By Patrick Haggarty, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

I recently read an article by Keith Fournier, a columnist for Catholic Online and a deacon in the Diocese of Richmond, Va. Deacon Fournier notes the misnomer of the phrase “back to school” and states, “The family is the first school and the home is the first school house. Parents are the first teachers of their children.”

Fournier’s words are dead on. Virtually every Catholic school has in its mission or philosophy statement words that acknowledge parents as the primary educators of their children. This is a basic principle of the Catholic school. We are an extension of the Catholic family.

Within the month, parents all over Montana will be sending their children to the “second school.” They will entrust their children to institutions that are designed to provide an educational service to children of varying abilities and ages. Quite possibly, the decision of which school their child will attend will be the most important decision parents will make this year. This is especially true for parents who live in a community that supports both public and Catholic schools. Their choice of which “second school” is best for their children should be carefully examined.

Both public and Catholic schools teach the state’s requirements of math, science, English, etc. In addition to these curricular areas, the Catholic schools also require students to learn and live the Catholic faith, Christian morals and God’s redeeming love. In sum, they continue the lessons taught in the “first school” in their schools, as a primary focus of the curriculum.

Many parents will choose a Catholic education for their children and in so doing, maintain the tradition of promoting one aspect of the Church’s educational mission – her schools. They will also make a significant sacrifice to send their children to a Catholic school, as they are required to give their time, treasure and talent. Certainly, it is not easy, and for most, it is a statement of their priorities. They choose to invest in their children’s K-12 education and faith formation.

And many parents will choose a public school for their children without looking into the Catholic school. Before students enter the classroom on the first day, I hope that their parents check into the local Catholic school. Call the principal and ask to talk with him or her regarding how the Catholic school can be an extension of the Catholic family. Ask about the curriculum, teachers, support staff, tuition, service hours and the Catholicity of the school.

I am confident that when Catholic parents look into where their child’s “second school” should be, they will see that the Catholic school is a natural fit and the best possible learning environment, as an extension of the lessons learned in their “first school.”


Patrick Haggarty, Ed.D., is the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Helena. For more information about the diocesan schools, visit www.diocesehelena.org/schools.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 24, No. 8, August 15, 2008.