Catholic schools of the diocese of Pittsburgh delivered stellar performance in 2023

The 2024 superintendent’s report for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh shows that schools that are thriving, with 2023 test scores exceeding national standards by wide margins.

The report was released at a news conference January 25 at 10 a.m. in the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The report is available on the schools page: https://diopitt.org/schools.

The diocese has about 13,000 students in 45 schools with more than 1,000 teachers. The Catholic faith is at the heart of the school community, with students required to attend Mass and religion class, and all subjects taught in the light of the Gospel.

“Our teachers, staff and administrators worked and prayed alongside parents to keep our students on task and learning through some very challenging years,” said Michelle Peduto, the superintendent. “This shows not only in their test scores and 100% graduation rate, but in their love for Jesus and their commitment to serving their community and the world.”

When students in grades 3-8 of the 35 elementary schools took the Iowa Assessment in the spring of 2023, they exceeded the national standards in all subjects. Each class outperformed national benchmarks for their grade level by 19% to 27% in English and by 12% to 22% in math.

Student-teacher ratios contribute to the high scores. The elementary schools average a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the 10 high schools average 10:1. Each high school offers about 20 Advanced Placement courses and more than 30 honors courses.

Catholic schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh offer a learning environment where students can perform at their best because they feel secure. This commitment to campus safety was demonstrated last year when Bishop David A. Zubik hired Wendell Hissrich, formerly the director of public safety for the City of Pittsburgh, as diocesan director of safety and security.

All of the schools offer generous needs-based tuition assistance to both Catholic and non-Catholic students. Even families with six-figure incomes can qualify for some financial aid, and nearly 10% of the students are from families whose incomes are below the federal poverty line.

More than 650 students receive support for a diagnosed learning disability. Seven schools host the Saint Anthony School Programs, which provides extra, specialized staff to mainstream students with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and other special needs into the school community.

In addition to a broad range of academic courses, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh offer scores of extracurricular activities, which vary by campus. Sports range from archery to football, while other pursuits include barbershop singing, Environmental Club and mock trials. Both classes and clubs incorporate service opportunities, ranging from helping an individual family in need to collecting goods for a food bank or traveling to another city or state to repair homes.

“Our schools have so much to celebrate as the diocese celebrates its 180th anniversary,” Peduto said. “We strive to set our students on paths that lead to personal success, good character and love for their neighbors near and far. We invite every family who wants the best for their child to come and consider what Catholic schools can offer.”