DOMAIN 1Mission and Catholic Identity
Standard 1 - An excellent Catholic school is guided and driven by a clearly communicated mission that embraces a Catholic Identity rooted in Gospel values, centered on the Eucharist, and committed to faith formation, academic excellence and service.
The mission of the Catholic faith forms the foundation of all planning and decision-making at St. Bonaventure Catholic School, guiding curriculum, instruction, faith formation, and community events. Spiritual formation is intentionally integrated into all aspects of school life through daily prayer, weekly liturgy, and faith-centered experiences that nurture the spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff. The school’s mission statement is prominently displayed throughout the campus, in classrooms, and across all communication platforms, serving as a visible and living expression of the school’s Catholic identity.
Leadership actively engages faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumni to reaffirm and strengthen their shared commitment to the mission, ensuring it remains known, understood, and practiced by all stakeholders. Rooted in Catholic values, the school’s motto, core values, and Student Learning Expectations are intentionally aligned with the mission and are presented effectively through instruction, communication, and school activities. Together, these elements cultivate a faith-filled community of lifelong learners who live out the Gospel through service, integrity, and academic excellence.
Standard 1: Narrative Rationale
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Mission statement, statues, Bibles, and other Catholic symbols and décor are consistently present in every classroom and throughout the campus environment, including hallways, the courtyard, and exterior areas.
The school’s mission and Catholic identity are clearly reflected across all online platforms, including the website, emails, newsletters, and school events.
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Create additional and accessible opportunities for parents to participate in faith formation experiences that support their role as the primary educators of their children.
Increase communication and initiatives that promote a deeper understanding of the essential role parents play in upholding and supporting the school’s mission.
Key Strengths & Growth Areas
Data Library Evidence
School Survey Evidence
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Parent/ Community and Faculty/Staff - Click HERE
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Students - Click HERE
Standard 2 - An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides a rigorous academic program for religious studies and catechesis in the Catholic faith, set within a total academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture, and life.
St. Bonaventure Catholic School adheres to the goal of Catholic identity and mission through the use of Diocese-approved religion curriculum, the practice and connection to liturgical events, seasons, and traditions, supplemental resources such as the Hallow app; a Catholic-centered service that provides resources for faith formation, including: prayer meditations, access to Catholic-approved Bible translations, access to the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, teaching and learning tools that allow students and parents to integrate Catholic values, practices, and traditions, into their own personal life. St. Bonaventure School also strives to maintain a close and strong relationship with the parish, which results in more opportunities for faith formation, evangelization, catechesis, and understanding and applying the Catholic faith in all areas of personal student, faculty, and parent life. Although St. Bonaventure Catholic School strives to promote the mission and identity of the Catholic faith, faculty acknowledge the necessity of a Diocesan religious certification for all faculty and staff, to best equip them for the evangelization, catechizing, and education of the Catholic faith and values to parents, students, and others whom they might encounter.
Standard 2 Narrative Rationale
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The school’s curriculum is firmly aligned with its Catholic mission through the use of Diocese-approved religious materials, supplemental resources such as the Hallow App for all staff and students, and intentional integration of liturgical seasons and practices (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc.).
A close and collaborative relationship between Saint Bonaventure School and the parish provides meaningful opportunities for faith formation, evangelization, catechesis, and a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, enriching students’ and families’ ability to apply their faith in daily life.
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Continue efforts to ensure all faculty obtain Diocesan religious certification to strengthen their capacity to evangelize, catechize, and confidently teach the Catholic faith.
Provide ongoing support and structured opportunities for teachers to deepen their understanding of Catholic doctrine and practices, enabling them to minister more effectively to students and parents.
Key Strengths & Growth Areas
Data Library Evidence
School Survey Evidence
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Parent/ Community and Faculty/Staff - Click HERE
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Students - Click HERE
Standard 3 - An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides opportunities outside the classroom for student faith formation, participation in liturgical and communal prayer, and action in service of social justice.
At St. Bonaventure School, faith formation is at the heart of our mission. Students are offered daily and weekly opportunities to grow closer to Christ through religion classes, prayer, and liturgical celebrations, supported by administration, faculty, and staff who serve as Christ-centered role models. In addition, students participate in Christian service projects, faith-filled events, and innovative outreach such as community service clubs and Christian rock clubs. Programs like Model United Nations further emphasize social justice, stewardship, and peacemaking by highlighting the dignity of the human person, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor and vulnerable. Together, these experiences foster a vibrant Catholic identity and help students live out their faith in meaningful ways.
Standard 3 Narrative Rationale
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Students experience a rich integration of Catholic faith through regular participation in Mass, liturgical events and seasons, and service opportunities such as altar serving, Mass readings, and music ministry.
The school fosters ongoing spiritual development through daily morning assembly prayer and faith-filled practices within the classroom, ensuring that Catholic identity is woven into students’ everyday experience.
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Provide a dedicated retreat experience for every grade level during the school day to ensure all students engage in meaningful Catholic traditions and spiritual reflection
Provide a dedicated space, "Wellness Center," designed to support students’ emotional and social development while intentionally reflecting and integrating the school’s Catholic identity.
Key Strengths & Growth Areas
Data Library Evidence
School Survey Evidence
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Parent/ Community and Faculty/Staff - Click HERE
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Students - Click HERE
Standard 4 - An excellent Catholic school adhering to mission provides opportunities for adult faith formation and action in service of social justice.
The St. Bonaventure School leadership team, in partnership with faculty, staff, and parents, provides engaging daily opportunities for spiritual formation that are woven into the life of the school. From community prayers, weekly Mass, priest classroom visits, playground interactions, and the use of supplemental resources like the Hallow app, students and families are supported in living out the Catholic mission. Faith is fostered through liturgical celebrations, sacraments, adoration, confession, rosaries, and active participation as lectors and altar servers. The school also collaborates with organizations and the parish to extend formation beyond campus through service projects, retreats, and outreach initiatives that highlight Catholic values. Evangelization is visible in community events, Saints Connect, social media, bulletin boards, spirit wear, and assemblies. At the same time, the leadership team supports the spiritual growth of faculty and staff through priest-led formation, weekly blessings, and daily reflections, such as the “saint of the day.” Together, these practices create a vibrant, Christ-centered community where faith is lived and celebrated.
Standard 4 Narrative Rationale
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The leadership team provides daily opportunities for spiritual growth through prayer, liturgy, priestly involvement, and resources such as the Hallow app, reinforcing the school’s strong Catholic identity.
Collaboration among leadership, faculty, parents, and parish partners supports adults’ faith development through worship, service, and community outreach.
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Provide more in-depth catechetical instruction from clergy to help faculty, staff, and parents deepen their understanding of Catholic traditions, teachings, and practices. This could include explanations of topics such as the Catechism, the meaning of the Mass, the Communion of Saints, the Creed, and prayer life, to strengthen faith and knowledge across the community.
Encourage parent participation in the parish's faith formation opportunities.
Key Strengths & Growth Areas
Data Library Evidence
School Survey Evidence
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Parent/ Community and Faculty/Staff - Click HERE
Standards of Excellence School Vitality Survey: Students - Click HERE
Summary of Domain 1
St. Bonaventure School demonstrates a strong and vibrant Catholic identity that is clearly rooted in its mission and consistently lived throughout the school community. The mission of the Catholic faith guides all planning and decision-making, shaping curriculum, instruction, faith formation, and community life. The mission statement is prominently displayed across campus, classrooms, and communication platforms, serving as a visible and active expression of the school’s identity. Spiritual formation is intentionally integrated into daily school life through prayer, weekly liturgy, religion instruction, and participation in the sacraments. Diocese-approved religion curriculum, strong alignment with the liturgical calendar, and supplemental resources such as the Hallow app support students and families in integrating Catholic values, prayer, and tradition into everyday life.
Faith formation at St. Bonaventure School extends beyond the classroom through meaningful service, outreach, and leadership opportunities that emphasize Gospel values, social justice, and stewardship. Students participate in Christian service projects, faith-based clubs, and programs that promote dignity, peace, and care for others. The school maintains a close partnership with the parish, providing additional opportunities for evangelization, catechesis, retreats, and worship. Leadership actively nurtures the spiritual growth of faculty and staff through ongoing formation, daily prayer, and priest-led support, recognizing the importance of diocesan religious certification in equipping educators to model and teach the faith effectively. Together, these practices foster a Christ-centered community where faith is celebrated, lived, and shared, forming students as lifelong learners committed to service, integrity, and academic excellence.