The Catholic School Playbook

by Michael Ortner, Kimberly Begg

More than a hundred Catholic schools have closed annually for the last six decades across the United States. Enrollment is now around a quarter of what it was at its peak in 1965. Based on the data, one may conclude that the end of Catholic schools is near.

Yet hundreds of Catholic schools are thriving with increasing enrollment, delighted parents, and students who are well formed and full of wonder. Many have waitlists of students eager to attend. What is their secret? What sets great Catholic schools apart from mediocre ones?

The Catholic School Playbook by Michael Ortner and Kimberly Begg documents how these successful schools are bucking the trend by focusing on their rich Catholic heritage and cultivating strong communities of students, families, and educators. In seven concise and easy-to-read chapters exploring how these schools approach their mission, hiring, teachers, finances, and more, this book offers a practical gameplan for renewing Catholic education in America.

188 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Janelle Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Catholic School Playbook was so good!! This book is perfect for teachers, admin, priests, and laity who are considering sending their children to Catholic schools. As a teacher reading this book, I felt incredibly inspired. It gave me a glimpse of what my pedagogy can become when it is ordered towards the true, the good, and the beautiful in an authentically Catholic school. This book also offers many resources, which I will absolutely be using as I set up my first classroom this summer.

[Lauren Jessup · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO well written. A practical guide with very applicable material. Highly recommend to any Catholic Educator & I conquer with the author that all Catholic School Principals & Administrators NEED to read this. We have strayed so far away from authentically Catholic education & this book can help us get back to it.

[Emily Wattley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all Catholic School Leaders should take a look at this book. As a Catholic teacher studying administration, there was a lot to take in. Most importantly that we are not just teaching kids to be “good citizens”. Our ultimate goal is to be saints.

[Daniel Thole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book - should be called “Classical Catholic School Playbook”

[Evan Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging. Makes me excited to be part of the renewal taking place in Catholic education. The best part might be the required reading texts offered for each grade level in the appendix.

[Nathan Suire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Authentic Catholic education goes hand in hand with a strong classical education. Every Administrator in Catholic education should read this!

[Randall Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your education is not to make you s good person and a good scholar, of what good is it?