3 Keys to Embracing a Catholic Identity in High School

St. Agnes Academy
Catholic identity used to look like Bibles, nuns, and religion class. Today, high school students receive a different experience. Read how high school students can embrace a Catholic identity. 
If you are considering attending a Catholic school, it is important to understand how our students and community embrace the Catholic identity.

There is something special and unique about being Catholic and attending a Catholic high school. Keep reading to learn how St. Agnes Academy students embrace their Catholic identity.

How to Lean Into a Catholic Identity

Whether you enroll as a freshman or later in your high school career as a sophomore or junior, here is what you need to know about attending a Catholic school such as St. Agnes.

1. Not All Students are Catholic

You don’t have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school. St. Agnes Academy has many students, faculty, and staff who are not Catholic, yet they understand the value of Catholic education.

St. Agnes is inclusive of all faiths, celebrates all backgrounds, and provides opportunities for students to take part in various transformational experiences to encourage the exploration of spiritual beliefs and moral choices within the context of Catholicism while honoring each student's spiritual autonomy.

2. Seeking Truth

A part of embracing Catholic identity at St. Agnes is understanding Veritas (or truth) through study. Students are encouraged to learn by listening and looking at all sides of an issue, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, and engaging in healthy open dialogue – in and outside of the classroom.

St. Agnes curriculum is constantly evaluated and changed to meet the needs of the students within today's society to facilitate the development of capable, well-rounded young women.

Students are offered regular opportunities to learn about and experience the importance of prayer, the Eucharist, and liturgy.

  • Our teachers engage with our students – whether in speech class, a peace and justice seminar, or an astronomy or anatomy lecture.
  • Our students seek more than the superficial answer – the why behind and the truth within each lesson.

3. Educating the Whole Person

Part of our school’s mission is to foster a sense of community through shared worship and service to educate the whole person.

Students, faculty, and staff must regularly participate in some form of service or transformational experience. Providing opportunities outside the classroom for faith formation, participation in liturgical and communal prayer, and action in service of social justice provides education beyond academics.

The result is that students develop self-confidence, self-respect, compassion, and responsibility to make a difference in this world.

Be Part of Our Catholic Community at St. Agnes

Embracing Catholic identity essentially is to embody and reflect the culture that makes a Catholic school Catholic. That means embracing diversity and championing the marginalized, acting with integrity and compassion, always pursuing truth, and having a deep commitment to social justice.

It is pretty simple when you think about it. St. Agnes provides a safe environment for learning so that students are comfortable asking questions, seeking knowledge, and celebrating life in a joyful, optimistic, and productive way.

Our diverse student body is made up of all educational, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, each student is a part of one special Catholic community and graduates as an Academy woman who demands the best of herself and strives to bring out the best in others.

- Would you like to know more about who we are? Take a look at these great videos that capture the essence of St. Agnes Academy and our Catholic identity.

- Are you ready to enroll in our school? Find out more about the admissions process!
Back