CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK GIVES EDUCATION INSIGHT

Discover Catholic Schools: That's the focus of Catholic Schools Week that is being celebrated throughout the region. It's a fitting theme because many people may be unaware of the good things happening in Catholic schools. To build awareness, Catholic schools in the region are opening their doors this week for public inspection.

The Catholic school system in this region includes nine elementary schools and one high school. In all, more than 1,500 students are enrolled in this alternative to public education.

The region's elementary schools include: St. Denis in Benton, St. Ambrose in Chaffee, Immaculate Conception in Jackson, St. Augustine in Kelso, Guardian Angels in Oran, St. Joseph in Scott City, and St. Mary Cathedral and St. Vincent de Paul, both in Cape Girardeau. Secondary students throughout Southeast Missouri attend Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau.

These schools are good neighbors and are centers of activity in their communities. They are places where students and staff share common values and a common faith.

Catholic school enrollment has experienced some growth. For example, the high school enrollment is up slightly this year, with 240 students. The secondary school plans to improve its math, science and technology programs by adding classes and upgrading computers.

Catholic schools are financed through parish Sunday offerings, tuition charges, and hard work by parents through various fundraisers. Several area schools have developed endowment programs to enhance funding and keep tuition costs in check.

The issue of educational funding has stepped up the call for parental choice by private schools. Granted, the competition of choice among private and public schools may well accelerate educational reform. But private schools should be careful about what they really want. Federal and state dollars won't come without strings. While dollars for public schools haven't kept pace, the red tape has flourished. Government regulations may diminish the control private schools now have in running their programs. It's something worth thinking about.

Key to this discussion of parental choice is a greater understanding of the educational options. That's why more people should become familiar with our private schools. The debate over school choice is just beginning nationally. Catholic Schools Week offers an opportunity to see the good work of these private schools in our region.