Why Choose Catholic Schools?

Perhaps the words of Bishop Makumba from Kenya speak best on why Catholic Schools:

“For the Catholic Church, faith and holistic quality education are inseparable. Our considered view is that there can be no quality formation of children to become responsible citizens if their education is not anchored on their religious faith. Religious education plays an integral and critical role in preparing learners for adult life, employment, and life-long learning while encouraging them to develop their sense of identity and belonging. Religious education enables children to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a pluralistic society and global community. The Catholic Church fully supports the continued teaching of religious education in all educational institutions.”

Bishop Makumba of Kenya

Additional Considerations

Additionally, consider the following as you make your decisions for education:

  • The national Catholic school graduation rate is 99.1% of high school students. Of these graduates, 84.7% go on to college, compared to 44.1% of public school graduates.
  • Student achievement in Catholic schools for 4th, 8th and 12th grades was consistently higher than their public school peers, as indicated from standardized tests in math, reading, and writing.
  • Catholic schools seek to prepare our children in mind and spirit during the most formative and vulnerable time of their lives so that they can live lives full of hope, joy, and peace, no matter what challenges they meet.
  • Each day a Catholic school presents opportunities for students to put their values to use–in the classroom, at lunch/recess, and in extra-curricular activities. Values and character are an integral part of Catholic school education. This prepares students to have the courage to live out gospel values in the workplace and society.
  • Students explore their faith through classes and activities in Scripture, Sacraments, Church, and morality.
  • Catholic Schools stress the faith-centered values of self-discipline and commitment.
  • Faculty and staff are role models who share their faith, their talents, and their time.
  • Catholic Schools strive to create a strong sense of family/community among the students, the family, the school, and the Church.
  • Each student is encouraged to live their faith by giving back to the world and positively impacting society.
  • Because of the smaller overall school size, highly motivated and involved teachers, and close parental involvement, each student receives special attention to meet their needs.
  • Catholic schools offer students a safe and supportive environment.
  • Catholic school success depends firmly on the partnership of our parents, the first and foremost educators of our children. Parents provide overwhelming gifts of time, talent, and treasure to our schools: family input and involvement results in higher attendance rates and lower dropout rates.
  • Catholic Schools develop the whole person, challenging each student to reach his or her fullest potential.
  • “Why choose Catholic education?” The answer is clear. Catholic schools do a better job of educating students. We encourage you to take a closer look at our schools, take a tour, and have your student participate in a shadow day. Both schools offer excellence in education and helping your child to grow stronger in their faith!
  • We believe that all students should have the opportunity to obtain a Catholic education. If tuition costs prevent you from sending your child to a Catholic school, please know that there are ways to obtain financial assistance. Contact the parish office at (309) 662-7361 or contact the schools directly for more information.

Corpus Christi Catholic School

Our Mission

Together, as the Body of Christ, we strive to grow in faith, knowledge, and stewardship.

What sets Corpus Christi Catholic School apart?

At each grade level, children are prepared to live their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ and His Church. They are brought to the Lord through prayer, scripture, and sacraments. Mass is celebrated weekly. Children serve as lectors, gift bearers, altar servers, and participants with reverence and respect. The Creed, Commandments, Beatitudes, lives of the Saints, and history of the Church are some of the topics studied in religion classes. Second grade and seventh grade are unique in their preparation for the reception of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Children are encouraged by example to be servants in their community and witnesses of their faith.

Beginning in preschool, our students engage in various classes that reach beyond the core curriculum and promote life skills, health, and the fine arts.

  • Technology in our classrooms is continuously being enhanced. Students have access to devices in each classroom which include iPads and laptops. All rooms are equipped with SmartBoards as well. In our computer lab, students learn keyboarding, word processing skills, and publishing tools. Students have access to a 3D printer and robotics. Responsible use of the internet is integral to their learning.
  • The focus of our PE Department is skill development and good sportsmanship. Opportunities for competitive sports are available in grades 5-8.
  • Our Music curriculum is as basic as rhythm in the lower grades and as advanced as music composition using computer technology in the upper grades. Vocal and instrumental performances are practiced and enjoyed. Chorus begins in grade 4, while Band is offered to students in grades 5-8.
  • The Art program is likewise broad and all-encompassing. Medium, technique, and art history are woven into each lesson, as well as religious artists and pieces at each grade level.
  • Students in Preschool-grade 5 enjoy weekly Spanish lessons by immersion in the language. Our junior high students receive Spanish 3 days a week. Lessons include basic vocabulary as well as the development of oral and written language.

For over 150 years, Corpus Christi Catholic School, founded in the living Catholic tradition, has served each child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. We are a community rich in faith and tradition. We invite you to tour our building, meet our teachers and staff, and see all that our school has to offer you!

Visit the Corpus Christi website to learn more!

Central Catholic High School

Our Mission

As a Christ-centered community rooted in the Catholic faith, we promote lifelong learning through spiritual, personal, and academic excellence in a safe environment while fostering respect, responsibility, and integrity.

Central Catholic High School, part of the Diocese of Peoria, has a rich tradition and history. We are a private, parochial school situated in the combined communities of Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. Located in Central Illinois, we are the only Catholic high school in McLean County serving five supporting parishes and multiple surrounding communities. Our school is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Illinois High School Association. Central Catholic consistently ranks in the top 7% of the Washington Post’s Most Challenging High Schools in America. In 2017, Central Catholic High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Our Vision

  • Be known for comprehensive curriculum options that will appropriately challenge all students.
  • Make a CCHS education affordable for all families desiring Catholic secondary education.
  • Maintain and build enrollment with the ultimate goal of reaching school capacity.
  • Cultivate an inclusive Catholic community of friends, alumni, prospective families, and current families that are interested, involved, and invested in CCHS.
  • Be the school of choice for Catholic families in the Bloomington/Normal area.

Points of Pride

  • Every class begins in prayer.
  • Each school year, students participate in at least one retreat and can attend daily Mass.
  • Students attend Theology Class during all four years at CCHS.
  • Students participate in Eucharistic Adoration throughout the year.
  • Our students offer over 5,800 hours of service to our local community very year through the Living the Faith program.
  • Our students donate over $10,000 annually to a charity chosen by the Senior Class.
  • We teach the values that our parents teach at home.
  • We are a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. This is the highest academic honor awarded by the United States Government.
  • Over the past five years, our graduates averaged over $4 million annually in scholarships and tuition assistance for their college of choice.
  • We offered over $569,000 in tuition assistance to families in need in 2023; nearly 50% of Central Catholic students receive tuition assistance.
  • Our faculty averages nearly 11 years teaching at Central Catholic.
  • 100% of our Class of 2023 continued their education in college or trade schools, or enlisted our Armed Forces.
  • We offer college preparatory, honors level and advanced placement courses to prepare students to excel in their college of choice.
  • In 2023, 73% of our 148 AP Exams received a score of 3 or higher, qualifying those students to receive college credit.
  • This school year we welcomed our largest group of new students in over a decade – representing 17 schools across the area.
  • For the past eighteen sports seasons, the Illinois High School Association has presented every Central Catholic athletic team with the IHSA Team Academic Award (team GPA of at least 3.0).
  • Over 95% of our students are involved in some type of school-sponsored extracurricular activity.
  • Our athletic programs have won nine team and thirteen individual State Championships.
  • In the past five years, nine students have been selected to participate at the Illinois Music Education Association (IMEA) All State Music Conference district level. In 2023, one student was selected for the All-State Honor Band.
  • We offer 20 different athletic programs for our students.

Learn more about Central Catholic by visiting their website or by call them.