ABOUT

A Message from the Pastor
 

Our goal is to work together with our parents to help our students learn, grow and develop to their full potential spiritually, academically, morally, physically and emotionally.

We do this by forming the student in freedom for excellence and guiding their transformation in Christ through grace and virtue.

- Msgr. John Cihak, S.T.D.

 

We are thrilled to be partnering with the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) at the direction of Archbishop Sample, in order to bring the Catholic intellectual tradition to life at Christ the King Parish School. So much great work has happened over the last 3-4 years to deepen the Catholic Identity of our school and to bring students and families to a personal encounter with Christ. The next step in that work is to shift our philosophy of education at Christ the King from one of following the typical secular standards to that of Catholic Liberal Education, where God is the center of all knowledge.

Educating the whole child is the purpose of Catholic Education. A liberally educated student will know how to think and reason and will have the freedom to grasp the truth of things and to order his or her life to that Truth. By experiencing the Catholic intellectual tradition of Liberal Education, our students will become precise thinkers with nimble minds. They will have a greater mastery of language and mathematics because they will learn them in an ordered and comprehensive way where faith and learning are united.

We are excited to answer the call of Archbishop Sample and offer a Catholic Liberal Education to our students, so they will know and value what is true and good and beautiful. This three-year philosophy shift at CTK will begin next year (23-24) with a focus on History and Language, with teachers using story and literature in a more prominent and intentional way. 

Our governance, as of now, comes directly from Archbishop Sample, with the Department of Catholic Schools in a supporting role. Our School Advisory Council will be replaced by a Principal's Advisory Team, following the Amazing Parish model.

Please take the time to review ICLE's "A Guide for Parents" and view two excellent videos by Bishop Robert Barron ("The Future of Catholic Schools" and "Why the Liberal Arts") in order to deepen your understanding of the why and how of Catholic Liberal Education. Monsignor Cihak will be preaching on this philosophy shift in an upcoming homily, and I will continue to share resources weekly through the FE. A representative from ICLE will also be here to present to parents at our annual Parent Night on September 14.

Although we are the first school in the Archdiocese of Portland to make this shift, we will not be the last. We are blessed to have the opportunity to educate your children with God truly at the center of it all.

Mission Statement:

Christ the King Parish School lives the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic Church. We form disciples in Christ who are grounded in faith, forged in wisdom and prepared to transform the future. 

Philosophy Statement:

At Christ the King Parish School, we are responsive to the whole child. Students live the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic Church. They are formed as disciples in Christ who are grounded in faith, forged in wisdom and prepared to transform the future. 

We lead parents to assume their primary role as educators and catechists of their children. Our students and families experience rich Roman Catholic faith formation, a challenging academic curriculum, the Sacraments, the Sacred liturgy, and the opportunity to serve the Church and wider community in charity as loving stewards of God’s creation.

Students at Christ the King Parish School are faithful. They develop a moral conscience that is conformed to Christ, discern and apply their gifts and talents and love God and all He has created. 

Students at Christ the King Parish School are wise. They persist in academics with curiosity and enthusiasm, communicate responsibly and effectively and grow in faith and knowledge.

Students at Christ the King Parish School are prepared. They advocate for self and others, accept responsibility for one’s own actions and serve with compassion and empathy. 

Christ the King Parish School faculty and staff meet the needs of individual learners. Students are challenged to utilize their God given gifts and talents to achieve their fullest potential. The faculty and staff facilitate the development of faithful Catholic citizens of the future. They exhibit joy in teaching God’s children, demonstrate compassion and respect and strive to model the honesty and humility of Jesus Christ. 

Twice Weekly Mass, the Sacraments, and spiritual formation grow our students into Catholics who love and understand their faith. 95% of our graduates continue to Catholic high schools.

All students use Chromebooks in the classroom to provide them with an engaging and personalized academic experience.

Middle School students use technology daily in all academic areas. Each student is issued their own Chromebook and use Google Classroom to complete schoolwork and communicate with their teachers.

Our students learn to use technology responsibly, intentionally and collaboratively.

A LOVING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

We know how essential a loving, supportive and vibrantly Catholic community is for our children.

Our families become one through:

• Parish Community
• Parent Volunteers
• CYO Sports

I find great joy in watching students grow in their faith, in their academic
abilities, and into responsible and independent young people.

- Michelle Doran, 4th Grade teacher and CTK Parent

                  Click HERE to Meet Our Staff

A Day in the Life...

Classes may vary, but students always
start the day with prayer.

In one day, a second-grader might:

• paint their favorite Saint
• prepare to receive their First Communion
• hold a mock city council meeting
• learn about the different states of matter
• and so much more!

At a Glance:

The mission of the Catholic School is the integral formation of students,
so that they may be true to their condition as Christ’s disciples and as such
work effectively for the evangelization of culture and for the common good
of society.

- Pope St. John Paul II