Our Approach

The de Paul School is a private, independent, non-sectarian school.

What do these terms mean?

Each of these three terms has distinct meaning and specific implications for our school.

Private

Private schools are a diverse collection of non-public institutions which include parochial or religious, Montessori, independent, and even for-profit schools. Most private schools present a specific purpose or philosophy; they may even be focused upon a particular segment of the school-aged population. They may not conform to regulations and policies established for public school settings. Funding for private schools comes from families, friends, and organizations who choose to be affiliated with the private school community ... not from federal or tax dollars. As stated above, many private schools are also independent schools.

Independent

Independent Schools are private learning institutions which address the educational needs and general welfare of the public. Because these particular schools are privately managed, they operate in large measure independently of state and federal prescriptions. Therefore, independent schools like The de Paul School are free to merge new instructional technologies and methods with proven, more traditional methods which may no longer be fashionable in other schools.

Each independent school is governed by a board of directors or trustees. Operating funds are raised through tuition, fund raising events, grants, donations, and various outside sources. The independent school develops policies and procedures which fundamentally support the organization's mission and which establish guidelines and expectations for constituents' participation, performance, enrollment, behavior, etc. Like many of our independent colleagues, The de Paul School community stands firm with regard to positive moral values.

Some of the chief characteristics of independent schools include:

• small class sizes
• academic challenge
• financial assistance
• caring, dedicated faculty
• parental involvement
• diversity

The de Paul School is accredited through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. Our school is a member of the Kentucky Association of Independent Schools and the Louisville Independent Schools Council.

Non-sectarian

A non-sectarian school is not associated with any particular religious organization, and refrains from teaching religious beliefs or promoting a particular faith over others. As a non-sectarian school, de Paul has established the following policy:

• As a non-sectarian school, The de Paul School will not engage in activities which promote one set of religious beliefs over others or which treat one particular faith as "the norm." Further, a student is not required to participate in secular activities (such as the Pledge of Allegiance) which conflict with his/her religious beliefs.
• Where appropriate, awareness of different faiths may be included in lessons or discussions, in order to teach appropriately aspects of history, society or literature. Such education will not promote or denounce any religious beliefs, and therefore is not considered to be an infringement of a student's religious freedom.

In addition, The de Paul School is a not-for-profit organization which does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, or religion in admissions, financial assistance, or the administration of our policies and procedures.