Private Christian schools provide education

Nan Dickson/Telegram file Daniella Holst, 9, right, of Temple gives candy to Eli Ramirez, 5, left, and his cousin Emily Ramirez, 5, both of Troy, during St. Mary’s Catholic School’s Fall Festival Trunk or Treat celebration during October in Temple. Daniella is dressed as a jellyfish while Eli is dressed as Spiderman and Emily is dressed as Wonder Woman.

BY JOEL VALLEY

TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

Many private schools in Bell County — including Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Temple, Central Texas Christian School in Temple, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple and Providence Preparatory School in Belton — are dedicated to providing their students a Christianbased education.

In April, St. Mary’s Catholic School, 1019 S. Seventh St., announced it will begin its transition to a “Catholic classical education” this fall.

“Classical education will be phased in over several years, as teachers introduce the methods and content into their classrooms,” Renee Morales, St. Mary’s Catholic School’s director development, said. “In the first year, the focus will be on deeper faith integration, history and language arts.”

However, the transition also is aimed to place an increased focus on age-appropriate methods and original sources.

“Modern education is almost totally based on textbooks,” Morales said. “(With original sources), students will read original sources, not just interpretations through textbooks. For example, rather than reading about the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, they will read and study the actual documents.”

Morales said parents can learn more about what a classical education entails online at bit.ly/ 3fi2F5V.

In Belton, Providence Preparatory School, 506 N. Main St., already has implemented a classical education approach in its classrooms.

“We approach learning from a sense of wonder,” according to a statement from Providence Preparatory School. “We are amazed by God’s saving kindness to us, and by His glory that we see in all of life. All staff and board members affirm a view of life that is awe-inspired, historically Christian and broadly evangelical.”

The institution’s campus also follows a university-style schedule.

“Students in fourth grade or lower attend classes led by pro-

List of area charter and private schools. Page 45

Courtesy photo Zachary Boore, left, plays the King, Julian Velazco plays the Jester and Gage Daniel portrays the Minstrel during a rehearsal of the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress” at Central Texas Christian School in Temple.

fessional teachers on Tuesday and Thursday, while students in fifth grade or higher attend class Tuesday, Thursday and Friday,” according to Providence Preparatory School. “Teachers provide detailed assignments for students to complete at home on the remaining weekdays, where parents serve as ‘co-teachers.’ This approach promotes family time, academic performance, efficiency, accountability and preparation for the college schedule.”

Like their Belton neighbors, Holy Trinity Catholic High School — 6608 W. Adams Ave. — strives to form Christian leaders.

“Each student is seen as a gift from God and the future of our Christian community,” according to a statement from Holy Trinity Catholic High School. “As stewards of these gifts, we feel it is our obligation to provide sound spiritual formation, as well as moral, academic and physical education of the highest quality.”

The school, which gathers for a prayer service or mass every day of the week, emphasized how its aim is to help students grow in community through their love for Jesus Christ.

“Students are provided with experiences and opportunities that mold their moral make-up,” according to Holy Trinity Catholic High School. “Moral decisionmaking is a major component of school life in general, with most classes and clubs incorporating issues of the day such as poverty, abortion, politics, etc.”

At the Central Texas Christian School, 4141 W. FM 93, students follow seven core values: Godly integrity, prayerful decision making, adherence to the authority of God’s word, relationships based on unconditional love, Christ-centered curriculum, academic excellence and Christ-like “servanthood.”

“The mission of Central Texas Christian School is to educate students with the Transforming Truth of Christ, inspiring academic excellence, Godly character and integrity in life pursuits,” according to a statement from CTCS. “We are the largest and only interdenominational private school in the Bell County region offering the full spectrum of academic achievement, athletics and fine arts.”

This year, 30 seniors graduated from Central Texas Christian School — students that earned a combined $1.6 million in scholarships.

“CTCS’s academic program equips students intellectually, and provides the skills and inspiration to encourage a desire to become life-long learners,” according to CTCS. “The programs, courses and instructional strategies are selected and implemented in a way that provides for the attainment of knowledge, wisdom, application and skills, inspiring a desire for even greater discovery.”

jvalley@tdtnews.com June 27, 2021