ADVERTORIAL FOR MARCH ISSUE OF ORANGE COUNTY PARENTING

OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFER MORE
THAN JUST STRONG ACADEMICS

When Tony Esparza’s parents were researching schools, they were looking for a strong moral and academic compass that would guide their child through his education.

That’s the environment they found at School of Our Lady in Santa Ana where Tony is not only an honor student, but also excels in his academic work by maintaining an “A” average.

Tony contributes more to the classroom environment than just academic excellence. According to his teachers, he is also a courteous, respectful Student Council officer who helps build school spirit and student stewardship through community outreach programs. Because of his academic and community outreach efforts, Tony is a three-time recipient of the Carson Scholarship Fund and has been recognized by the Luevano Foundation Scholorship.

“Tony is an example of the faith-filled, productive and generous citizens that our schools foster,” said Fr. Gerald M. Horan, Superintendent of OC Catholic Schools. “Tony’s teachers describe him as someone with a strong moral base.”

The Diocese of Orange established the Office of Faith Formation to promote the high standards and the quality of education available to all students in Catholic elementary and secondary schools. On average, OC Catholic School students perform in the top third percentile of all students in the country, according to ITBS Standardized test scores that measure the skills and achievement of students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

OC Catholic Schools offer more than strong academic instruction. They offer faith-based, credentialed teachers who nurture compassion, wholesome values and spirituality. In addition, OC Catholic Schools provide a lower than average student-to-teacher ratio of 19:1, inclusive education to meet diverse learning needs, a child safety program, affordable tuition, financial assistance based on family need and programs that encourage both students and parents to give back to the community.

Enriched programs are offered as well, such as before and after school day care, pre-school options in select areas, technology instruction, structured physical education, foreign language offerings and fine arts programs.

All schools in the Diocese are accredited full-term by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA), a coveted honor that recognizes excellence in elementary and secondary education.

OC Catholic Schools have also received national recognition through the government’s Blue Ribbon program which honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Three OC Catholic Schools have earned Blue Ribbon status: St. Edwards in Dana Point, Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach and Santa Margarita in Rancho Santa Margarita. This year, four more schools are planning to apply for the recognition.

OC Catholic Schools account for over 19,500 students enrolled in 37 pre-school and elementary and 7 secondary Catholic schools. While most students are of the Catholic faith, enrollment is open to all faiths.

To find out about Fall enrollment at Catholic schools in your area, call your local parish or view a listing online at CLICKING HERE.

Contact: Irene Cabañas/Liz Wilkins
949.833.3822
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it