Archdiocese encourages families to spread word about local Catholic education, offers chance to win $1,000 tuition discount

DETROIT — The Archdiocese of Detroit is placing a special emphasis on local Catholic schools with a new marketing campaign highlighting the value of a Catholic education.

Christine Warner, director of marketing and content for the archdiocese, said the campaign, which includes billboards, social media advertising and a raffle for reduced-price tuition, aims to educate local families who might not be aware of the options that exist.

The effort also aims to connect families with nearby schools, Warner said, adding many families simply are not aware that a Catholic school might be right around the corner. 

Parents of children currently enrolled in Catholic schools are invited to use the archdiocese’s referral portal in order to help families connect with Catholic schools. The referral portal also serves as a raffle entry, as five families will be chosen to win a $1,000 tuition discount for the 2020-21 academic year.

The campaign's theme is simple, Warner said: Knowledge to succeed. Integrity to thrive. Faith to grow.

“We wanted to capture the main pillars and values of Catholic education,” Warner said. “‘Knowledge to succeed’ really speaks to the academic excellence of Catholic schools.”

“Integrity to thrive” speaks to the character development that takes place at a Catholic school, providing a solid foundation for students later in life, Warner said.

“That is one of the biggest benefits of a Catholic education,” Warner said of Catholic schools' ability to help children develop their moral compass and Catholic values.

Kathleen McCann, who chairs the archdiocese's Catholic Schools Council, said there is no greater gift for children than an academically excellent education where they learn through the eyes of faith. 

“The Catholic culture existing in our schools allows our kids to encounter, know and love Christ in their daily lives – which of course is the only way they can find true happiness in this world,” McCann said.

The final pillar, “Faith to grow,” highlights the ability of Catholic education to “help the person grow in many different ways: academically, personally and in their faith as well,” Warner said.

The campaign is currently running across social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as two billboards — one on northbound Interstate 75 near Rosa Parks Boulevard in Detroit, and the other on northbound Interstate 94 in Mount Clemens. The billboards will remain up until Feb. 2.

For more information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, visit detroitcatholicschools.com.