Young people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in our Church and our nation. Therefore, we must provide young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Catholic schools collaborate with parents and guardians in raising and forming their children as families struggle with the changing and challenging cultural and moral contexts in which they find themselves. Catholic schools provide young people with sound Church teaching through a broad-based curriculum, where faith and culture are intertwined in all areas of a school’s life. By equipping our young people with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich in the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith, we ensure that they have the foundation to live morally and uprightly in our complex modern world. This unique Catholic identity makes our Catholic elementary and secondary schools “Schools for the human person” and allows them to fill a critical role in the future life of our Church, our country, and our world. (Catholic Schools on the Threshold, no.9)
The religion program at Veritas Preparatory School is based on the curriculum guide approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in November, 2007. Required in the course of studies at Veritas Preparatory School, the curriculum leads the student to an encounter with Jesus Christ and his teaching in order that they might come to know him and to be transformed by him. “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” (Catechisi Tradendae, 5)
Following the Classical model of education, students will be instructed and material presented with emphasis appropriate to the developmental stage of the student. The curriculum will be structured in such a way as to be repetitive, integrative, and sequential. This method of repetitive, sequential learning will bring the student to greater understanding and depth of knowledge as he/she grows intellectually and progresses from one stage to the next. Rather than encouraging rote memorization, Classical education serves to teach facts and paradigms in early stages of development, enabling the student to engage in meaningful analysis and discussion of complex information in later stages.
In addition to the curricular requirements there will be a school-wide emphasis on all types and forms of prayer, participation in weekly Masses,annual retreats, and a yearly pilgrimage.
There will be a school-wide focus on both the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in service to God and neighbor expressed through our participation in varied and extensive community service.
Graduation from both schools will be celebrated by a Mass of Thanksgiving in recognition that we are God’s people, and our mission a holy one.