What Our Survey Reveals About the Mission of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Salina
By Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools
Schools represent a vital part of any society. They are a primary means by which the wisdom and culture of a people are passed on to new generations. Catholic schools embrace this responsibility in a distinctive way by integrating the Catholic faith with the educational process. For this reason, the Church sponsors and supports Catholic schools as a central part of its teaching ministry.
Across the Diocese of Salina, our Catholic schools strive to live out this mission every day.
Recently, families from across our 14 Catholic schools participated in the Catholic Religious Identity Parent and Community Survey, administered as part of our accreditation and continuous improvement process with Cognia. Surveys like this provide valuable insight into how well our schools are living out their Catholic mission and where we can continue to grow.
This year, 765 parents and community members responded, offering strong affirmation of the work taking place in our schools.
Key Highlights from the Survey
- 99% Parents affirm that Catholic symbols are clearly visible throughout our schools.
- 97% Parents say their school is a community that prays together and teaches the faith.
- 92% Parents agree that teachers and administrators model Catholic beliefs and values.
- 90% Parents affirm that schools form students in Gospel values, service, and moral leadership.
Rooted in the Mission of the Church
The Catholic bishops of the United States have identified nine defining characteristics that express the deep Catholic identity of Catholic schools. Catholic schools are:
- Centered in the person of Jesus Christ
- Contributing to the evangelizing mission of the Church
- Distinguished by excellence
- Committed to educate the whole child
- Steeped in a Catholic worldview
- Sustained by Gospel witness
- Shaped by communion and community
- Accessible to all students
- Established by the expressed authority of the Bishop
These characteristics align closely with the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS), which guide Catholic school accreditation across the country. The survey results provide meaningful evidence that our schools are living out these standards.
A Strong and Visible Catholic Identity
One of the clearest messages from the survey is that families recognize and value the Catholic character of our schools.
Parents overwhelmingly affirmed that their schools are places where prayer is central, the teachings of the Church are clearly taught, and students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
In Catholic education, faith is not confined to a single class period. It is woven throughout the entire life of the school—from classroom instruction to service opportunities, from athletics to community celebrations.
This integration of faith and learning is at the heart of Catholic education.
Teachers and Leaders as Witnesses to the Faith
The survey also highlights the profound role that teachers and principals play in forming young people.
Parents strongly affirmed that educators in our Catholic schools model the teachings and values of the Church. This reflects one of the defining characteristics of Catholic education: our schools are sustained by Gospel witness.
Teachers and administrators are not simply instructors. They are mentors who help students grow intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
Through their example, they help form young people who seek truth, serve others, and live lives rooted in faith.
Educating the Whole Child
Families also affirmed that our schools are committed to educating the whole child.
Catholic education forms students academically, spiritually, socially, and morally. Survey responses highlighted strong agreement that schools promote service, encourage students to seek wisdom and truth, and instill responsibility to live Gospel values in the world.
In short, our schools are helping form young people who are prepared not only for college and career—but also for lives of faith, leadership, and service.
Strengthening the Partnership with Families
Catholic theology recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children. Catholic schools exist to support and strengthen that sacred responsibility.
Survey responses show strong confidence in the partnership between families and our schools. At the same time, the results also point to an opportunity to continue strengthening how we support parents in living their role as the first teachers of the faith.
This is an area where schools, parishes, and families can continue working together to deepen the faith life of our communities.
A Mission Shared by the Whole Church
The Catholic schools of the Diocese of Salina are committed to fostering an environment of support and coordination for Catholic schools, their principals, faculty, and students. We seek to maximize opportunities for quality education in a Catholic school setting while remaining faithful to the mission entrusted to us by the Church.
This mission is shared by parents, pastors, parish communities, teachers, and the Diocese.
Every day across North Central and Northwest Kansas, our Catholic schools strive to form students who know Christ, seek truth, serve others, and lead with integrity.
The results of this survey affirm that our schools are living this mission in meaningful ways.
As we continue this work, we remain guided by our diocesan mission:
Together, let us be disciples of Jesus on mission.