It’s back to the classroom for students at 36 Catholic schools across the five counties of the Diocese, where the new academic year holds the hope of a continued return to normal after the pandemic.
“We are excited to see our students’ joyful faces and renewed energy fill our classrooms and hallways once again,” said Dr. Philip J. Fromuth, Superintendent of Catholic Education, in his traditional opening letter to parents.
“We begin this school year with a renewed sense of hope,” he wrote. “The last two years brought many challenges for families and for schools. I am looking forward to seeing our school communities return to many of their beloved traditions and events that have been the hallmark of our Catholic schools.”
Parents choose diocesan schools for their Catholic identity, their academic excellence, and their affordability.
Catholic schools in the Diocese provide a Christ-centered education in a safe and supportive atmosphere where all are treated with dignity and where students, regardless of their faith background, learn the foundations of living a Christian moral life. Catholic schools are a place where the focus is on Gospel values, not on social theories.
About 95 percent of last year’s graduates went on to continue their education at college or trade school. The high school core curriculum is designed to give students a competitive advantage in college admissions. Last year, at a time when many students nationwide fell behind because of pandemic disruptions, testing showed that elementary students in Diocese Catholic schools continued to show steady growth in reading and mathematics.
To help parents afford tuition, the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation (EPSF) awards 5.8 million dollars of tuition assistance to schools in the Diocese of Allentown. In addition, across the Diocese, other funding sources are available including the Stabler Foundation, BRAVO, Bridge Foundation, and the Catholic Foundation’s endowments. Lastly, each local school offers tuition assistance opportunities to families within their communities.
“I am grateful to our school leaders and dedicated teachers for their work in preparation for the opening of school and for continuing our mission to form the hearts and minds of our students on their journey of faith and learning.” Dr. Fromuth wrote in his letter.
“It is my greatest hope that our students are inspired by their school experience to learn, live and share their Catholic faith and be disciples of hope who will transform our world.”
Featured Photo: Students on first day of school (August 29, 2022) at St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown.
