Cardinal Newman High School sets the standard in holistic education. A Catholic, college preparatory school, it approaches education as nurturing the whole person, in spirit, mind and body, equipping them for college and life beyond the classroom. Faith and spiritual development form the base while a rigorous academic curriculum challenges students to excel. Beyond the classroom, athletics, arts and service deepen their growth and foster teamwork and leadership, ensuring they emerge as well-rounded young adults. "We strive to develop every facet of a student's life, enabling them to thrive on whatever path they choose," says Charles Stembler, president. While more than half of its student population is Catholic, Cardinal Newman welcomes students of all faiths and encourages them to explore and develop their own spiritual growth. The high school’s reputation for holistic formation has fueled demand, with enrollment at a recent all-time high and applications continuing to rise. Developing Multi-Faceted, Purpose-Driven Graduates Intellectual growth is the cornerstone of whole person education. The school offers advanced placement courses, honors classes, dual enrollment and rigorous college-prep programs designed to enhance students’ abilities and sharpen their critical thinking. Academic offerings are far from one-dimensional. An academically gifted student might explore the arts, while a STEM-focused student may take on community service or leadership. Every program is built to help students realize their full potential in and beyond the classroom. Spiritual focus equips them with purpose and perspective. Faith is not just an aspect of school life. It is the lens through which students learn to approach challenges, relationships and their own growth. The Catholic identity of the school permeates the culture, guiding students in their spiritual growth and moral development. Prayer is integrated into the daily routine, before every class and before lunch, and the community comes together regularly for school-wide Mass. These practices provide students with moments of reflection amid busy academic and extracurricular schedules, reminding them to pause and connect with something larger than themselves. Students of other faiths are invited to participate, gaining the chance to deepen their self-awareness and explore their spiritual journey. The school’s faith-based mission is also reflected in how it stands beside students in challenging times. A young person arrived from another country with limited academic preparation and required significant support. Following its Catholic mission, the school provided the resources and encouragement necessary for the student to succeed.
Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Director of Student Services at Clayton Valley Charter High School in California, brings a unique blend of experience as a teacher, social worker and counselor. A UCLA doctoral graduate, he’s driven by the mission of helping every student reach their full potential. Through this interview, Gaffney traces his path from teacher to leader. He shares how focusing on doing better requires risk-taking; you can not make a better cake without breaking eggs and spilling milk. You must use data wisely and rethink systems to create real change for students and communities. AT A GLANCE: • Years of Experience - 25+ years in education, spanning teaching social science, special education, counseling, social work and school leadership. • Key Achievements - Math and English pass rates have risen over the last three years on the Smarter Balanced state Assessment. A robust co-teaching program in the four core A-G approved courses and developing one of the few charter school adult transition programs in Northern California. • Signature Initiatives - Recognized for creating proactive, transparent systems that foster trust with families. Expanding student services in the charter school space, including extensive needs, small setting HS diploma classes, co-taught A-G courses and adult transition programming. • Innovation - Data tracking through the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) and the Special Education Information System (SEIS) to ensure compliance and student growth. Building a study skills program that focuses 60 percent of class time on a curriculum focused on executive functioning and 40 percent on supporting academic course understanding. Focusing on Individualization: Special Ed Driving Success Over the past several years, I’ve watched our special education program grow into something I’m genuinely proud of. It has become more than a set of services; it’s our philosophy for thinking, lead.
Top Coed Private School 2025
In a city where private school admissions have become increasingly competitive, Compass School of Texas offers a refreshing new path. Founded three years ago, it responds to the growing need for high-quality, co-educational, non-denominational private schools in Dallas. Shelly Sender, head of school, with over 44 years in education, leads the school, combining rigorous academics with outdoor learning, global awareness, and life skills. Compass aims to prepare students not only for academic success but for thoughtful living, critical thinking, and meaningful contributions to their communities. Compass was created to address the need for more private school options, offering a well-rounded education that fosters personal growth and responsibility. “Our entire curriculum, our entire culture, is very purposeful. We want children to know their pursuit of purpose and their impact on the broader community,” says Sender. education with Intention and Focus Compass believes education should be meaningful and connected to the real world. A science concept may begin with observation, move to the garden for testing, continue in the kitchen for application, and end with a reflection shared with families. Understanding is practiced, not just recited, and the rhythm holds in all weather. Light rain calls for boots, not cancellations, so students revise plans and adapt their thinking across subjects like math, art, and reading. The school blends academic instruction with daily time outdoors. Through the farm-to-table program, students plant, harvest, and cook while learning about nutrition, science, and ecosystems. They also care for chickens and manage composting, instilling responsibility into daily practice. Spanish is taught daily, where students learn grammar, phonics, and the cultures of 21 Spanish-speaking countries. In addition to academics, Compass teaches financial literacy, resilience, and leadership. These life skills are integrated into the school’s project-based learning, where students tackle real-world challenges, collaborate, and develop responsibility and self-awareness. Core values like family, community, and leadership guide every lesson, helping students grow into thoughtful, purpose-driven individuals.
Top Bible College 2025
Catalyst Bible College (CBC) prepares students for a life of service with Christ-centered education that is accessible and financially attainable. Many private colleges charge high tuition, leaving students with substantial loans. The burden of repayment can postpone their plans to enter fields like ministry or community service. CBC keeps tuition intentionally low and supplements it with merit-based scholarships, with the goal of helping every student graduate debt-free. Undergraduate and adult learners receive education that blends classroom learning with ministry practice. While the college emphasizes developing a heart for missions, students are also fully prepared to apply their skills in a variety of professional fields, allowing them to pursue careers and ministries with confidence. “We’re committed to guiding students toward graduation with minimal or no debt,” says Dr. Mark Merrill, president and founder. That bold mission is already showing results, as the first graduating class completed their studies without taking on loans. Students often pay $305 per credit hour, which makes the cost of a four-year degree about $36,500. Multiple funding streams help maintain this cost. CBC partners with Nelson University in Waxahachie, Texas, a regionally accredited host institution. This partnership helps students qualify for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized and unsubsidized student loans. It also negotiates the tuition rate to ensure students pay significantly less than their peers at comparable schools. Visalia First, the local church, sets aside half of its annual global mission fund to support the college as a mission-focused initiative. This brings about $500,000 annually for scholarships and student support. CBC board members from across the country also contribute funds from their own ministries. An annual fundraiser draws supporters nationwide to hear CBC’s story and pledge gifts, generating another half a million dollars.
Catholic Schools
Transforming Education: Purpose-Driven Strategies for a Brighter Tomorrow
Karin Miller, Admissions & Records Compliance Officer, Teacher Certification Program, Austin Community College
Catholic Schools
Transforming Student Transportation with Equity and Strategy
Maureen Edozie, Director, Finance & Business Operations - Transportation, The School District of Philadelphia
School Services
The Indispensable Role of Emotional Intelligence in K-12 Technology Leadership
Steve Richardson, Director of Information Technology, Homewood-Flossmoor High School
Catholic Schools
Mental Health as a Foundation for Student Success
Dr. Marcie Strahan, Executive Director of Mental Health and School Support, Aldine ISD
IN MY OPINION
Catholic Schools
The Art and Architecture of Student Support
Darrell Sampson, Executive Director, Office of Student Services, Arlington Public School
LAST WORD
Catholic Schools
Preparing Students for a Stem Future
Angela L. Askew, Ed.D., Elementary School Principal, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
IN FOCUS
Catholic Schools as Collaborative Ecosystems Beyond the Classroom
Catholic schools are evolving through collaboration with parishes, dioceses, nonprofits, and businesses, creating a supportive ecosystem that enhances education and strengthens community ties.
The New Value Proposition of Coed Private Education
The private education sector is transforming toward personalized, flexible learning, emphasizing holistic development, real-world relevance, and the cultivation of essential skills for 21st-century success.
EDITORIAL
From the Classroom to the World: The New Purpose of Learning
Coeducational private schools are redefining learning through experiential, project-based approaches. Students engage directly with real world challenges, from farm-to-table science experiments to collaborative civic initiatives, cultivating critical thinking, creativity and practical skills. By integrating life lessons, such as financial literacy, communication and resilience, into academics, these schools equip students to navigate complex personal and professional landscapes with confidence.
Bible colleges are similarly innovating, blending classroom instruction with hands-on ministry, community service and global exposure. These programs emphasize not only career readiness but also ethical and socially responsible living, often providing accessible pathways for students to pursue their goals without financial burden.
Across these diverse settings, education is becoming increasingly inclusive, interdisciplinary and connected to real-world impact. Collaborative learning and cross-cultural experiences foster empathy, adaptability and leadership, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.
In this edition of Education Insider, we spotlight institutions that are shaping well-rounded learners who can navigate complexity, adapt to change and contribute meaningfully to society. The edition features Cardinal Newman High School, a Catholic college preparatory school that approaches education as nurturing the whole student, in spirit, mind and body.
We have also curated thought leadership articles from industry experts, including Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Director of Student Services at Clayton Valley Charter High School and Steve Richardson, Director of Information Technology at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
We hope this edition of Education Insider helps you find the right partner for your educational requirements.
