Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools
One of the great gifts of Catholic education is the sense of belonging and mutual support we build together as families, parishes, and schools. This winter, students in grades 3–12 across our diocesan Catholic schools took time to share their experiences and perspectives through the Cognia Student Survey as part of our ongoing school improvement work. We are deeply grateful for the strong response rate, which reflects a willingness among students to be heard and to help shape the future of learning in our schools.
The perspectives of our students give us rich insight into what we are doing well and where we can grow. Like the family survey we shared earlier this fall, this is part of a broader process of listening and learning together—and your voice matters in every step of this journey.
What Our Students Celebrated
Across elementary, middle, and high school grades, students consistently expressed that our schools are places where they:
- Feel safe and respected by adults who genuinely care for them.
- Trust and rely on their teachers to help them learn and grow.
- Experience welcoming, supportive relationships that make school a positive part of their day.
These results echo so much of what families have shared and confirm that our Catholic schools are living out the mission of forming young people in faith, character, and community. The sense of safety, care, and respect is foundational—as our students’ hearts and minds are best able to grow when they know they are known and supported.
Listening for Growth
At the same time, students pointed us clearly toward areas where we can continue to improve, especially in how learning experiences are designed and supported:
- Student Voice and Engagement: Students would like more opportunities to share their thoughts about learning and to have a voice in how lessons unfold.
- Meeting Individual Needs: While many students feel supported, there is room to grow in adapting instruction more responsively.
- Relevance and Curiosity: We heard that students want learning that connects deeply to their interests, goals, and future aspirations.
These insights are not critiques—they are invitations. They help us understand where students want to be more actively involved in shaping their learning, and how we can better support them as disciples of Christ and confident learners.
What Comes Next
This student survey is an important chapter in our ongoing cycle of listening and improvement. Later this school year, we will:
- Survey teachers and staff to gain their perspectives on school strengths and needs.
- Launch a Catholic Identity Family Survey to learn more about how families experience faith formation and Catholic identity within our schools.
Together, this feedback will give us a fuller picture of our diocesan schools—academically, spiritually, and culturally—and guide our work toward deeper excellence and mission alignment.
Moving Forward—Together
The story our students tell through this survey is one of trust, care, and aspiration. We celebrate the strong culture of safety and support that students experience. At the same time, we embrace the opportunity to grow in ways that make learning even more engaging, personalized, and life-giving.
Thank you to all our students for your honest feedback and to our families, parishioners, and educators for your ongoing partnership. Your voices shape our vision for Catholic education—rooted in faith, strengthened by collaboration, and oriented toward Christ-centered excellence.
Together, let us be disciples of Jesus on mission.