Students of All Faiths Welcome: Why Families Choose Eastside Catholic School

by Eastside Catholic School Director of Equity and Social Action Jenny Abbey and Director of Campus Ministry Lynn Kittridge

Edited by the Eastside Catholic School Marketing and Communications Team

Choosing the right school is one of the most meaningful decisions a family makes. For many, it's about more than academics—it’s about finding a community where their student feels welcomed, supported and inspired to grow. At Eastside Catholic School, we are proud to offer an education rooted in Catholic tradition while embracing students and families of all faith backgrounds.

Inclusion at EC isn't just a philosophy—it's a daily practice.

Although our foundation is Catholic, our Catholic Identity Statement affirms that we “practice inclusivity by welcoming students of all faith backgrounds.” EC is a place where every student is valued and celebrated for who they are. In fact, more than half of our students are not Catholic, creating a vibrant community that reflects diverse ethnic, cultural and religious traditions.

Each member of our diverse community brings a unique gift that fosters personal, communal and spiritual growth. This diversity enriches every student’s education, helping them develop empathy, broaden their perspectives and deepen their respect for others.

Inclusion at EC isn't just a philosophy—it's a daily practice. Interfaith dialogue is woven into our community life, from classroom discussions to community-wide events. Every year during Celebrating the World Week, we host an Interfaith Service where students share prayers, traditions and reflections from their own backgrounds, representing 27 different faith traditions. These moments highlight the shared values of kindness, compassion, service and justice that unite us across different faith traditions.

Here, students bring their whole, authentic selves into a community that honors diversity, finds strength in shared values and helps them grow into the person they were created to be.

Catholic Social Teaching speaks to universal human values, not just Catholic ones. Principles such as respecting the dignity of every person, caring for those in need and seeking justice for all resonate with families of every belief system. These values come to life through service-learning projects, retreats and community partnerships. Whether it's the eighth grade Silver Kite Intergenerational Project or Peace and Justice Day collaborations, students experience what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.  

While rooted in Catholic tradition, our approach to spirituality invites students to reflect, ask questions and grow from where they are, in their understanding of themselves and the world around them. For some students, that means deepening their Catholic faith; for others, it means discovering new dimensions of their own tradition or worldviews. From middle school studies of Saints in their cultural context to senior-year explorations of world religions, students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with life's big questions in a supportive environment.

Choosing the right school is one of the most meaningful decisions a family makes.

Most importantly, EC’s commitment to belonging ensures that every student feels at home here. Every day, we close our morning and afternoon announcements with a reminder, “take care of each other." Whether participating in Mass, leading service projects, celebrating cultural holidays or engaging in dialogue about global issues, students experience firsthand what it means to be part of a caring, inclusive community.

At Eastside Catholic, being Catholic means being open to the world and to all. That spirit of welcome is why so many families, both Catholic and non-Catholic, choose EC. Here, students bring their whole, authentic selves into a community that honors diversity, finds strength in shared values and helps them grow into the person they were created to be.

Families choose EC because it's a place where young people grow not just in knowledge, but in wisdom, compassion and faith—whatever their faith tradition may be.

Curious about Eastside Catholic School? Take a moment to explore our website and discover what makes our community so special and how EC can be the right place for your student to learn, grow and belong.