5 Academic Benefits of Catholic Schools in Polk County

Catholic school students in Polk County have several educational advantages over other areas, in part because of an environment which challenges students to be creative and think critically by integrating compassionate service, moral leadership, and faith to create a more benevolent and just world. The Catholic Diocese of Orlando contains over 40 Catholic schools serving the needs of students from preschool through high school. Five Polk County Catholic schools are included in this number, with four located in Lakeland, Florida, and one in Winter Haven, Florida. While many of the benefits of a Catholic education include daily Mass and fulfilling many of the age- or grade-specific Catholic sacraments, others are focused on Biblical themes such as helping others and loving your neighbor. Below are 5 important academic benefits of a Catholic education. 

• Meeting challenges with the help of God: God is present all around us and walks with us through both good and challenging times. Catholic school students learn to develop sacramental awareness, or the ability to see God’s hand in everything they and others do. Through this vantage point, Catholic students realize God works through them and, as instruments of God, they can change the world for the better.

• Volunteerism: Civic mindedness is reflected in the student population in Catholic schools and with Catholic school alumni. Catholic graduates are more likely than their peers to vote, volunteer, donate to charity, and write letters to members of congress and other legislators.

• Love your neighbor: This important commandment is promoted as an integral part of the Catholic school curriculum. From an early age, Catholic students are taught they have a responsibility to meet the needs of those around them by feeding the poor, donating to charities, reaching out to the lonely, and reflecting God’s grace in their words and deeds.

• Disciplined learning: Self-discipline is a moral decision based on the Gospel. Students examine their actions and critically view the choices they make in light of the Commandments. Goodness is not merely something you achieve because it is a rule; it is a moral choice that proves you are a disciple of Jesus.

• Personal excellence: Catholic students understand their knowledge is a gift of God. Reflecting that knowledge on an exam or when speaking to others shows God’s strength within you. The richness of learning exemplifies the belief that the more fully we can understand the world around us, the more likely it is we can change it for the betterment of humanity.

 Catholic education has been called the “greatest work of the Church” since it gives young scholars a firm foundation in religious, civic, and academic education. Sharing God’s word through their actions, as well as their speech, explains the Catholic beliefs. The Polk County Catholic schools welcome new students of any religious denomination. Call 407-246-4800 to speak with one of our staff, and browse our website for more information on academic standards, our schools in Polk County, and education.