Catholic Schools Week

CSW2013 Poll Results: What Do You Love About Your Catholic School?

In anticipation of Catholic Schools Week, The Tablet wanted to know what our readers love about Catholic schools. So we posted the following question on our website and Facebook page: “What do you love about your Catholic school?” We received about 100 responses from local Catholic school students, parents, teachers and principals.

Here’s what you had to say:

“I love Our Lady of Guadalupe because the teachers are nice and I have met many nice friends. I also love learning the Catholic religion. But most of all its because I learn new things everyday.”
– James Patino, sixth grade, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dyker Heights

“Tradition and faith formation are the two words that stirke me first. St. Margaret’s in Middle Village for example is full of both. There are many familes that have long traditions in the school. From 1933 until 2011 there were only three years, 1954 to 1957, and again from 1984 to 1989, when no family member attended St. Margaret’s. This began with my dad and ended with my youngest son. This tradition included aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces. The reason why so many of our family attended was for the faith formation. Catholic education must be preserved.”
– John F. DeBiase, alumnus

“What I love most about Catholic school is the family atmosphere. Each child is known by name and there is interest in the whole child development, not just a score on a test.”
– Christopher Wagner, parent, St. Bernard, Mill Basin

“I know the teachers really care about their students’ education. I also believe religion is very important to help guide my daughter in life in the future. And I love the discipline this school has.”
– Tamara Denni, parent, St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach

“I love the fact that Pope John Paul II Family Academy has a nurturing environment that allows space for growth and independence. My son has flourished beautifully in becoming an independent and responsible young boy. In addition, he has gained an eager attitude in wanting to learn and becoming an over achiever. I am a thankful parent of this excellent school.”
– Jacqueline Fernandez, parent, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I am enjoying the first year in my new school. The teachers are very nice and welcoming and the students are kind.”
– Abigayle Jimenez, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“What I love about St. Bernadette School is it is a very fun place to learn about God. I feel very safe in my school. All the teachers in St. Bernadette are kind to all the children. Most importantly we have the best principal ever, Sr. Joan.”
– Alessia Giura, fourth grader, St. Bernadette, Dyker Heights

“They help me develop a stronger spiritual relationship with God.”
– Daunel Augustin, eighth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“I love my school because we have gym and the teachers are really nice. I love my school because the work is really fun.”
– Colin, student, St. Francis of Assisi School, Astoria

“What I love about my Catholic school is that we go to church on the first Friday every month with the whole school. I like it because we get to learn about God and Jesus. That’s why I love, love, love my Catholic school!”
– Molly Fleming, third grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“My children attend fourth and fifth grades at Pope John Paul II Family Academy. There are many things that I like about this school. But the thing I like the most is that students are not only educated academically; they are also taught religion, moral values and self-respect. They have excellent role models in the Sisters and staff. The school’s name holds true to its name: we are a family together raising strong, educated Catholic children.”
– Milagros Ramos, parent, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I love Immaculate Conception in Astoria because it is safe, secure and welcoming. The principal and faculty are committed to educating students academically, spiritually, and emotionally.”
– Andrew Hopkins, parent

“My children are their children and not merely faces or numbers. The teachers instill values, responsibility, discipline and humility as well as boost self-esteem. They encourage my children to reach for the stars and that anything is possible!”
– Gina, parent, St. Francis of Assisi School, Astoria

“I love that my Catholic school is a true community that joins together in sharing fun times, supports one another during sad times, and reaches out to others all the time!”
– Barbara K. DeMaio, principal, Most Precious Blood School, Long Island City

“I love my Catholic school because I want my children to learn more than just math and science. Catholic school teaches them faith, community and love, while offering the highest standards in education. My children start every day with their prayers and the pledge of allegiance. They are learning family, country and God.”
– Sean Turk, parent, St. Margaret School, Middle Village, and Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood

“There are many things that I love about my Catholic school; however, there is one thing I love and respect about St. Mark School. I have never seen a faculty, administration, or student body that love, respect, and care for one another like their own family. In the past three years, I have seen this school come together as a family in celebration, in mourning, and to reach out and help others in need. As a faculty and administration, we always are willing to go above and beyond to help students and their families, as well as one another. Our students are always ready to reach out and help their fellow student, even faculty. The bonds I have seen students develop and carry on outside of graduation from this school is impressive, but what is even more impressive is the pride that radiates from each student who returns to visit.”
– Michael Hendry, teacher, St. Mark School, Sheepshead Bay

“What I love the most is that the teachers push us to work hard and do our best.”
– Sylvia Acuna, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“I love working at Midwood Catholic Academy. Each day I have the privilege of teaching children who are passionate about their faith and who are always eager to learn new things.”
– Rosemary Feil, fifth-grade teacher, Midwood Catholic Academy

“What I love about SS. Joachim and Anne is that it is the best school. They have well behaved children and nice teachers.”
– Shama Dorcelus, fifth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“At Pope John Paul II Family Academy teachers and principal discipline us in the right way. The teachers hug us when we are sick and they love us and teach us to be respectful, smart and how to be nice to each other.”
– Sherly Caba, third grade, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I attended Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal School, now Notre Dame Catholic Academy. I loved how every teacher went out of her way to help me learn.
“In the school where I am principal … I love the way the students accept one another, not noticing the differences in ethnicity, religion and academic abilities.
“I am the person I am today because of my parents and the Catholic schools I attended.”
– John Fruner, principal, St. Joan of Arc School, Jackson Heights

“What I like about my Catholic school is that we go to church together. I love doing spelling and other subjects, too.”
– Angela Contorno, third grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“I like St. Francis because the teachers are very nice. We do morning time and pray for people that died. I like St. Francis because we listen to our teachers and know what we need to do.”
– Madison, student, St. Francis of Assisi, Astoria

“The one thing I love the most about my Catholic school is that it has helped us grow as a family spiritually and religiously, and it has helped us grow closer to God. The love of the Sisters is indifferent for all of us, especially with our kids. The unconditional help from the benefactor for our kids is something I will never forget. My family is very thankful and grateful.
– Ruth Gonzalez, parent, Pope John Paul Family Academy

“St. Bernadette is an amazing school environment. The teachers, students, and parents are like one big family. The curriculum is top-notch learning. This is a school that makes a difference in our community by teaching the kids about values, faith, and so much more. Sister Joan, our principal, runs the show in perfect manner and is loved by all. My daughter loves her new family at St. Bernadette’s School! My son can’t wait to start next year.”
– Lisa Alamia, parent

“Thanks to our dear benefactor, we have a number one school where our children learn how to be respectful, how to love God and the Blessed Virgin Mary and how to prepare themselves to live a successful life.”
– Gladys Castro, parent, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“What I love best about teaching at Immaculate Conception School is that we are fulfilling our mission statement: To provide every child with a safe and nurturing environment that facilitates a love of learning as well as a love for God, others and self.”
– Joann Ianniello, resource teacher, Immaculate Conception School, Astoria

“I love the strong Catholic identity of our school.  Christ is at the center of everything that we do.”
– Jennifer Gallina, first-grade teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, S. Ozone Park

“I love that my school has a kind, loving atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and helpful. We all come together to help one another.”
– Francesca Reinoso, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“What I love about St. Matthias School is how nice the teachers and staff are. Another thing I love about my school is how many activities the school provides, like choir, band, CYO sports and altar serving. My principal is the best principal in the world. I really love my school.”
– James Suden, student, St. Matthias, Ridgewood

“What I love about St. Francis of Assisi School in Astoria are the teachers and staff who demonstrate their dedication to each student’s education on a daily basis. I learn something new from them each day.
“What I love about St. Francis of Assisi School in Astoria are the students who are excited to learn and happy to be in school. They make me happy to go to work.
“What I love about St. Francis of Assisi School in Astoria are the school families who are so willing to help us with all of student social events and service acts.”
– Anne Stefano, principal

“Our school has wonderful teachers who truly care about the growth and well-being of our children. All of us — parents, teachers, administrators – take care of one another, and we all share the same idea of how our children should learn and grow both intellectually and spiritually.”
– Kerri, parent, St. Francis of Assisi, Astoria

“I love the teachers. They have always made me feel welcome. I really love my principal. Every time I see her she always has a smile on her face.”
– Habbygahelle Ulysse, eighth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“I love going to OLG because of the fun projects our teachers give us. I love the teachers at OLG school; they really prepare us for the future. Our school has the best fundraisers to help the school.”
– Nicholas Schlackman, sixth grader, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Dyker Heights

“We love St. Margaret Catholic School for many reasons, but most of all because of our principal Dr. Franco and the entire faculty. They are dedicated and talented men and women who provide a challenging and loving environment. They are positive role models in our children’s lives who incorporate Catholic values, beliefs and teachings in every subject, which prepares our children for life. We are blessed, fortunate and grateful to be a part of the St. Margaret family.”
– Doreen and Steven Seith, parents

“What I love about my Catholic school is going to church. We go together as a class.”
– Nicholas Alleva, third grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

First graders at Our Lady of Mercy School, Forest Hills, responded:
– “We say prayers.”
– “We learn about God.”
– “We wear a uniform.”
– “We love to listen to Bible stories.”
– “We go to Mass with our class.”
– “The teachers and principal are nice.”
– “We get to celebrate Catholic Schools week.”
– “The kids in my class are kind and helpful.”
– compiled by Nicole Vaccaro, first-grade teacher

“We feel God’s presence in our daily lives, we make Jesus, God’s only son the center of our lives and we pray in unity for the Holy Spirit’s help to spread the Good News that God’s love is for everyone.
“At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, we keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive. We celebrate our diversity and follow the principle not to… ‘judge by the color of skin, but by the content of character.'”
– Frances Mangieri’s third-grade class

“What I like about Pope John Paul II Family Academy is the warmness among staff members, a friendly principal always willing to give you a helping hand. I also appreciate the stronger faith that I have obtained through morning prayers and throughout the school day.”
– Regina Bhagwandeen, pre-kindergarten teacher, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“What I love about my school is the education the students receive. I appreciate the values we are taught by our teachers and principal. And most importantly, the students are made to feel at home.”
– Laura Molina, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“We love the dedication of our new principal, Steven Casquarelli, and his fine staff. We love the parents who have chosen St. Brigid Catholic Academy as a high quality provider of an excellent education for their children.”
– Maureen Murphy, chairperson, St. Brigid Catholic Academy, Bushwick

“I love the sense of family and harmony at St. Mark School. Everyone gets along and knows each other. With love and joy learning happens!
“We are a true community of people helping each other each and every day.”
– Carol Donnelly, principal, St. Mark School, Sheepshead Bay

“St. Francis has not only provided our children with amazing learning experiences but has also provided us parents with numerous opportunities to become better partners in our children’s education.”
– Maria, parent, St. Francis of Assisi School, Astoria

“What I love about St. Joan of Arc is the family environment we have there. Every teacher is assured of support from one another. Students feel safe and secure. They feel loved and not afraid to tell us anything that is bothering them from a scraped knee to a difficult home situation. They learn what they need to know and this is what I feel makes our school so great. Teachers can be assured of the support of our principal. Every teacher is concerned about each one of his/her students. For some of our students this is the only place they can learn about Jesus. In short, we are family.”
– Karen Serafinko, teacher, St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights

“I love St. Francis of Assisi School because the teachers take the time to know each student. They tend to go above and beyond their means to make sure every child understands the lesson. The school environment is safe and friendly. It’s more like a large extended family than a business.”
– Nicole, parent, St. Francis of Assisi School, Astoria

“What I love about Pope John Paul II Family Academy is that the teachers and the Sisters teach us all about Jesus every day. This school has Jesus all around so He could take care of us.”
– Helen Sanchez, third grade, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“What I like about my Catholic School is that when they see there’s something wrong with you, they try to get to the bottom of things. Just so things can be okay again.”
– Georges Frederic, eighth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“What I love about my school are the people. They are all very friendly and welcoming.”
– Liz Galeano, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“What I love about my Catholic school is that it is a safe environment and everyone is very friendly and nice to each other. Another thing that I love about my Catholic school is that it is a place where can be myself because it is one big family.”
– AnnaMaria Leal, eighth grade, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, S. Ozone Park

“I like going to Catholic school because I feel closer to my faith. I feel that my Catholic education will help guide me to become a better person and provide me with the skills needed for a successful life.”
– Arielle Hassan, sixth grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“I love Most Precious Blood School in Long Island City because students learn the educational requirements necessary to further their education and the discipline to be successful. With the leadership in place there, students learn about the Christian way of life and what a difference the Gospel makes in all our lives to serve not only each other and the community but God. And most importantly, a Catholic school education teaches and trains us to see Jesus Christ in everything we do and say as well as how we should always behave.”
– Neida C. Martinez, advisory board chair, Most Precious Blood School, Long Island City

“Pope John Paul II Family Academy keeps a spiritual safe environment and works with parents in the raising of their children. Making parents aware about the importance of creating and maintaining a stable loving environment at home is truly a precious gift we receive because it promotes and improves children emotional well-being.
– Maria Cabrera, parent, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“My Catholic school is so wonderful. All the adults are very protective, and will give up their lives to save us. My school preaches the Gospel everyday.”
– Kene Nzelu, fifth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“I love my Catholic school because it is safe and friendly place to go to school. The teachers care about the students and the parish. Our school and Church act as One Big Holy Community.”
– Elizabeth Grillo, sixth grader, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dyker Heights

“I love my school because I feel like the students and staff there are like my other family. The teachers and other staff never give up on us. I believe that their goal is to help us reach ours. I love them very much!”
– Makenzie Rivera, sixth grader, St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach

“I’ve been in SS. Joachim and Anne since I was four years old. I learn something new everyday and we treat others with respect. This is the best school.”
– Laura Pena, fifth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“What I love about my school are the teachers. They make each class a fun learning experience.”
– Allison Pinedo, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“We get to see our friends every day. We talk to each other and laugh with each other and play fun games. We go to church for First Friday Mass and every Sunday, I go with my family.”
– John Joseph Lotardo, third grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“I love my school because it is a loving, disciplined environment with caring teachers and respectful students.”
– Gia Gonzalez, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“Pope John Paul II Family Academy is a great school. Thank you, benefactor, for giving us the opportunity to learn in this peaceful, loving environment and, above all, to learn about God and come closer to Him and to Mary, His Mother.”
– Yamilet Lara, fourth grade, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I have gone to SS. Joachim and Anne for three years. It is the best school that I have been to. I love how we can do activities and experiments with our classmates.”
– David Michel, fifth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“I love my Catholic school because it makes me feel special, like I am part of a family. I get a great education, have a lot of fun and grow as a good Catholic. When we leave we know all our hopes and dreams are possible.”
– Nicolette Torani, student, Our Lady of Guadalupe School

“If the old adage is true that it takes a village to raise a child, then St. Bernadette School is an integral part of our village. Nurturing a deeper understanding of our Catholic faith and calling the children to act out their faith, challenging their growing minds through comprehensive and strategic learning methods are done in a positive environment.
“St. Bernadette School fosters the development of each child by allowing the freedom to express their creativity in ways that help them grow and develop their self-confidence. The education and faith formation of this school has contributed to the strong foundation we have aspired to create for our children.”
– Rhonda Guariniello, parent

“At Pope John Paul II Family Academy we are not just a Catholic school, but a loving, “faith-filled family” which has all the qualities of a Catholic family. We are loving, caring for one another. We teach one another and our students what it means to be like Christ and to continue his mission. Our students will leave our Academy with a deep understanding and appreciation of our Faith. Pope John Paul II Family Academy is a magnificent school under all aspects.”
– Teresa Bizzarro, first-grade teacher, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I love my school because Midwood Catholic Academy helps me to learn and be more understanding. It has also taught me how to stand up for myself.”
– Selena Morreira, fifth grade, Midwood Catholic Academy

“What I love about my school is that I learn about God and how I can follow Him and thank Him by what I do and what I say.”
– Joshua Mora, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“I love that almost every Friday we go to church and I get to receive (Christ’s) Body. I also like the uniforms. The school is very nice. I love this school!”
– James Boudreau, third grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“My school has people who care about the poor and hungry. We pray every morning for the sick, poor and those who lost their homes in Sandy.”
– Rachel Lande, fourth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“At Pope John Paul II Family Academy, we all work together actively to uphold the Catholic school teaching standards. The students respect their faith and appreciate all that is done for them. The presence of the four Sisters is a wonderful addition to PJPIIFA.”
– Natasha Hosawski, kindergarten teacher, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

Fourth graders at Our Lady of Mercy School, Forest Hills, responded:
– “It enriches our minds and develops a passion for studying.
– “We go to Mass as a class, have the freedom to pray and act out Bible stories.
– “We learn about Jesus and God.
– “Everyone knows each other and is nice to one another.
– “We learn about and respect other cultures.
– “The teachers and our principal are friendly, helpful and kind.
– compiled by Janice Ray, fourth-grade teacher

“What I love about my school is the various types of students we have. We are multicultural and we are always learning about each other and different cultures. We are also learning about the different types of religions and how important religion is in our daily lives. I love working with the entire staff! We are one big family!”
– Joanne Imparato, teacher, St. Mark School

“One thing I love about Pope John Paul II Family Academy is that it has a nice principal and loving and caring teacher. This school has everything that students need to have: excellent teachers, nice uniforms, good food, and a very safe environment. I love it here!”
– Wendeliz Lopez, fourth grade, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I love the welcoming, nurturing and safe environment created at St. Rose of Lima. The principal, Mrs. Anderson; assistant principal, Mrs. Murphy; and teachers and staff are the key behind the success and they make my daughters feel so good about going to school each day – a place they consider home.”
– Laurie Sammon, parent, St. Rose of Lima, Rockaway Beach

“What I love about St. Bernadette School is the attention the teachers give the students. No one goes unnoticed. It is a small family oriented school.”
– Benedetta Fusco, parent, St. Bernadette, Dyker Heights

“Everyone cares and watches over each other, whether it be a student, teacher, principal or parent. Everyone is willing to help a student academically, emotionally or spiritually. The children in Our Lady of Guadalupe, Brooklyn, are not just numbers. They are children of God that are taken care of in every respect.”
– Anna Sartini, teacher, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dyker Heights

“What I love about my school is being in the choir. When we sing our songs, I feel like I have done something special for God.”
– Nicole D’Amil, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“Students who attend a Catholic school get more chances to achieve big goals. I love my Catholic school, but what I appreciate most is the education.”
– Kiah Moe, eighth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“What I love about Pope John Paul II Family Academy is that everyone treats you with love and respect and that we learn more and more about Jesus. The thing I love the most is that every morning I feel eager to come to school because I know I will have a great day and that I will be safe.”
– Larry Rodriguez, fourth grade, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I have been in SS. Joachim and Anne School since pre-k and I love this school. We get to do fun projects, different activities, and work hard.”
– Cassidy Pierre, fifth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“Something I love about Catholic school is that we all are one big family that works, plays and prays together.”
– Natasa Saric, sixth grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“What I love about my Catholic school is that all the teachers are really nice and they give us great education. All the students here at SJA are really nice. All the classes we take are fun and enjoyable. We also have a great principal, Mr. Fruner … We have Mrs. Balzano in the office who works there everyday and is really busy but I appreciate all the kind work Mrs. Balzano does.”
– Araceli Ayala, student, St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights

“What we love about our Catholic school is the how our daughter is embraced with love every time she arrives. We appreciate our daughter learning about her religion and being able to recite her Our Father at two-and-a-half years old. We love the fact that when we mention she is going to school she gets so excited and can’t wait to get there. We are very lucky she feels this way. There is nothing more important than your child loving where she is and feeling comfort in her surroundings.”
– Alfonsina Messina, parent, St. Bernadette, Dyker Heights

“What I appreciate most about Pope John Paul II Family Academy is that our school truly defines the word ‘family.’ Anyone entering our building will find that faculty, staff, parents, and students are working as a whole and supporting one another, as a family would. We teachers try to teach as Jesus did and set an example for all those around us.
– Kerry Kovalsky, third-grade teacher, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“What I love about Catholic school is that they teach religion in school. I also love Catholic school because I have really nice friends. I also like Catholic school because Mrs. (Alison) Lobody (third-grade teacher) is really nice.”
– Victoria Belena, third grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“I love my school because it has been a part of me ever since I started school. I have attended O.L.G. for eight years ever since pre-k. I enjoy doing group activities with classmates and participating in fundraisers. Every day I look forward to attending school knowing I am being appreciated for who I am. Either I get a teacher who is funny, funky, creative, enthusiastic, a pet lover, or acts like a teenager. To me it doesn’t matter because they are always wonderful to be with. I love my school, and know that I am part of the O.L.G. family.
– Alessandra Gikas, student, Our Lady of Guadalupe

“What I like the most about Pope John Paul II Family Academy is the sense of family and community that exists among staff, faculty and students. I feel that we have all developed a strong bond with one another and it’s always a pleasure to see each other every day and to help one another.
“I also like the students. They all are very motivated to learn and strive to do their best every day, they are wonderful children with big hearts, hopes, and dreams.”
– Sarah Guyett, kindergarten teacher, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“What I love about my school is the opportunity to participate in special events like the Living Nativity. I also enjoy being a member of the choir and singing beautiful songs.”
– Michelle Illescas, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“I appreciate the great teachers and the high level of education that St. Francis offers.”
– Kevin, parent, St. Francis of Assisi, Astoria

“I like Pope John Paul II Family Academy because of the effort and passion teachers have for each student. Also because they teach my children to be respectful, courteous and become active within the community. They also teach the social and religious values that our society needs. Teachers do a good job with every student; I feel really proud that my children are in this school.”
– Maria J. Zanella, parent, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“The thing that I love about our school is that even though we continuously strive to update curriculum and technology, we still manage to maintain a traditional catholic/neighborhood atmosphere. Everyone is connected in someway or another, i.e. siblings, moms/dads, cousins, aunts/uncles, neighbors, children of alumni, even teachers who are alumni. We are like a big family in which everyone is in everybody’s business and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”
– Anita Terrone, St. Bernadette, Dyker Heights

“I love the Christmas and Black History concerts. I also love Catholic Schools Week.”
– Julia Ulcena, fifth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“I feel very secure with the school educating and caring for my child. Children spend more time with school personnel than at home with family. So it is very important that I feel my child is safe. Also, as a parent whose children are coming from the NYC public schools, I see a drastic improvement in their reading and arithmetic skills and also in overall behavior. They now discuss living with faith and enjoy reading the Bible and now want to engage more within the church.”
– Christine Shaver, parent, St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach

“In my school I learn more about God.”
– Giovanni Jean Guillaume, eighth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“What I love most about my Catholic school is how much we support each other as a staff. Our school really is like a little family and we work with each other and with our students providing them with a caring, enrichment filled, and learning environment.”
– Sophia Barbato, nursery school teacher, St. Mark School, Sheepshead Bay

“I love my school because it helped me learn how to love others and has made me stronger. Midwood Catholic Academy has also helped make me feel special.”
– Mahaica Jacquet, fifth grade, Midwood Catholic Academy

“We send our son, Matteo, to St. Bernadette School because they infuse today’s technology to enhance their teachings while following the new common core standards. Their curriculum is challenging as evidenced by introducing a foreign language beginning in kindergarten. Aside from a vigorous curriculum, St. Bernadette School teaches their students about the Catholic faith resulting in caring and respectful young adults.”
– Tara Algerio-Vento and Marcello Vento, parents, St. Bernadette School, Dyker Heights

“I like Pope John Paul II Family Academy because everyone strives to create a special bond between students, home, and Church so that all share the strong sense of a Community permeated by the love of God.”
-Fabian Peralta, parent, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick

“I love this school! It is the perfect size so that the students get all the attention needed academically and spiritually. All the faculty and staff play a part in teaching my children and they know all of the parents.”
– Ms. Kelly, parent, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“What I love about my school is the way that the teachers challenge us to do our very best.”
– Kimberly Verdesoto, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“I’m very grateful for having the opportunity to have my children in Catholic school. They are learning to become better people following the Catholic faith. I am blessed to have one of my children in Pope John Paul II Family Academy (Bushwick) and the other in St. Matthias Catholic School (Ridgewood). We love our schools and we are very happy with all staff and Sisters that are teaching our children with love.”
– Byron-Nicole Intriago, parent

“There is a great vibe in our school. Everyone is always kind to each other and never sour. I have been here since pre-k and it has been incredible so far.”
– Katherine Briganti, sixth grade, St. Pancras, Glendale

“What I love about my school is the education the teachers give us. They give up their time to help us so that we can do better.”
– Andrea Gutierrez, student, Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst

“What I love about my Catholic school is that we learn all these different subjects while still learning about God.”
– Erika Diaz, eighth grade, SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village

“I love Pope John Paul II Family Academy so much that if a new kid ever came to the front doors of this school, I would tell him, ‘You are lucky you came here.’”
– Brian Jasso, fifth grade, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick