These three powerful words capture the essence of the Catholic school experience in the Archdiocese of Miami. Our students live their faith, learn their faith and activate their faith through prayer. Students learn how to live according to the Gospel values and Catholic social teachings; they learn not only how to pray but the power of prayer in everyday life. And, of course, students live their faith through the Community Service Learning Program.

Students learn through visual, auditory and tactile modalities. Teachers provide varied instruction so that each student has the opportunity to master knowledge by associating that knowledge with daily life, career choices, Church teaching, and personal vocation choices.

The curriculum in each school includes courses in the core disciplines:  religion, math, science, English and social studies. These are not presented as static lessons and experiences, however. For example, math is integrated into English, and English is integrated into religion.  All content is related to life, the experiences of the students and integrates 21st century technology. Additionally, our Catholic schools ensure added value through special programming specifically designed to meet the needs of our students who have exceptionalities (students with unique learning needs).

Let’s explore a couple of specific examples that set our schools apart for the educational mainstream. At the elementary level, St. Helen School has partnered with the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art Academy of Art + Design to provide an enriched art program for the students. The students attend the Academy on a regular basis to receive instruction from artists in the different art mediums. Consistent with its commitment to “STREAM” (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering and Math), Sts. Peter and Paul School in Miami has recently opened a Science Academy. Partnering with Catapult Learning, a recognized leader in educational supportive services and unique programming, Sts. Peter and Paul has created a program which provides the students with the opportunity for hands on science.

The Archdiocese of Miami is proud to have two high schools that have received special recognition by Apple, Inc. Archbishop McCarthy High School is an Apple School of Distinction, one of only 43 in the nation. McCarthy was the first high school in southern Florida to implement the 1 to 1 iPad program in 2011. Immaculata-LaSalle High School houses an Apple Program of Distinction. The program provides students a personal learning experience with increased collaboration opportunities, differentiation, increased engagement, encouragement to explore, invent, and create.

As usual, our Catholic schools are setting the pace for innovation and state-of-the-art technology while ensuring the ultimate goal of transforming our students into the hands, heart, mind and voice of Jesus Christ.

In the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Miami our approach is unquestionably unique. Our schools are harbors where God’s people — students, parents, teachers, staff members — LIVE, LEARN AND PRAY!

Be excited and share the great news about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami. Please contact the Catholic school in your neighborhood to inquire about the innovative programs that are available to you.