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The Case for Catholic Education

The Case for Catholic Education

Why Parents, Teachers, and Politicians Should Reclaim the Principles of Catholic Pedagogy

By Ryan N.S. Topping

118 pp

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About the Book

Catholic schools have long contributed to the mission of the Church and to the flourishing of society. During the past few decades, however, Catholic schools have suffered severe losses, both in their religious identity and in their capacity to attract students. In the past decade alone, the number of students in Catholic schools fell by almost twenty percent. Students in Catholic schools are more likely to believe in God than public school students, and be pro-life. At the same time, they more often use marijuana and are, on average, more sexually active. How did this happen? How can we rebuild our schools and reinvigorate our pedagogy? With penetrating insights, pointed anecdotes, and drawing upon recent empirical studies and Church documents, Ryan Topping describes the near collapse of Catholic education in North America and uncovers the enduring principles of authentic renewal. In The Case for Catholic Education you’ll discover: 

  • the three purposes of Catholic education

  • why virtue is more important than self-esteem

  • the elements of a true “common core” curriculum

  • essential differences between “progressive” and “Catholic” models of learning

  • helpful study questions and a research guide



Praise

“This is an accessible and eminently readable book on a topic which no Catholic can afford to ignore.”

— JOSEPH PEARCE

Aquinas College, Nashville, TN

“The Case for Catholic Education speaks to the heart of the debate over whether Catholic education is ‘worth it.’”

— SISTER JOHN MARY FLEMING

O.P., Executive Director for Catholic Education, USCCB

“The Case for Catholic Education will surely play a vital role in reinvigorating the handing-on of essential Catholic truths.”

— SISTER JOSEPH ANDREW BOGDANOWICZ

O.P., Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Ann Arbor, MI

“This short book contains an astonishing wealth of insights and practical suggestions.”

— DR. KEITH CASSIDY

President of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, Barry’s Bay, ON, Canada

“Ryan Topping has written an engaging and coherent analysis of the state of Catholic education in North America, which will be useful for teachers in Britain, too.”

— DR. PAUL SHRIMPTON

Magdalen College School, Oxford, UK

“An insightful view of our threatened patrimony and a framed vision for what educating and forming our children may still yet become.”

— DR. JASON FUGIKAWA

Dean of Academics and Faculty, Holy Family Academy, Manchester, NH

“The Case for Catholic Education includes sound advice in regards to the teaching of Good Books and then Great Books in the high school years, and for including Christ throughout an education.”

— PATRICK S.J. CARMACK

Founder of the Angelicum Academy and the Great Books Academy homeschool programs

“It is impossible to read this book without feeling stirred to the joy — and the work — of better educating our young people.”

— PATRICK CONLEY

Director of Faith Formation, Cathedral of St. Paul, MN

“In his latest offering, Ryan Topping presents a lucid and lively exploration of the foundations of a true Catholic education.”

— VERONICA BURCHARD

Vice President for Education Programs, Sophia Institute for Teachers, Bedford, NH

“Every Catholic educator and school administer should read and re-read this fine book.”

— DR. JASON WEST

President and Academic Dean, Newman Theological College, Edmonton, AB, Canada

“This engaging book combines incisive appraisal and exposition with inspiring encouragement and exhortation.”

— FR. CAJETAN CUDDY

O.P., Dominican Province of St. Joseph, New York, NY



About the Author

RYAN N.S. TOPPING is the author of ten books on education and culture including The Case for Catholic Education, The Elements of Rhetoric, and Rebuilding Catholic Culture. He is the Director of the Benedict XVI Institute for the New Evangelization at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Canada. He and his wife have ten children.

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