by Kathryn Ann Connelly

Parents often ask the question, "Can I afford to send my child to a Catholic school?" My response is another question: "How can you not afford it?" All parents want what is best for their children and often sacrifice in order to provide it.

I know of many parents who will take on a second and sometimes even a third job to keep their youngsters in a Catholic school. One of my former associates did just this.

When asked why, she simply said, "It's the right thing. Where else can I be assured that the Christian ethic that I value and cherish will be reinforced? Where else can I be assured that he will be challenged and academically prepared for a future that no one knows about yet? When he gets on that bus, I know he will be in good hands, safe and secure as can be, and I will be informed when something is amiss."

In my own career as a Catholic educator, I have learned that Catholic schooling has many other compelling advantages. I call them the "secrets of success." Here are my top six.