St. Gabriel's Catholic School

Essentially, what makes a private school different from a public school are: (1) private schools do not receive public funding; (2) private schools rely upon tuition and charitable donations to cover the complete cost of educating students and providing all educational programs; (3) a private school maintains complete control over its educational mission, philosophy, practices and programs.

Since St. Gabriel’s does not receive public funding it is independent from public education mandates; this means that we have the authority to determine, implement, and evaluate the educational program for the school.

The leadership at St. Gabriel’s is provided by an appointed Head of School and a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees who are invited to serve, not elected by the residents of a district as in the case of public schools. Therefore, the school’s mission and educational principles, not popular opinion, dictate the direction and programs.

Diocesan or parish Schools are church-affiliated which means they receive financial support from a local church and/or a Diocese. As an independent Catholic school, St. Gabriel’s is financially independent of the Diocese of Austin. And, because we are not affiliated with a particular Catholic parish, we are not part of any church’s operating budget.

Also, while parishes or churches must distribute their resources among several ministries because they have multiple priorities and obligations, St. Gabriel’s can focus solely on the educational and spiritual development of its students. This singular commitment is reflected in the extensive educational and spiritual programs and opportunities available to St. Gabriel’s students.

Finally, though financially independent of a local church and the Catholic Diocese, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School operates under the auspices of the Bishop and receives accreditation from the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED) which assure that we maintain a clear and strong Catholic identity. Also, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School is fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS).

While Diocesan or parish schools subsidize the cost of tuition with monies received from the parish churches and the Diocese, St. Gabriel’s must set the tuition closer to the actual cost of educating each child.

Yes, all faiths are welcome at St. Gabriel’s! In fact, approximately 25% of the students at St. Gabriel’s are not Catholic. As a Catholic school we are a community of openness and inclusivity. Indeed, the roots of the word “Catholic” (katha holos) mean “all are welcome.” Hence, we fulfill our mission when we invite students and families of all faiths to join our school community. Catholic spirituality is a way of living in the world that acknowledges that we are “all spiritual beings on a human journey.” Our tradition appreciates the mystery and breadth of God’s love. We live our mission when we give witness to this powerful and awe inspiring mystery. At the same time, we ask that all parents and students support the mission of St. Gabriel’s and appropriately participate in our Catholic traditions regardless of their particular faiths.

Families who choose a private, Catholic education enter a special community of parents who are interested in a school that seeks an academic community with a commitment to excellence and a spiritual and moral center. Catholic, private schools have served American families since the 17th century often preceding the first public educational institutions. Competition between public and private schools has strengthened both, while guaranteeing that families have a meaningful alternative for their childrens’ education. The specific reasons for a non-Catholic family to select St. Gabriel’s, in particular, for their child’s education are: (1) The programmatic emphasis on virtues and character education (2) Seeking spirituality as a necessary component in teaching the whole child (3) The freedom to express and discuss religion and values (4) Academic excellence, in particular, and excellence, in general are pursued in all areas of school life (5) Best effort and achievement are valued (6) Love, kindness, and service are cherished (7) The strong focus on preparing world-ready citizen leaders.

Three accrediting bodies evaluate the school’s mission, identity, instructional programs and practices: Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED) (www.txcatholic.org), the Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS) (www.isasw.org), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) (http://www.nais.org/). St. Gabriel’s has received full accreditation from all three agencies.