In Search of Catholic School Excellence

Too many schools are trying to sell vanilla… when what they really are is a butterscotch sundae.

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to identify and embrace your school’s core identity — not as a yearly theme, not as a marketing slogan, but as something essential to who you are and what you chase every day.

Drawing from mission statements, founding charisms, faculty strengths, signature programs, and measurable outcomes, we unpack how schools can:

In this episode John Payne shares the steps, the challenges and successes of working with Catholic Virtual to fill a staffing need. He lays out some simple steps to get parent buy-in and the strategies that made the partnership successful. 

For the Creative Staffing Playbook, please visit us here.  

If you need help planning for your unique staffing situation, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

Our mission at Saint Veronica Catholic School is to provide a Catholic ed...

In this episode, Thomas and Becky break down their School Technology Checklist, offering practical guidance for school leaders and tech coordinators. They discuss the importance of managing access to critical systems, maintaining robust infrastructure, and ensuring regular device updates and backups. The conversation is filled with real-life examples, from the challenges of lost admin access to the value of having clear documentation and multiple staff members with key responsibilities.

The hosts also explore strategies for effective communication, both in emergencies and everyday school operations, highlighting tools like Google Classroom and Seesaw. They emphasize the need for...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Gustavo Torres, principal of Good Shepherd School in Pacifica, California. Gustavo shares the story of the school’s remarkable turnaround, highlighting strategies for enrollment growth, community engagement, and the restoration of enrichment programs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of joy, wonder, and curiosity in school culture, strong partnerships with faculty and parish, and creative approaches to funding and experiential learning that have revitalized the school and fostered a thriving, connected community.

Gustavo encourages us to sit down with each of the invested groups; pa...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles and Becky Wong discuss the importance of parent engagement in Catholic schools. They explore strategies for building strong partnerships with parents, including open communication, consistent and meaningful events, and providing support beyond traditional volunteering and fundraising. The conversation highlights practical ways to foster community, address parent needs, and create a welcoming environment that benefits students, families, and the entire school.

Becky challenges us to look at Parent Engagement beyond behavior and fundraising conversations.  There are so many ways we can assist and partner with p...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Kelly Sturgeon, middle school science teacher at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Texas, about their innovative Invention Convention program. Kelly shares how the event blends scientific method with entrepreneurship, encouraging sixth graders to identify real-world problems and invent creative solutions—often leading to practical, marketable products. The conversation highlights the value of hands-on, student-driven learning, community involvement, and the importance of starting small and adapting the program to fit each school’s needs.

Kelly encourages us to expose, remind and revisit the Scie...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles and Becky Wong explore the importance of alumni engagement for Catholic schools. They discuss practical strategies for building and maintaining alumni databases, fostering ongoing connections beyond fundraising, and creating meaningful events and communications that keep former students and families involved in the school community. The conversation emphasizes consistency, creativity, and the long-term value of nurturing alumni relationships for both community spirit and future support.

Becky reminds us to focus on 3 elements when designing our Alumni Program.  

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Mary McKeever, principal of St. Philip’s School in San Francisco, about the innovative Smarts program. Mary shares how the program enriches middle school education by offering students a diverse range of hands-on classes—including art, STEM, mindfulness, trades, and fashion—that foster creativity, confidence, and practical skills. The conversation highlights the importance of mission-driven enrichment, community involvement, and meeting students’ unique needs to help every child discover their strengths and passions.

Mary invites us to think about what the students might want and what the...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles and Becky Wong discuss the challenges and best practices of fundraising in Catholic schools. They explore how to balance community-building with financial needs, share creative and efficient fundraising ideas, and emphasize the importance of transparency, planning, and purposeful events. The conversation offers practical strategies for reducing burnout, involving the wider community, and making fundraising both meaningful and enjoyable for families and staff.

Becky challenges us to be consistent with our fundraising efforts, to have events that are not fundraisers so we don’t burn families ou...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Theresa Rothstein, principal of Sacred Heart School in Patterson, California. Theresa shares her journey from parent to principal, the school’s unique legacy of multi-generational families, and the intentional community-building that has driven significant enrollment growth. The conversation highlights innovative programs, strong relationships with families and the local community, and practical advice for school leaders seeking to foster a thriving, mission-driven Catholic school environment.

Theresa reminds us to first focus on developing the vision, getting the “balcony view” to see where we want to take o...

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles and Becky Wong dive into the admissions process for Catholic schools, sharing practical strategies and best practices to attract and welcome new families. They discuss the importance of visibility, community reputation, and intentional, personalized engagement throughout the admissions journey—from initial inquiry to enrollment and beyond. The conversation highlights actionable tips for making schools more inviting, reducing barriers for prospective families, and fostering a sense of belonging that supports both students and parents.

Becky reminds us to focus on Communication with Families, the Environment we in...

To start building your Fine Arts Program, Abby suggests, " try to start first with where  they are at or what was the big trend this past year...then when you announce something that has something to do with that, they really get into it and get excited."   

Plan your own Sunrise Art Show by gathering all the work from the year, displaying and it and inviting the community to come see all of the beautiful things your students are creating. 

Saints Peter and Paul School will celebrate its 100th year in 2025! Through the y...

In Search of Catholic School Excellence
Exploring the programs, people, and practices making a difference in Catholic education. Join host Thomas Boles as we hear from principals, teachers, and innovators shaping the future of Catholic schools. Whether you're a leader looking for ideas or an advocate for Catholic education, this show is your guide to what’s working—and why it matters.