By Megan Murray
Established by the Diocese of Austin, Texas, San Juan Diego High School is one of five schools nationally that offers a unique approach to educational reform. The plan that this national network of schools has implemented alleviates the high cost of private school tuition for those who are normally unable to afford the tuition.
The National Center for Education Statistics found that only 2.95 percent of children from households with annual income of $20,000 or less attend private school. Of the remaining students attending public school, nearly half couldn't attend a four-year college this year. Statistics consistently show that private schools provide results. Students who attend private school are four times more likely than their public school counterparts to have attained a bachelor's or higher degree (National Center for Education Statistics).
The opportunity that these schools provide is a relief to many parents. When polled on a national scale, 55 percent say they would send their children to private school as opposed to a public one if afforded the opportunity. And with nine out of every 10 Americans believing that parents should be able to choose their children's school, San Juan Diego's program is well supported. (NCES)
“There is tremendous potential to grow academically, spiritually & emotionally at San Juan Diego High School,” says Michael Wells-Spraley, a
sophomore at San Juan Diego and student council vice-president.
While attending San Juan Diego High School, students participate in an internship program one day a week with corporate sponsors in the area. In exchange for their work, the company supplements 60 percent of the tuition cost. The school raises 10 percent, and the family covers the remaining 30 percent of the tuition, which usually comes out to about $2,200 per family. Among the local sponsors of San Juan Diego are Dell Computer Corporation, Vinson and Elkins, Seton Hospital, Catholic Charities Office of Immigrant Concerns and St. Edward's University.
“As a result of their experiences in the workplace, our students have developed amazing confidence and maturity,” said Elizabeth Garcia Nichols, Corporate Internship Program Director. “They have far exceeded the
expectations of our sponsors.”
These sponsors are key in providing support to San Juan Diego High School students, whose average household income is approximately $30,000 per year. In comparison, the average American household brings in roughly $42,200 in a fiscal year.
“San Juan Diego helps students reach their goals by providing real-world experience and a quality education,” says Megan Murray, San Juan Diego
Development Director.
While education in the classroom is key, the opportunities given to students in a true business setting is what separates San Juan Diego High School from other private institutions. Just ask its students.
“Balancing work and school has taught me to manage my time efficiently and productively,” says student Moses Calderon.
The school's faculty members include two Holy Cross Brothers and two Marianites of Holy Cross Sisters. San Juan Diego High School's faculty members are all experienced Catholic school educators committed to providing the guidance, instruction and programs that aid in developing students intellectually, morally and spiritually.
“It is a privilege to be involved from the very beginning and a real promise of hope for the future of these young people and our community,” said Sr. Carlota LeBoeuf, M.S.C., religion teacher.
Before San Juan Diego High School opened, Austin was one of the largest cities in the country that didn't have a Catholic school inside its city limits. But thanks to Bishop Gregory Aymond, Catholic school tradition has been established in Austin and many students who otherwise would have no chance at a private school education are being educated by hard-working
faculty members.
San Juan Diego's novel ideas on education help it to stand out from other schools. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently awarded the network of schools with a $9 million grant. The groundbreaking education plan, which was recently featured in Newsweek, is working to bridge the education gap between the affluent and the less fortunate.
Megan Murray is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. She serves as the Development Director for San Juan Diego High School and coordinates all of the school’s advancement activities, including fundraising, grantwriting, special events and marketing. She can be reached via e-mail at
