The mark of quality education is earned when teachers go beyond the confines of the classroom and take on an active role in character development. At some schools, the curriculum simply stops when students leave.
At Paraclete High School, that’s when ours is just ramping up. The holistic education students receive puts them on an accelerated path to becoming engaged, socially responsible global citizens. As part of our school’s mission, we have identified four integral student outcomes that are a result of emphasizing a holistic education. Paraclete High School graduates consistently leave our community as involved citizens, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and productive independent individuals.
How Faith-Based Education Consistently Produces Socially Responsible Students
Faith-based education is good for all students, not just those who are Catholic. Acquiring the knowledge and skills required to reach one’s goals matters, but Paraclete High School offers students even more than that.
Rich Christian traditions and teachings create the foundation for students to explore themselves and their faith deeper. The faith-based curriculum and the spirit of selfless community service transform our students into morally sound and socially responsible global citizens ready for success after graduation. Paraclete’s goal is to get each student ready for college and heaven.
Catholic Scripture Teaches Sound Morals for Students of Any Faith
All students at Paraclete High School become familiar with Catholic scripture through their religious studies courses. Even if students do not believe that the words they read are divinely inspired, there is still value to be had in them.
For example, Jesus tells His followers to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44). This ideology promotes altruism and encourages students to help others, not just those they like. The Bible also encourages people to tell the truth. One excerpt reads, “You shall not steal. You shall not give false witness against thy neighbor” (Ex. 20:15-16). While the scripture is Catholic, the lessons taught are undeniably human. The morals conveyed in the text are universally applicable, no matter the student’s faith.
Community Service Programs Engrain Altruistic Behavior
All students at Paraclete High School must take part in community service over the course of each academic semester. First and second-year students serve 10 hours each semester while juniors and seniors serve 15 hours each semester. By requiring students to connect with individuals and programs beyond the borders of our campus, we provide an avenue for students to look inward and learn the importance of altruistic behavior.
A community service program is a form of team-based learning as students work with others. It is also a chance for students to bring what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting. By instilling the value of service early, Paraclete helps to consistently form future citizens out of each and every graduate.
Moral Development and Holistic Growth
All high schools want to help students grow intellectually. At Paraclete, the mission goes even further. Students of all faiths grow spiritually and morally as they learn about Christian ideology and other world religions.
The focus on critical thinking in religious studies encourages students to think independently and develop their own sense of moral code. For example, all juniors take Morality and Social Justice, a class where students learn about their role in improving the world around them. Through these classes, students will develop holistically, not just as a student.
Engrained Social Responsibility Values for Long-Term Success
High school is a formative time, but the real goal is to get ready for life after high school. In addition to intellectual development, Paraclete encourages students to seek out social justice through both the service program and through engaging coursework. Students carry these values with them all through their lives. The curriculum also provides students an opportunity to look at their vocation, that is, their calling in life. They do this in particular during the Christian Life course offered senior year.
Producing Socially Responsible Global Citizens, One Student at a Time
Students who receive a faith-based education believe in doing what is right and understand the value of serving others. Paraclete High School builds these values in our students through scripture, service hours, and an unwavering emphasis on holistic education.
If you’re interested in learning more about what Paraclete High School can offer your child, register for our virtual tour and information session.
