CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Teaching the whole child with a core in Christian value and discipline -- that's the teaching concept at West Park Catholic Academy. The Catholic elementary school on Cleveland's West Side has been voted this week's FOX 8 "Cool School."
West Park Catholic Academy sits on the grounds of the former St. Patrick School. It is supported by two parishes, St. Patrick and Blessed Trinity. Daily religion class is part of the curriculum for all the students, pre-K through 8th grade. "One of the goals is to learn about God and find the real meaning of catholicity in each and every student," said 7th-grader Imani Badillo.
The mission at West Park Catholic Academy is to provide a Christ-centered environment where student grow in mind, body and spirit.
Foreign language is common at West Park. Spanish is learned as early as kindergarten and German is taught in the third-grade. "West Park Catholic Academy is a cool school because of our teachers and our principal," 5th grader Riley McKenna said.
West Park is tops in technology. There are smart boards in the classrooms and each class gets to learn on I-pads. "At West Park Catholic Academy we learn how to use many types of technology including computers, laptops, I-pads, projectors and active boards," 8th-grader Jessica Schuller added.
West Park is the home of the flyers, and these students are soaring to new heights. "West Park Catholic Academy has many extra-curricular activities such as walking club, chess club, young lawyers and power of the pen," 8th-grader Antonio Zindroski said.
Excelling in academics, rooted in faith and finding fun in learning -- just some of the reasons that West Park Catholic Academy is a FOX 8 "Cool School."