Becoming Newman Guide Recommended
The Newman Guide recognizes K-12 schools that, by their own attestation, are committed to upholding the standards of faithful Catholic education.
The Cardinal Newman Society’s policy and curriculum standards, to which these schools attest, are derived from guidance provided by Church councils, popes, Vatican congregations, bishop conferences, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other Church documents.
A Newman Guide School strives for the very best of Catholic education. By affirming its commitment to the established standards, a Newman Guide School stands as an exemplar of faithful Catholic education for other schools nationwide.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, there is no cost to apply or to be listed in The Newman Guide.
Process for Newman Guide Recognition
1. Affirmations
The Head of School creates an account, then reviews and affirms the school’s policies and practices meet the Newman Guide standards. The Head of School may assign additional users to help with the application process.
2. School Details and Supporting Evidence
While completing the application, the school will conduct a thorough review of its curriculum, policies, and activities to ensure that it meets the Newman Guide standards. The Head of School or assigned users can update school details and supporting evidence. School information will be saved during the application process so the application may be finalized over time.
3. Application Review and Follow-Up
After an application is finalized and submitted, Newman Guide reviewers will work with the school to obtain any additional information that may be needed. If the application is not approved, Newman Guide reviewers will advise the school as to what remediation is necessary. Once remedied, a school is encouraged to resubmit an application.
Newman Guide Recognition
The Cardinal Newman Society will notify the school of its decision. If approved, the recommended school will be:
o Provided a letter of congratulations, a certificate, and The Newman Guide seal for display
o Added to the list of Newman Guide Recommended schools on The Cardinal Newman Society website
o Announced as a Newman Guide Recommended school in The Newman Guide e-Newsletter
o Added to the Newman Network, which is a private working group available to educators from schools recommended in The Newman Guide
The recognized school must include on its website this link detailing what it means to be included in The Newman Guide.
Annual update
Newman Guide schools will work with The Cardinal Newman Society to keep its contact information and affirmations updated. Substantial changes at the school, such as a change of Head of School or major new programs, may require a new application and signed affirmation in order for the school to remain recommended by the Newman Guide.
Five-Year Renewal
Newman Guide schools must submit a renewal application and updated supporting evidence every five years.
Removal
The Cardinal Newman Society reserves the right to remove recognition for any reason at any time including, but not limited to, its determination that a school is not sufficiently modeling standards or for concerns that the school might detract from the reputation of the program or from The Cardinal Newman Society.
Helpful Application Tools
- Newman Guide Application: School Details and Supporting Evidence
- Principles of Catholic Identity
- Catholic Curriculum Standards
- Lesson Plan Samples using Catholic Curriculum Standards
- Policy Standard Samples:
- Literature and the Arts in Catholic Education
- Secular Academic Materials and Programs in Catholic Education
- Moral Expectations for Employees in Catholic Education
- Admissions in Catholic Education
- Human Sexuality in Catholic Education
- Sexuality Programs in Catholic Education
- Formation of the Human Person in Catholic School and College Sports
- Mission, Philosophy, and Faith Statements
Questions or concerns about the Newman Guide school program or process can be sent to Molly Metzgar, Newman Guide Network Liaison, at MMetzgar@CardinalNewmanSociety.org.
