By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
INDIALANTIC -- From Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, Catholic schools throughout Brevard will welcome the public to attend select events.
As part of "Brevard County Catholic Schools Open House," all of the county's nine Catholic elementary and secondary schools will hold many activities and events during the week, including their open houses with campus tours.
"Brevard County Catholic Schools Open House" provides the opportunity to learn about the benefits of a Catholic education, including curriculum, enrichment programs, extracurricular activities and athletics, said Dawn Melcher, Brevard and Volusia Counties regional marketing director for the Diocese of Orlando's Office of Catholic Schools.
"Attending our open house gives parents an excellent opportunity to visit our schools' campuses and receive guided tours, visit the classrooms and labs, and see the technological tools that students are learning with. Parents will receive curriculum and admissions information and have the opportunity to meet administrators and teaching staff. This time is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the nurturing, yet challenging academic environment of a Brevard Catholic school," Ms. Melcher said.
Catholic schools in Brevard include eight elementary/middle schools, which serve Pre-K3 and VPK-4 through eighth grade, and Melbourne Central Catholic High School, a college preparatory, which serves grades 9 through 12.
As part of the "Brevard County Catholic Schools Open House," guests may visit the schools on their designated dates and times, with no RSVP required.
Ms. Melcher said last year, more than 150 families visited the schools during the open house.
Ms. Melcher said investing in a Catholic education is a gift that will provide children a lifetime of rewards.
"A Catholic education instills a strong academic foundation, as students are being taught a rigorous and challenging curriculum that meets and exceeds national Common Core Standards," Ms. Melcher said. "Our Catholic high school students excel on the SAT and ACT, and on average, the graduating Melbourne Central Catholic High School's student class of approximately 100 receives over $5 million in scholarship offers, which is nearly $50,000 in scholarships per student."
Additionally, she said students learn the value of community service and develop strong moral compasses.
"Today's Catholic school students will help to shape the fabric of our communities and maintain the family values that our nation has been built on," she said.
For more information, visit brevardcatholicschools.org.