Why do Catholic Schools exist?

Catholic schools exist as a response to parental choice to have their children educated in a way that supports their faith.

The European Convention on Human Rights, the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights all acknowledge the rights of parents to choose the sort of education they want for their children. Under Canon Law, the Church has a responsibility to provide Catholic education if this is requested by parents.

Catholic education contributes in a positive way to a pluralist society. It provides a system of schooling that responds to the total educational needs of the young in contemporary society. The Catholic school champions freedom of conscience and the parental right to choose the school best suited to the parents’ educational purpose.