Why Viz?

Above all, we find that families are drawn to Visitation by our vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community.  Parents and guardians take comfort, knowing their child(ren) is not only receiving an exceptional education, but doing so within a supportive environment. The individual families in our school very truly (and very quickly!) become an extension of each other's family. The events and activities at our school all serve the common purpose of building up this sense of familial community in every way.

Visitation School is committed to each student's success and growth, not just in the classroom, but in all aspects of their life.  From spiritual, to social, emotional, physical, and academic, the programs, faculty, staff, larger community of parents and parishioners all work to achieve these goals.  

The Philosophy and Ministry of Catholic Education

In planning for the future of Catholic Education, a number of studies have proven helpful in determining the effectiveness of Catholic schools. The study of Catholic school effectiveness has been ongoing for a lengthy and consistent period of time. In comparison between the Catholic population and the general American population, many studies indicate that Catholic schools are generally more successful in producing students with the following:

  • Higher academic achievement

  • Better self-discipline

  • Greater job success and occupational achievement later in life

  • A more positive attitude toward other groups in society

  • More disciplined work habits

  • A greater likelihood of entering the colleges of their choice

  • A more sustained life-long academic interest

  • A more positive and hopeful view of the world

  • A stronger commitment to socially acceptable social behavior

  • A greater interest in the common good

  • A more positive self-image

When graduates of Catholic schools have been compared with Catholic students graduating from public schools, these studies indicate that Catholic school graduates: 

  • Have a better knowledge of their faith

  • Are consistently more committed to their ecclesial denomination

  • Exhibit greater commitment to active parish life

  • Achieve an affective and emotional bond with the church that survives the secular and often anti-religious influences in modern society

  • Attend church services more regularly and in greater numbers

  • Pray more frequently

  • Discuss issues of personal faith more openly

  • Are less likely to sever church affiliation

  • If they do leave the church, are more likely to return to the church at a later time in life

  • Are more responsive to church teaching with regard to issues of social justice

Sources: Greeley-Rossi (1966); Greeley, McCready and McCourt (1976), Morrison and Hodgkins (1978), Coleman, Hoffer and Kilgore (1981), Fergurson (1983), Bryk and Hollan (1984), Gallup (1985), Coleman (1987).