"The mission of Catholic education in the schools of the Diocese of Fort Worth is to open the doors, so that our students can see further than the walls that otherwise would enclose them in darkness. What does seeping deep into eternity really look like? It involves being able to recognize, to appreciate, and to cherish the eternal and transcendental goods of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. These three transcendental goods depend upon each other within the envelope of eternity." ~Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, 2017

As one of the oldest Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fort Worth, Saint Andrew Catholic School was founded by the Sisters of Namur in 1954 and began educating following a curriculum steeped in Catholic tradition--analytical thinking, well-rounded in the fine arts, music, and physical education, enriched in classic literature including the great books of western civilization, and dedicated in forming students of strong moral character and virtuous in their service to others. Over the years, our Catholic faith has remained at the center of instruction, yet the methods of education and curriculum has varied.

In 2017, Bishop Olson shared the above diocesan mission statement for Catholic schools with all diocesan educators during our annual Diocesan Inservice. The mission statement has since served to guide the direction and focus of the Catholic schools in the diocese of Fort Worth. In following the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Fort Worth, the faculty and staff at SAS believes we are called to do more to teach our students to think clearly and carefully, to distinguish between truth and opinion, and to communicate articulately and eloquently. We must form students who are able to recognize and understand Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in the world around them. To fulfill this mission, SAS began a transformation of our educational methods and curriculum to a classical education approach.

What is Classical Catholic education? Classical education focuses on the development of the whole student and begins with a view of the human person as created in the image of God and created to share in his divine life. This understanding of the human person leads to a formation, which is suited to the development of a child toward personal sanctification and participation in Judeo-Christian culture. Classical education prepares students to think deeply about the books and ideas that humanity has contemplated for generations. It is an integration of the whole person's formation. Students are encouraged to wonder and be curious about the world around them; to think critically, to problem solve, and to make sound judgements; and students develop communication skills as they think about and analyze what they have learned and communicate it to others.

Classical education encourages a lifelong pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and is most naturally and completely done in a Catholic school where it can be sustained and perfected by the sacramental life of the Church.

Two years ago, we partnered with The University of Dallas as we began implementing the UD Catholic Classical curriculum at SAS. Staff from UD were on campus several times since then presenting professional development and training for our teachers, and we look forward to a continued partnership and training with UD this year as we move into year three implementing this curriculum.

Some of the curriculum resources we have added over the last two years to support a Catholic classical curriculum thus far include:

• English: Shurley English (grammar & writing), grades 1 & 2; Well Ordered Language and Writing & Rhetoric, grades 3 - 8, Classical Academic Press;
• Handwriting: Writing Our Catholic Faith, Universal Publishing;
• Spelling: Spelling for Young Catholics (grades 1 - 5), Seton Press;
• Literature: UD reading list and the Diocese of Fort Worth Reading List, exposing students to good and beautiful literature at a young age; encouraging Read Alouds at any age;
• History: Social Studies Alive!, TCI (grades 1-5); History Alive!, TCI (grades 6-8); Light to the Nations (7th grade), The Catholic Textbook Project, and other primary resources;
• Science: Delta/FOSS Science Modules (grades K - 6); STEMscopes (grades 7 - 8);
• Religion: Spirit of Truth, Sophia Press (grades K - 8); though not curriculum resources, we have expanded the faith experience to include weekly Household meetings, monthly Faith Family assemblies, service projects, and activities, and increased opportunities for our students to practice the faith by participating in adoration and liturgies;
• Math: Math in Focus (Singapore-based Math), Houghton-Mifflin; (grades K-5);
• Latin: University of Dallas, ecclesiastical Latin curriculum; First Form Latin, Memoria Press;

As we continue to move in a classical direction, our goal remains to partner with parents in the education and formation of their children. An education that not only prepares students for future success in high school, college, and a career, but more importantly prepares students for greater success in life through the formation of faith, virtue, and wisdom, preparing them to respond to all God is calling them to be and do.