by Christina Sabo, Director of Marketing and Communications

Catholic schools are known for educating the whole person – mind, body and spirit. In today’s society, there is such a huge demand for problem solvers able to creatively collaborate in ever-changing ways. In the present day, the ability to think creatively and work collaboratively is such a vital skill that students receive while pursuing a Catholic education. So many of our nation’s students received a multi-year loss in becoming active contributors to the world in these specific, yet vital ways, during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

According to John Galvan, the Vice President of Assessments of the National Catholic Education Association:

“In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to think creatively and work collaboratively is a vital skill. By embracing these skills, students can become active contributors to their communities, workplaces, and the world, living out the Catholic values of service, compassion, and social justice. Creativity allows students to develop their imagination, think critically, and generate innovative solutions, while collaboration encourages empathy, communication, and teamwork – all grounded in Gospel teachings.”

Reports on Findings in 2023

Fox News released information on June 26, 2023 supporting what Catholic educators have experienced as a result of advocating for more in-person learning and in not losing focus, classroom time (or faith) during the Covid-19 pandemic. Catholic schools overall have had no change in key test scores despite declines in the national average and have outperformed their public school peers in reading and math coming out of the pandemic.

 “On average, public-school students [have] lost historic ground in math (10 points) and reading (6 points) since before the pandemic. Research just published in one of nation’s oldest and most-respected economics journals echo the take home here: the more time students spent outside the classroom, the less they learn[ed].”

Catholic schools start the learning day earlier, focus on the basics, and as a whole were much more likely to encourage and provide in-person learning throughout the pandemic. 

Mount de Sales Academy: A Tradition of Excellence

Mount de Sales Academy safely reopened for in-person learning in August of 2020 while offering synchronous learning for any students who needed to be taught remotely.  The results of this decision made huge strides long-term over schools who chose to close doors and remain virtual for extended periods of time. 

In 2021, Mount de Sales Academy 10th and 11th grade students scored higher overall than the district average on the PSAT. Through the EANS 1 Grant, which provided services in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, classrooms on campus were upgraded with new projection systems and whiteboards. In addition to these classroom enhancements and funding for health and safety, online programs and licenses were made available for advanced educational programs to aid students in the classroom and at home. The funding from the EANS 1 grant assisted in continuing our mission to educate the heart and mind of each student in and out of the classroom. 

At Mount de Sales Academy we truly believe that our students are called to be a part of a community of excellence and have been providing an education that reflects our values and tradition of greatness since 1876. Our foundation set apart by the work of the Sisters of Mercy has proven successes academically and spiritually and can be seen in the profile of a graduate. The results of upholding these beliefs and teachings amidst all circumstances proves that we are transforming minds and hearts for the greater good. An education focusing on forming the whole person that offers families a growth mindset for students that is rooted in faith, empowers young minds and hearts for today’s ever-changing world forming tomorrow’s servant leaders. 

Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic school located in Macon, GA, and serves students in Bibb, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and other surrounding counties. MDS is sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy. Since 1876, MDS has served a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.