Philosophy of Education
August, 2008

St. Agnes School is a center of education, a service to the parish and an expression of faith of the people of St. Agnes Parish.  As a Christian educational community, St. Agnes is committed to providing an environment where human knowledge is not only imparted but also enlightened and enlivened by an active faith.  Community is at the heart of every Catholic School, not simply as a concept to be taught, but as a reality to be lived.

The family depends on the school to provide a quality education for each child.  The purpose of the school is to build upon the foundation that began at home.  St. Agnes School is committed to the development of the whole person.  The teacher views the child as he/she is, a unique composite of body and soul, not yet mature, but in the process of growing - spiritually, morally, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially.

This growth is enthusiastically encouraged by the faculty as they try to provide a quality education for each child in a comfortable, enjoyable, organized atmosphere.  These efforts presuppose parental understanding and approval and require parental cooperation with classroom teachers.  The aim of   St. Agnes School is not to supplant parents, but to help them fulfill their obligations.

 And so, St. Agnes School strives to help parents in the God-given task of educating their children, working as partners in this awesome undertaking.  Together, it is hoped that parents, teachers and students will work to make St. Agnes School a Catholic Community that will help everyone grow in the love of God and others so that students will be better prepared to meet the demanding challenges of today and tomorrow.

 In light of the philosophy, St. Agnes School Staff strives to achieve the following goals:

 Spiritual

• To create a Christian Community where the student can personally discover the presence and message of God.
• To instill deep love and reverence for the Liturgy through teaching, example and experience.
• To actively search out, support and participate in activities which render service to the parish and world community.
• To instill social justice principles in the Christian responses of students.

 Moral

• To help the student become aware of alternatives and consequences before making a choice in thought or action and to be responsible for those choices.
• To develop an attitude of concern for one another.
• To provide the student with opportunities to translate into practical action his or her ideals of service.

 Intellectual

• To provide experience geared to each child’s ability.
• To help each student develop the power to think critically, reason independently and solve problems.
• To provide an atmosphere in which each child’s creativity and inquisitiveness can be nurtured.

• To help the student develop a positive self image.
• To create a classroom atmosphere in which each child is accepted.
• To provide learning situations in which students develop the ability to deal with their feelings toward themselves and others.

 Physical

• To provide exercise and activities which foster a healthy development of body and mind.
• To provide extra-curricular activities which promote good sportsmanship, school spirit and a feeling of unity within St. Agnes School.
• To provide a learning environment that promotes wellness and good nutrition.

 Social

• To promote opportunities for growth in responsible leadership and citizenship by instruction, example and encouragement.
• To develop an appreciation for the dignity of the human person, whatever age, race, sex or creed, through study and experience.
• To give guidance in the right use of leisure by exposure to music, drama, art, sports and other skills.