Catholic School enrollment
has soared, says Monsignor
David Cassato, Vicar
of Catholic Schools.
“We have gained over
1,000 new students this
year,” he says.
Parents are choosing to
provide a Catholic School
education for their children
because it builds character
and faith, while acquiring
the necessary academic
skills to be successful in
the world.
“Many saw that we were
able to function throughout
the pandemic, from
September 2020- June 2021,
while the public system
was struggling,” says Msgr.
Cassato.
The smaller classrooms
have also been beneficial
as they offer exposure to a
smaller amount of people,
and provide a sense of community
for kids and families.
For those who may not
be ready for in-class learning,
the new St. Thomas
Catholic Academy is available,
where learning can
take place entirely on line.
Msgr. Cassato notes that
a Catholic School education
is highly esteemed.
“Catholic schools have a
track record of outperforming
public schools. Our
STEM programs make science,
technology, engineering,
and math come to life
for boys and girls, and they
prepare them to thrive in
this changing world.”
A curriculum that meets
New York State standards
is maintained. At the same
time, the focus is on educating
children’s minds,
bodies, and souls, allowing
them to grow through
hands-on learning that integrates
technology. The
average class size is between
25-28 students. “This
ensures that children get
the attention and care they
need to thrive,” he says.
Developing children as
a whole is imperative. “We
help them gain an appreciation
for the world around
them,” the monsignor says.
Catholic schools offer, “One
of the most diverse school
systems in the country,
where students of all backgrounds
can excel academically,
and learn how our
faith can unite us.”
Teachers and staff are
committed to students and
their families. “They consider
their work a vocation,
and see that every student
learns and knows the love
of Christ through religious
education and the experience
of living in a Catholic
community,” Msgr. Cassato
says.
Choosing a Catholic
school education is a big
decision, which is why
parents are encouraged to
schedule a meeting with
the admissions team. “I invite
all to visit our schools,
meet the teachers and parents,
and talk to the principals,”
TIMESLEDGER | Q 18 NS.COM | JAN. 28 - FEB. 3, 2022
says Msgr. Cassato.
“It’s a decision that will
have a significant impact
on their future, and we are
here to help you choose the
right Catholic school for
your child.”
Every effort is made by
the Brooklyn and Queens
Catholic schools and academies
to keep costs low
and tuition affordable.
“Our hope is that no child
is denied a Catholic school
education due to financial
constraints,” says Msgr.
Cassato. Yet, they are well
aware that choosing a
Catholic School education -
where tuition can run from
$4500 - $5,000 per year - is a
financial sacrifice and commitment
for many families.
As a result, there is financial
aid for those who cannot
afford it.
Payment options are
available, and are handled
by speaking directly with
the staff at the school. “We
are fortunate to partner
with Futures in Education,
the scholarship organization
of the Diocese
of Brooklyn,” says Msgr.
Cassato. “They administer
several scholarship programs,
providing partial
tuition assistance for families
demonstrating financial
need to attend a Catholic
academy, or school in
Brooklyn or Queens, in
grades K-8.”
Futures in Education
funds are limited, and are
not available to Catholic
high school students.
Disease of Brooklyn
Catholic Schools The Office
of the Superintendent,
Catholic School Support
Services, 310 Prospect Park
West in Park Slope, (718)
965-7300, www.Catholic
Schoolsbq.org.
Please note that the
Diocese of Brooklyn encompasses
Brooklyn and
Queens. For information on
scholarship opportunities,
visit FuturesInEducation.
org/scholarships.
EDUCAT I O N PROFI LE
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