Location of Schools by County

. Why should I send my child to a Diocese of Venice Catholic School?

Students who attend our schools receive an excellent education based on Gospel values. We believe that each child is made in God's image. Each child possesses different needs, talents and gifts. Our Catholic schools strive to help each child achieve his/her potential in a caring, loving environment. Each school is a faith community where students are nurtured to become life-long learners who will use their Catholic school experience to carry on God's work.

. How many Catholic schools and students are there in the Diocese of Venice?

There are 14 Catholic schools - 9 elementary, 3 high schools and 2 special learning needs schools. Over 5,000 students, grades Pre-K to 12, are enrolled in our schools. Recently the Diocese opened its first special learning needs school, Dreams Are Free School at Bishop Nevins Academy in Sarasota. Dreams Are Free School and St. Martha's School are both part of the Bishop Nevins Academy. In the 2002-03 school year, Father Anglim Academy at Dreams Are Free, opened in Fort Myers, adjacent to St. Francis Xavier School.

. Are the Catholic schools accredited and do they participate in the state testing?

All of the high schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The elementary schools are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference. Our schools are members of the National Catholic Education Association. The elementary schools do not participate in state testing (FCAT). All students in grades 2 through 8 take the IOWA Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), which is used by both public and private schools throughout the country. This test provides not only comprehensive accountability information, but also diagnostic information as well. The IOWA Tests provide teachers and schools with information regarding students' achievement status. growth, and specific areas of relative strength and areas for improvement. Test scores throughout the Diocese reflect the excellent academic program that students are provided.

. What credentials do the teachers possess?

Our schools are staffed by well qualified administrators, faculty, other personnel, and volunteers. Teachers in all our schools are required to meet the standards of the Florida Catholic Conference and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Teachers are licensed through the state and participate in the state professional development program which requires recertification every 5 years.

. What curriculum and textbooks do the Catholic schools use?

The curriculum used in our schools is based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards. Each year an area of the curriculum is revised. Textbooks and resource material are current and are selected from the state adoption list. Each school is represented on diocesan curriculum and textbook committees.

. Do the Catholic schools participate in the state school "choice" programs?

Our schools participate in the "choice" programs. We currently have students on the McKay Scholarship and the Corporate Income-Tax Credit Scholarship.

. How safe are the Catholic schools?

Providing a safe learning environment is inherent in the mission of our Catholic schools. School employees and volunteers are fingerprinted and each school has a Critical Incidence Response Plan for emergencies. Safety measures are in place at all of our schools.

. What is the discipline policy in the Catholic schools?

In order for effective learning and teaching to take place, a code of conduct must be in place. Schools adhere to the policies set forth in both the Diocesan School Board Policy manual and each school's own handbook.

Diocesan School Board