Dispelling Myths About Catholic Schools

Teachers are Unlicensed and Uneducated: FALSE
One of the biggest myths about catholic schools is the thought that teachers are unlicensed and uneducated. This could not be farther from the truth. All teachers at Ave Maria Catholic School hold a Colorado teaching license and are well-educated, holding numerous degrees and certifications. Our teachers are veteran educators with a combined teaching experience of 588 years. Ave Maria teachers attend continuing education classes and certifications throughout the year and many already have or are working on their Master’s degrees. The teachers at Ave Maria Catholic School are not only licensed and educated, they are inspiring, passionate, supportive, engaging, and loving. They are fully invested in the success of every student and will foster a life long love of learning within every child they teach. 


Catholic Schools Offer a Poor Curriculum: FALSE
The Core Knowledge curriculum offered at Ave Maria Catholic School provides a coherent plan for teaching language arts, literature, math, science, history, geography, music, and the visual arts. The Core Knowledge sequence provides a solid foundation of learning that promotes academic excellence for all learners. The literacy program at Ave Maria Catholic School includes comprehensive phonics and vocabulary; the reading and math programs provide our teachers with the tools for differentiated instruction. Our science, history, and geography programs build on prior knowledge making all learning relevant to students.
Each year, students in first through eighth grade participate in the ITBS (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills). The results demonstrate that Ave Maria Catholic School students, at a minimum, perform at the grade equivalent of one grade level higher than other students nationally and at the grade equivalent of up to five grade levels higher than other students nationally.


Catholic School Education is Unaffordable: FALSE
Another large myth surrounding Catholic education is that it is unaffordable. This is also a false assumption. Yes, a private, catholic school education does involve a tuition cost. However, there are multiple ways to reduce your tuition costs through financial aid and other cost-reducing programs. Families who may or may not qualify for financial aid can still participate in cost-reducing programs such as TRIP. Ave Maria Catholic School has extended nearly $2 million dollars in financial aid. 


You Have to be Catholic to Attend: FALSE
At Ave Maria Catholic School, our mission is the education and development of the whole person (spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional) allowing each student to achieve their full potential through solid Catholic teachings, challenging academics, and strong community involvement. This mission is true for every student who enters through our doors regardless of their religion. Ave Maria supports and educates a number of students who are not practicing Catholics and welcomes students from all backgrounds and denominations. 


No Resources to Support Students with Diverse Needs: FALSE
Ave Maria Catholic School employs full-time Student Services teachers to work individually with students who may need additional support. We work diligently to implement RTI in the general education classroom through differentiated instruction. We have a number of teachers who also hold certifications and licensing in Gifted and Talented and Special Education to help support students with diverse needs.
Ave Maria Catholic School staff includes a licensed counselor and also a full-time, registered nurse on campus to assist students in general health needs as well as special medical circumstances. 


Catholic Schools are Technologically Behind: FALSE
Ave Maria classrooms are equipped with Promethean Boards, document cameras, laptops, and Chromebooks. Additionally, students attend weekly technology classes. During the COVID-19 school closures in early 2020, Ave Maria was able to equip students with the technology they needed to continue learning at home.

Interested in learning more about Ave Maria Catholic School? Visit our Admissions page to watch our virtual tour video or schedule your private tour today!