Office of Catholic Schools

Quality Education in a

Christian Environment

Catholic Schools Week 2010 celebrated January 31-February 6, 2010../CSW 2010.html

See what the House of Representatives have done to recognize the contributions of Catholic Schools in the United States!  www.ncea.org

School Accreditation              Purpose of Catholic Schools

Goals of Catholic Schools         Religious Education Program

Academic Program               Student Assessment 

SCHOOL ACCREDITATION

In accordance with the decision of the Roman Catholic Bishops of the State of Texas, each school, which is recognized by its Bishop as a Catholic school, is to be accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED).

The Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission (TCCAC) was established to assist and give direction to the TCCED. Membership consists of 6 superintendents of the present 14 dioceses, 6 commissioners-at-large and two bishop members who serve as Episcopal liaisons.

The accreditation status of each Catholic school is reported to the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC), the joint association established to review and approve the principles, standards, and processes of various accrediting associations. Non-public schools accredited by a TEPSAC-approved association are recognized by the Commissioner of Education as accredited schools and will be so listed in the official Texas School Directory. This acknowledgment of accreditation ensures that student credits earned in these accredited non-public schools and teacher service in these schools are recognized for salary increment purposes in Texas public schools. The accreditation of non-public schools under this arrangement became effective on February 12, 1986. Accreditation of non-public schools directly by the Texas Education Agency ceased after May 31, 1989.

PURPOSE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The purpose of Catholic education is to draw or lead people of all ages into communion with God and others through a deeper understanding, experience and practice of one’s faith. This is accomplished by providing students with an academic curriculum that is unique, contemporary, and apostolic.

GOALS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

1. To integrate Catholic, Christian teachings and values into every aspect of the learning process and experience of school so that young people’s journey into adulthood will also be a journey of faith and a growing internalization of these teachings and values.

2. To provide an excellent academic education to help young people reach their God given potential and be responsible, productive citizens.

3. To assist parents, who are their children’s primary educators, in the education and religious formation of their children.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

All students are required to participate in the religious education program of the Catholic school.

The religious education program presents to the students an authentic statement of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Teachers are sensitive to the fact that children of other religions are present in religion classes and their beliefs and faith experience may not be the same as those of Catholics.

Students are also required to attend prayer services and the Mass. However, no student is ever forced to participate in liturgical services.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The academic curriculum of the schools of in the Diocese of Victoria follows the standards set forth by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department.

Curriculum seeks to develop the individual’s highest potential through a teaching/learning process that promotes proficiency in language arts, English, mathematics, technology, science, social studies, fine arts, foreign language, and physical education. Curriculum emphasizes development of the higher level thinking skills of research, analysis, evaluation and problem solving.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT

As of September, 2009, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills(ITBS) is being administered to all students in grades 1-11. This is a nationally-normed test designed to measure achievement in reading, language development, mathematics, social studies, science, use of information, and listening and thinking skills.  In selected grades, students will also be taking the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), which is an abilities test that assists the teachers in planning for their students.  Prior to this year, the Stanford Test was being used throughout the diocese.

Students in grade 12 take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Test (ACT).

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The policy of the schools of the Diocese of Victoria not to discriminate, on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, or disabling condition, in educational programs, activities, or services extends to employment in, and admission to, such programs, activities and services.

Listing by School Name

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL  
Established:    1940
Grades: K-6
Mrs. Stephanie Kucera, Principal
2001 Katy Street
Bay City, Texas 77414
(979) 245-5632  FAX (979) 245-6120
Email address:  <mailto:sskucera@sbcglobal.net>           www.bcholycrossschool.org                                                                                   Day Care Center: 4K

NAZARETH ACADEMY
Established:     1867
Grades: K-8 
Mr. Scott Kloesel, Principal
206 West Convent Street
Victoria, Texas  77901
(361) 573-6651  FAX (361) 573-1829
Email address:   <mailto:nazareth@icsi.net>                     www.nazarethacademy.org

OUR LADY OF THE GULF SCHOOL
Established:    1996
Grades: PreK-8
Mrs. Theresa M. Dent, Principal
301 S. San Antonio Street (P.O. Box 87)
Port Lavaca, Texas  77979
(361) 552-2774    FAX (361) 552-4300
Email address:   <mailto:theresa-dent@cableone.netl>
Day Care Center: 18 months-12 yrs                                                              www.olgmariners.org

OUR LADY OF VICTORY SCHOOL
Established:  1957
Grades: 3K-8
Sister Leonita Barron, IWBS, Principal
1311 East Mesquite Lane
Victoria, Texas  77901
(361) 575-5391  FAX (361) 575-3473
Email address:  <mailto:olv-ofc@icsi.com>                                        www.ourladyvictory.org

SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL
Established:  1882
Grades:       Elem.  4K-8;  H.S.   9-12
Mr. David Smolik, Principal
313 South Texana Street
Hallettsville, Texas  77964
(361) 798-4251    FAX (361) 798-4970
Email address:   <mailto:shschool@cvtv.net>                                                             www.shschool.org
Early Childhood Day Care Center: 6 weeks old and up

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL
Established:  1955
Grades: 3K-8
Mr. John O'Leary, Principal
635 Bonham Street
Columbus, Texas  78934
(979) 732-5505   FAX (979) 732-9758
Email address:   <mailto:saschool@catholic.org>                                              www.stanthonyschool.homestead.com

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL
Established:    1891
Grades: 4K-8
Mrs. Susan Kelley,  Principal
310 Orth Street
Yoakum, Texas  77995
(361) 741-5362   FAX (361) 293-3004
Email address:  <mailto: skelley@stjcatholicschool.com>
www.stjcatholicschool.com

ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Established:    1868
Grades: 9-12
Mr. Anthony Winstead, Principal
110 East Red River Street
Victoria, Texas  77901
(361) 573-2446   FAX (361) 573-4221
Email address:   <mailto:twinstead@stjvic.org>                                                                 www.stjvic.org

ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL (Weimar)
Established:    1890
Grades: 3K-8
Sister Kathleen Goike IWBS, Principal
103 East North Street
Weimar, Texas  78962
(979) 725-8461   FAX (979) 725-8344
www.smsweimar.org

ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL (Cuero)
Established:    1877
Grades: 4K-6
Ms. Judy Roeder, Principal
208 McLeod Street
Cuero, Texas  77954
(361) 277-3854   FAX (361) 275-3618
email address:   <mailto:smsprin@dewittec.net>                                                               www.stmichaels-cuero.org

ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE SCHOOL
Established:    1949
Grades: K-8
Mrs. Gwen Edwards, Principal                           
302 West Church Street
El Campo, Texas  77437
(979) 543-2901   FAX (979) 578-8835
Email address:   <mailto:principal@stphilipschool.org>                                           www.stphilipschool.org

ST. ROSE OF LIMA SCHOOL
Established:   1890
Grades: 4K-8
Mrs. Rosanne Gallia, Principal
400 Black Street
Schulenburg, Texas  78956
(979) 743-3080   FAX (979) 743-4228
Email address:  gallia512@hotmail.com     www.strosecardinals.com