We recently conducted a comprehensive survey to understand the many benefits and overall impact of a K-8 Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Denver. The information we learned through our survey has reinforced to us that our mission is critical for our students, their families, our communities, and our future leaders. Through our results we found that:
Seeds of Hope high school alumni have higher GPAs
Seeds of Hope high school students have a remarkable average 3.51 GPA compared to public school students' 2.69 GPA. Recent data shows that the pandemic has worsened public school grades, with students falling behind by 2.5 to 4.5 months in math and 1 to 2 months in reading for every month they were not in school. Compare that to students in Catholic education, who did not see these same declines in learning. Catholic schools were able to continue in-person learning, while public schools were mainly remote during the pandemic.
Seeds of Hope alumni demonstrated a deeper commitment to faith
Seeds of Hope alumni demonstrated a stronger connection and commitment to their faith when compared to other Catholics in Colorado. Alumni attend mass more frequently than Colorado Catholics and are more willing to express and practice their faith. Additionally, Seeds of Hope alumni participated in parish activities at substantially higher rates than their peers and were more likely to express an interest in seminary and religious life than other Colorado Catholics.
Seeds of Hope alumni are more tolerant of different opinions
Seeds of Hope young adults display a greater state of emotional health than their peers and are extremely accepting of opinions which differ from their own. Seeds of Hope alumni have a significantly higher tolerance score at 77% in college and 93% in the workplace. These numbers are compared to only 58% for a Colorado young adult. Tolerance is defined as the willingness to accept behavior and beliefs that one might not agree with or approve of, which is a necessary and important quality in today’s world.
Seeds of Hope alumni are better equipped for leadership
Seeds of Hope alumni are more involved in their high school’s extracurricular and athletic programs. A higher proportion serve in leadership positions than their public school peers. Parents who choose private schools for their children often select school characteristics – especially extracurricular activities – to help their child succeed.
Seeds of Hope alumni demonstrated stronger morals
Seeds of Hope parents reported that their children have stronger morals than their public school peers. Strong moral underpinnings are linked to better education, implying that recognizing the value of education and exercising good judgment are essential qualities.
Seeds of Hope alumni are better prepared for their future
Seeds of Hope alumni who are out of high school feel that they are better prepared for adult life compared to public school alumni. Additionally, more Seeds of Hope parents feel their child is more well-rounded and engaged with their communities.
Catholic education gives our youth a better chance to be successful in their lives. Our mission is to cultivate minds and hearts for Christ by striving to make a transformative Catholic education financially accessible to any family who seeks it. To accomplish this mission, we need your support! Partner with Seeds of Hope to transform our world and our community, one child at a time.
*Data analysis by QREM, LLC