Archdiocese of Detroit Standards for Catholic Schools

The Department of Catholic Schools aims to cultivate Christ-centered education that empowers all students, partners with families, and builds leadership to ensure excellence for every child. Curriculum review cycles and processes ensure the curriculum standards are rooted in the Catholic worldview, informed by best instructional practices and sound pedagogy. Our curriculum standards guide teaching and learning to form students in faith, intellect, and virtue, preparing them to engage the world as disciples of Christ.

To measure student learning and ensure growth over time, the Archdiocese of Detroit uses nationally norm-referenced and college-readiness assessments such as STAR, SAT, and ACT. Schools also utilize teacher-developed and curriculum-based measures to monitor progress and inform instruction. These tools support strong academic growth while allowing educators to meet the diverse needs of each learner.

Catholic identity must permeate all instruction, assessment, and school culture. Our schools strive to attend to the development of the whole person, recognizing the dignity of each student created in God’s image and likeness. Growth and achievement go hand-in-hand as teachers cultivate intellectual excellence, moral character and development in virtue, as well as spiritual formation in partnership with families.

Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic Schools are held to rigorous standards of excellence and undergo regular evaluation and accreditation cycles through recognized accrediting bodies. We remain committed to continuous improvement so that students have the opportunities and supports in place to excel academically and flourish as children of God.