By Marie Mulvenna

Preparing for the August 31 opening of Catholic schools in the archdiocese, Father Daniel J. O’Connor, secretary for education of the archdiocese, termed Catholic schools in Atlanta “the best education value in the southeast.”

Although tuition rises yearly, Father O’Connor said,” compared with other private schools, Catholic schools are, by far, a superior value.” He said Catholic schools have never been better as regard their academic programs and cited new course offerings at St. Pius and St. Joseph high schools which are “some of the most innovative programs in education in the city of Atlanta.”

Father O’Connor said the staff of the archdiocesan offices was looking forward to an exciting academic year with the opening of 15 elementary schools, to intensified effort to complete the accreditation of elementary schools as well as enriching the curriculum and individualizing programs in all the schools.

At present, four elementary schools and both archdiocesan high schools are fully accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, fulfilling the stiff requirements for class size, teacher qualifications, quantity and quality of equipment, standards for libraries, etc. Those elementary schools already accredited are: Our Lady of the Assumption, Christ the King, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and SS. Peter and Paul. Awaiting formal accreditation, which is expected in December, are St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph’s in Marietta. Four more schools are presently working on their self-evaluation and accreditation this year.

Joining the staff at the archdiocesan offices is Sister Mary Valentina Sheridan, R.S.M., former principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School. Sister will work as director of special programs, working closely with teachers in the area of in-service programs as well as the development of new programs in curriculum and methods in the schools.

Five new principals join the scene this year, most of whom have had several years of service in Atlanta schools. Sister Anna Stephen will be principal of St. Anthony’s; Sister Patricia Cummings at St. Paul of the Cross; Sister Zita Helene at St. Joseph’s, Marietta; Sister Martha Mary Whelan at Our Lady of the Assumption and Miss Rachel Hultz at Sacred Heart. The entire faculty at Sacred Heart, Griffin, will be staffed by lay persons.

Referring to a recent ad in the ATLANTA JOURNAL, Father O’Connor said it was the first time the office had actually advertised the availability of grade openings or waiting lists in the various schools. But, he explained, there are indeed openings in some excellent schools, adding that these spots are open to non-Catholics as well, a strong indication of the open enrollment policy of the archdiocese as a whole.

Father O’Connor was the subject in particular, and Catholic schools in general in the August issue of ATLANTA magazine. In that interview, Father said the situation of Catholic schools in Atlanta was “unique,” adding one could throw out nearly everything read about Catholic schools across the country. “It’s different down South. We haven’t closed a school in four or five years, for example. Across the nation, they’re closing at a rate of one a day.”

But, he does not turn a deaf ear on the plight of the schools financially, pointing out in the article that 15 elementary schools last year required an additional subsidy (beyond tuition) of almost $500,000, usually from the particular.

Father Richard A. Kieran, principal of St. Pius High School, said the school had full enrollment for the new year plus a substantial waiting list. A number of new courses have been added to the curriculum plus specialized remedial help in English and mathematics.

At St. Joseph’s High School, Mr. Raymond Kerwin, principal, said the school interior had received a summer “face lifting” with paint, repairs etc. and looked forward to the academic year with a variety of new courses and programs. For the first time this year, St. Joseph’s will have an eighth grade and enrollment for that year has already necessitated the need for two separate classes.

On August 31 the fruits of a long hot summer’s work by the Department of Education will be seen as scores of children headed for schools throughout the archdiocese, some with new staff members, new courses, a new look, but all with increased emphasis on their academic standing and development.