EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
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Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQsBackForwardPauseCaption
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Oklahoma Supreme Court Ruling
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The school is no longer taking applications at this time
1058190300-20240625-085757-.pdf (oklahoma.gov)
Archbishop Paul Coakley, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City,
Bishop David Konderla, Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma
“Today’s ruling is very disappointing for the hundreds of prospective students and their families from across the state of Oklahoma who desired the educational experience and promise of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. We will consider all legal options and remain steadfast in our belief that St. Isidore would have and could still be a valuable asset to students, regardless of socioeconomic, race or faith backgrounds.”
Lara Schuler, Senior Director of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
“The educational promise of St. Isidore Virtual Catholic School is reflected in the 200-plus applications we have received from families excited for this new learning opportunity. Clearly, we are disappointed in today’s ruling as it disregards the needs of many families in Oklahoma who only desire a choice in their child’s education. We will remain steadfast as we seek to right this wrong and to join Oklahoma's great diversity of charter schools serving all families in the state.”
Misty G. Smith, M.Ed., Principal, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School
“Today's decision is a setback for Oklahoma K-12 students and to the ideal of free choice and open opportunity in education. I, however, will not give up hope that the Court's error may be corrected and that St. Isidore will help open the path toward a future where the needs of all Oklahoma students and families are fulfilled, regardless of their background, income, or beliefs.”
The board will meet later week to discuss next steps. We will get information out to families and faculty soon after. Thank you for your patience.
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What will the faith formation and sacramental life be like?
This program is intended to support and reinforce both the domestic church and the local parish community. Once the geographic information of students is known, the school will begin to seek out partner parishes willing to serve as hubs for occasional gatherings of local students. These are spaces where a small group of students, parents, and educators can gather for Mass, confession, academic electives, tutoring, labs, or extracurricular activities once or twice a month depending on need or desire. Two all school Masses will be offered each year. One in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, and one in the Diocese of Tulsa, giving students, faculty, and families an opportunity to come together and pray as a part of the larger church. All other Masses will be served through a family’s local parish or parishes willing to serve as hub locations. Online prayer services, scripture study through Lectio Devina, Visio Divina, the rosary, theology classes, study of the saints, virtue development, and service to family and community will round out the catechetical formation and sacramental life of our students.
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WHO ARE THE TEACHERS?
Our teachers will be passionate educators from all corners of Oklahoma and from across the United States who care about children having the opportunity to experience an excellent education rich in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
What is it and is it accredited?
St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School is a full time, K-12, tuition free, online Catholic virtual charter school in the state of Oklahoma. Yes, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School is accredited by the Accreditation Standards Division of the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any student eligible for Kindergarten to grade twelve of any faith or no faith, living in Oklahoma is eligible for enrollment. It is recommended that parents read carefully the handbook issued during the seat acceptance and registration process.
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What will the academic program be like?
St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School will be a K-12 Catholic academic program, delivered both synchronously and asynchronously, steeped in the richness of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition with an integrated curriculum where goodness, truth, and beauty are infused throughout all subjects. Curriculum resources will be chosen in all subjects to enlighten and strengthen the intellectual capacity of children to seek Truth through faith and reason. To this end, great care is taken to ensure proper alignment in the curriculum.
Catholic Liberal Education is rooted in the study of the seven liberal arts broken into two overarching categories, The Trivium: The Art of Language; and Quadrivium: The Art of Number. Joy in learning comes from an alignment of the humanities, the art of language, that allows for discovery of truth through the integrated study of history, literature, and theology. This combined with the art of number, the study of God’s well-ordered universe in math and sciences: earth, physical, biology, chemistry, astronomy, technology, music, and architecture are all wrapped in the beauty of the fine arts which span both categories. Internet technology via Chromebooks as well as hands on materials will be the tool in which we bring these timeless treasures to our young people. Our program, while uniquely Catholic, will meet or exceed the secular requirements of the state charter agreement as well as graduation requirements for high school students. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School will also be able to meet the special needs of most students, within the capacity of a virtual model, allowing a Catholic education for exceptional learners.
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WILL THE CURRICULUM MEET STATE OR NATIONAL STANDARDS?
Yes. The curriculum is a framework of courses based in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition of utilizing faith and reason to seek and understand Truth. In addition to the teachings of our faith and the search for Truth through the person of Jesus Christ, we also seek truth in the learning that encompasses all subject areas. Each course is designed to meet the standards and benchmarks of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School which meet or exceed National and Oklahoma State Standards for each grade level and for graduation. Each course will be thoughtfully designed by professional educators using both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, guided practice, and independent activities. More information can be found below or in the curriculum guide at our website which can be accessed at siscvs.org or by scanning the QR code.
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St. Isidore of Seville
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About our Patron
St. Isidore of Seville is the patron of SISCVS. He is a guide and intercessor before God for the SISCVS community.
He was born into a family of saints in Cartagena, Spain around 560. His brothers, Leander and Fulgentius became bishops and his sister Forentina, a nun. The were canonized as saints long with him.
Isidore was educated by his brother, Leander who he eventually succeeded as archbishop of Seville for 37 years. As archbishop he highlighted the importance of education by calling for a seminary in every diocese of Spain and established a comprehensive education system. As the rest of Europe fell into the dark ages, Spain emerged as a source of light remaining a center of learning and culture thanks to Isidore's vision to unite faith and learning. Under his leadership schools in Spain taught liberal arts, medicine, law, Hebrew, and Greek, including the works of Aristotle which wouldn't reappear in other areas of Europe for hundreds of years.
As archbishop, Isidore rejected dictatorial decision making, instead relying on the calling of councils to guide policy. He was also committed to a lifetime of learning. The council of bishops in Spain called him "an illustrious teacher of our time and the glory of the Catholic church". He was named a Doctor of the church, a title only given to 36 saints throughout history that are known for explaining the faith through their words or examples.
Isidore was chosen as the patron saint of the internet because of his wide knowledge. He was known as the "schoolmaster of the Middle Ages" for writing an encyclopedia that was referenced for 1,000 years and produced works on astronomy, geography, world history, biographies, law, theology, and histories of various peoples.
St. Isidore of Seville, your learning made Spain a beacon of light during the Dark Ages - pray for us!
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