Why more families are choosing Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic schools for their children…

At the Archdiocese of Baltimore, each of our schools is as unique as the students that grow and thrive there, from the suburbs of the Chesapeake to the inner-city schools of Baltimore to the rural communities in the Allegany mountains. Here are some of the factors that our schools have in common that drive success:

1) Achieving proven academic outcomes through an academically rigorous curriculum…

We’re proud of the fact that 99% percent of our students at the AOB move forward to college or military service, and that speaks to our high academic standards and the quality of our college-preparatory education. Based on the latest Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores administered by the Northwest Evaluation Association:

• In math, our students perform in the top 30% of their peers nationally in achievement in every grade assessed. Our eighth graders performed in the top 10%. (Scoring in the 50th percentile is considered average, and the top 40% is considered college-readiness.)
• In reading, our students score above the top 20% as compared to their peers nationally in every grade assessed.
• In language arts, our students score above the top 20% as compared to their peers nationally in every grade assessed, with some grades achieving in the top 10%.

 2) Ensuring our students are present both literally and figuratively

Our goal is to guarantee that our students are present both physically and mentally. We hold students, families, and staff accountable for maintaining attendance. Chronic absenteeism is a well-known challenge faced by schools in Maryland and across the nation. We make it a priority to track our students’ presence each day and in every class to help them stay on the path to success.

However, a student who is physically present but distracted by their phone cannot fully engage in the learning process. At the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools, we do not allow phones in the classroom during instructional time. Although this decision may be unpopular to some, we believe it is crucial not only for effective teaching but also for fostering our students’ attention spans, which are diminishing in today’s world of constant digital distractions.

3) Attracting and retaining quality teachers

It’s well-known that academic excellence and successful students thrive under the guidance of exceptional teachers. In our Catholic schools, educators can dedicate more time to instruction rather than classroom management, which is essential to attracting talented teachers, maintaining high job satisfaction, and creating an environment that’s conducive to instruction for both teachers and students.

Although behavior issues and disruptions are to be expected, a significant aspect of our Christ-centered education focuses on teaching self-worth and respect for others, which helps reduce the time teachers spend managing distractions and builds strong student-teacher relationships.

Interestingly, many of our teachers could earn higher salaries outside the Catholic education system. However, they choose to work in Catholic schools because it grants them the freedom to excel in their craft. When teachers receive support from the administration and work with students who are eager to learn, they create a culture that fosters job satisfaction and attracts talented, dedicated professionals.

4) Emphasizing the holistic development of students

At our schools, we prioritize educating whole child rather than solely focusing on their performance in standardized tests. Our small class sizes empower our teachers with the ability to provide individualized attention in a nurturing learning environment. Our curriculum is designed to nurture students academically, while also addressing their physical, mental, social and moral growth. Our schools excel in providing leadership development, instilling confidence and independence, and fostering an environment that creates lifelong learners, preparing students for success in all aspects of life.

Interestingly, only about half of our students identify as Catholic. Families from various faith backgrounds choose our schools because we offer exceptional curriculum and facilities, alongside instilling values-based learning, rooted in our Catholic tradition. We believe that an education with a purpose instills in them that each student, as a child of God, is unique and extraordinary. This holistic approach fosters a sense of self-worth and purpose in each student, which in turn motivates them to excel academically as they strive to fully utilize their gifts and lead a life with true meaning.

Invest in your child’s future by sending them to a place where your child can thrive. Schedule a tour today by clicking on the Inquire Today button to request more information or to schedule a tour. Start your child’s journey and register today.