Catholic schools, like all educational institutions, prepare students for the future. However, unlike secular educational institutions, Catholic schools are committed to shaping that future by helping students understand fully, accept freely and live faithfully their Catholic heritage.

Research reported by the National Catholic Educational Association as well as other independent organizations points to certain key factors that contribute to the overall success of Catholic schools nationwide.

First, schools with a values-oriented curriculum successfully shape character as well as intellect. At Carondelet Catholic School we are dedicated to teaching respect and concern for others, responsibility, and self-discipline, along with an excellent academic program. Our students learn to respect, love and serve each other in a supportive environment emphasizing care and cooperation. Formal religion is taught as an academic subject. However, teachers and staff daily serve as role models and our students are equally expected to live their faith.

Second, Catholic schools are highly committed to creating a vibrant Christian community. At Carondelet Catholic School the principal and teachers together create and nurture the faith community within the school. Our students participate in traditions that strengthen their own faith development while encouraging them to become stewards of their broader communities. School-wide participation in community service projects enables our students to demonstrate concern for others and for the environment.

Third, Catholic schools have a tradition of providing a strong academic program and maintaining high expectations of students. With an average class size of 20 children, our teachers can identify and respond to each child’s strengths and needs. Our students learn not only to master skills in specific subjects, but also to think critically and solve problems creatively. Carondelet Catholic School students consistently score one to two years above Minnesota and national grade level norms on standardized achievement tests.

Fourth, Catholic school teachers carry out the tradition by believing that all children can succeed. Parents who choose Carondelet Catholic School say they are most impressed with the dedication and talent of our teaching staff and their ability in turn to motivate students. By creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, our teachers help students gain self-confidence and self-esteem. By providing stimulating classroom discussions and challenging assignments, they bequeath to them a lifelong love for learning.

TOP 10 REASONS TO SEND YOUR CHILD TO CARONDELET

1. The Kindergarten program helps each student achieve a healthy concept of self, respect for others and love of learning. By offering both full-day and half-day programs, we are able to provide a learning environment that meets the developmental needs of individual students.
2. Instruction begins with broad coverage of subjects, and through the grades becomes more focused on in-depth study. Students work independently as well as in cooperative teams. First grade is filled with new and exciting learning experiences. We write stories, study mathematics and learn to write.
3. Since a child’s attitude toward learning is established during their primary years, we provide a solid academic foundation while instilling a love for learning in a safe and comfortable environment. Creativity and self- expression are encouraged in every activity.
4. Teachers support each other and work together to nurture their students. Together with parents, they create a spirit of community in which each child is valued and every family important. There is a great overall caring spirit between teacher and student, student and student and family to family.
5. Just Do It! A slogan for Nike -- an integral part of our learning experience at Carondelet Catholic School. Students participate in service and experiential learning opportunities that change our school and our community. Most importantly, it changes our students by demonstrating the positive benefits of making a difference.
6. Through weekly music, art and Spanish classes, we nurture the right brain, the creative side of our students. Our 91-member concert band and our jazz band are invited to perform throughout the area and beyond to entertain and astonish the audience.
7. We have had state and national finalists for Science Fair and History Day projects, students participating in the Insect Fair, Young Inventors Fair and Math Club. We were Catholic High School Quiz Bowl champions in 2005. One of our 2004 graduates is a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.
8. The middle school teachers recognize that students need encouragement and support as they make the challenging transition from childhood to adolescence. Field trips for community building experiences for developing greater personal awareness of our connections with the environment are offered in the middle school.
9. We have a special program that pairs the 8th graders with the kindergartners. In becoming a “special friend”, the 8th graders promote a feeling of being special among the younger students, and help create a warm and friendly bridge between the two campuses.
10. Carondelet Catholic School is a faith-based, Christ-centered school where Christian values are taught, modeled, learned and lived. Students are invited to know, love and honor God and to examine their own religious experience to listen to God’s Word, to study what the Church teaches and to pray together daily. They are encouraged to put faith into action by planning and fully participating in prayer services and masses, performing service projects and by showing respect and concern for each other.