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Catholic schools in the Diocese of Portland provide a mission driven education that focuses on the formation of the whole child - academically and spiritually. Supported by the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, our recent curriculum improvements include a new theology program for grades K-12, classical education opportunities in select middle schools, and a robust social studies program that includes a new civics component.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Portland provide a faith-centred education focused on academic rigor and the formation of the whole child. Supported by the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, recent curriculum improvements include a unified theology program, expanded classical education in select middle schools, and a new civics curriculum.
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Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education InitiativeThrough the support of the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, the following curriculum enhancements have been implemented in diocesan and parish schools:
- A new, common theology curriculum, Spirit of Truth, providing a unified, K–8 Catholic faith foundation grounded in Scripture, Tradition, and Church teaching. This curriculum seamlessly integrates St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” with age specific content in addition to Catholic doctrine, and the history of the Catholic Church.
- Classical education was recently introduced in several of our middle schools. The transition includes a new curriculum in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Latin. The four schools who offer this curriculum include St. James School (Biddeford), St. John’s Catholic School (Brunswick), St. Michael School (Augusta), and St. Thomas School (Sanford).
- Civics instruction is now being implemented in grades 4+ in all of our Catholic schools
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What is Classical Education?Catholic classical education is a proven method for educating children and forming followers of Christ. Classical education does not focus on skills and outcomes, but rather integrates learning that is grounded in the Catholic faith. This well-proven pedagogical approach to education develops critical thinkers with strong reasoning skills and articulate expression.
Classical education often includes:- Reading rich and meaningful texts
- Studying Latin to strengthen language and vocabulary
- Making connections across history, literature, and the arts
- Encouraging thoughtful discussion, reflection, and clear communication
- Forming habits of virtue such as curiosity, perseverance, and responsibility
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