of our work as a Catholic school. As AMHS celebrates over 30 years of serving students and their families as the only Catholic High School in Snohomish county, we continue preparing future leaders by building on the strong foundations of Catholic education throughout the country.
Archbishop Murphy High School strives for academic excellence and a student-centered experience that cultivates intellectual curiosity. We achieve our unique success through our small class sizes where students work closely with our highly talented faculty, over 75% of whom hold advanced degrees. With a 1:11 faculty-to-student ratio, we get to know our students well and encourage them to try new things and continue developing their unique talents.
At AMHS, students grow in mind, body, and spirit through our Wellness & Spirituality programming and opportunities to learn about the Catholic faith in our Theology classes. We come together monthly as a community to celebrate Catholic Mass in a space where all are welcome.
Students also participate in our Retreat Program, including one of the most popular traditions – the Kairos Retreat. All students not only engage in community service, but reflect on these experiences as a way to deepen their own sense of spirituality.
While our families come from a range of backgrounds and faith traditions, we find strength in our diversity. Our students build trust and grow by taking risks knowing they are supported by a strong, Christ-centered community. AMHS parents participate actively in the life of the school, with many opportunities to get involved and share their unique gifts as well.
