This year, The Franciscan School will once again celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 26 to February 1, 2025. We are in the middle of a four-year theme titled “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”

Catholic schools aim to form saints as their central mission, nurturing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. The shared Christian belief that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education unites the Catholic school community as a faith-filled family. Together, teachers, administrators, staff, students, and parents nurture the light of faith by weaving faith into culture and daily life.

We know that choosing a Catholic education and The Franciscan School is a decision most families don’t take lightly. There are many things to consider. In honor of Catholic Schools Week this year, we set out to learn from a few of our TFS families about what was important to them in deciding to attend our school. 

Jace and Michelle McMahon are celebrating their 10th year at TFS. Their oldest child started Kindergarten at TFS and is now a sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons. They have three more children at TFS in grades 4th, 7th, and 8th. 

Paul and Andi Mikuta have three daughters at TFS: Harper, 7th grade; Emery, 4th grade; and Sutton 7, 1st grade.

Jamie and Molly O’Reardon have been at TFS since 2019, when their oldest child, Caroline, started Kindergarten. Caroline is now in 5th grade, her sister Madeleine is in 3rd grade, and their brother, Jack, is in Kindergarten. 

Suzanne and Jon Ziemer also have three daughters at TFS: Abby, 8th grade; Emily, 6th grade; and Olivia, 2nd grade.

We are excited to show their journeys and why and how they chose a Catholic education.

Why did you choose a private school education, most specifically a Catholic school education, for your family?

McMahon Family: To us, it is a top priority to help our four children develop a personal relationship with God and surround them with opportunities to deepen and understand their faith, recognize God's love, and do good in the world. We both grew up Catholic, and Jace attended Catholic school from kindergarten through college. We decided early in our marriage that we would also do all we could to give our future children a Catholic education. It is a huge blessing that they can spend their weeks where our faith is celebrated, our values are supported, and a love of God is front and center!

Mikuta Family:  We chose a Catholic education for our children because we recognized the need for academic excellence and a strong moral foundation. Growing up at a Catholic school where my mom was a principal in Indiana, I (Andi) experienced firsthand the profound impact that a faith-based education can have. It wasn’t just about learning subjects but about becoming a better person. The lessons I received helped me excel academically and nurtured my relationship with God, which has been a guiding light throughout my life. This connection has helped me navigate the joyous and challenging moments, and I want my children to have that same support. I genuinely believe that Catholic education offers a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual guidance that helps shape children into compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.  

O'Reardon Family: We chose The Franciscan School because we wanted our children to have the best possible education—one that is not only academically rigorous but also rooted in Franciscan values and the Catholic faith.

Ziemer Family: Education has always been a priority for our family. We were living in Ohio when my oldest daughter was ready to enter kindergarten, and we looked into both our district public school and the Catholic school at our parish. From the moment we toured the Catholic school at our parish, I knew it was the place for Abby. We were greeted with enthusiasm and kindness and were impressed with all the school had to offer, from academics to specials (art, music, etc.). Being Catholic and having faith at the center of this education was also inherently important. 

What led you to The Franciscan School?

McMahon Family: We did look at several schools before deciding on TFS. We ultimately moved from Fuquay-Varina to Raleigh to become parishioners at St. Francis and send our children to the preschool and TFS, where they can enjoy participating in their faith and receive an excellent education. One thing that drew us to TFS was morning prayer, when the entire school gathers to pray and celebrate with each other. It was the perfect way to incorporate faith into each day in a fun way. Part of our search also included attending mass at each parish to get a feel for the church associated with the school. We fell in love with the lively community at St. Francis and the numerous opportunities for families with young children to get involved in serving and having fun in their church community. We both felt something truly special about St. Francis and TFS that we hadn't experienced anywhere else. It didn't take long before we began calling the entire campus our second home!

Mikuta Family: In 2019, when Paul and I were researching schools, we visited TFS as we were preparing to move from Illinois. At the time, Harper was enrolled at a much smaller Catholic school in the suburbs of Chicago, so we had some expectations, but when we stepped onto the TFS campus, we were absolutely blown away. The resources available here are incredible, and we sometimes forget how blessed we are to have access to such a well-equipped and supportive environment.

While the facilities were impressive, what truly resonated with us was the school’s commitment to Faith, Academics, and Service. These values align perfectly with our family’s priorities. We want our children to understand that the world is much bigger than just themselves. Service to others shouldn’t be something we consider occasionally—it should be a daily mindset we carry. We also want them to realize that not every child has access to an excellent education and that they should never take it for granted. Above all, we believe that faith is the most important guiding force in life, helping them navigate both the good times and the challenges.

TFS doesn’t just focus on academic achievement—it nurtures the values that we hold most dear, and that’s why we knew this was the right place for our family.

O'Reardon Family: Our three children attended St. Francis Preschool, and they had the most wonderful experience. It was a joy to witness their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, making new friends, and caring for God’s creations. We wholeheartedly felt that the Franciscan School was the best place for them to continue their Franciscan education and build upon the strong foundation that started at the preschool.

Ziemer Family: In the fall of Abby’s first-grade year in Ohio, we learned that we would relocate to Raleigh in January. That was a stressful time for our family as we did not know anyone in Raleigh! Because Abby was thriving in her Catholic school, we decided to tour Catholic schools in the area before looking for a house. Abby was unhappy about moving as she loved her teachers and friends at school. While our family toured TFS, Abby spent half a day in a first-grade classroom with Mrs. Burdett. We still talk about the beaming smile she had on her face when we reconnected. The tour and Abby’s shadow day convinced us that TFS was our top choice for Abby. As a speech-language pathologist who has worked in various educational settings, I (Suzanne) was blown away by the focus I saw when looking in classrooms across grade levels. Each staff member we met was professional, enthusiastic, and welcoming, and the teachers' love for their students and their job was evident. One of my favorite quotes from St. Francis is, “Preach the Gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.” This is what I saw while we toured TFS and what led us to choose to send our daughters to The Franciscan School.

What aspects of Catholic education are most important for your family?

McMahon Family: The most important aspect to us is helping our children to start forming a moral compass early in life for navigating the many challenges of the modern world - living a life that Jesus wants them to live, no matter what surrounds them!  

Mikuta Family: We chose a Catholic education for my children because I knew the importance of establishing their faith early on. The most valuable gift we can give our kids in life is faith. Knowing they are never alone and always have someone to turn to, no matter their challenges, is priceless. As a parent, I also knew I needed help fostering that faith. Attending church on Sundays wasn’t enough on its own; I realized they needed daily support and to be surrounded by others who shared those same beliefs.

The song "This Little Light of Mine" always comes to mind about this responsibility. As parents, we are entrusted with the overwhelming task of helping to keep that light alive in our children. Sending them to Catholic schools is one way we ensure that their faith is nurtured and strengthened each day. It’s not just about learning prayers or going through the motions; it’s about living out faith in a real, tangible way and watching that light grow within them. We needed the support, and Catholic education has been a vital part of helping us keep that light shining bright.

O'Reardon Family: We want our children to learn about Christianity and experience God’s presence in a compassionate, supportive community. We want them to continue to explore their unique talents and interests in academics, arts, and athletics. We want them to know and appreciate that we can demonstrate God’s love through service in our community, especially for those in need.

Ziemer Family: As a graduate of Catholic grade school, I knew that a Catholic education emphasizes faith, academics, respect for others, and responsibility. These are values we want for our daughters. More recently, I have focused on the Catholic Social Teaching of the dignity of the person. This is important because I do my best to teach my daughters that all people are important and have value. I see this principle being taught each day at TFS from Mrs. Wacenske greeting students by name as they walk into school each day to Fr. Jim knowing that a student’s birthday was not announced at Morning Prayer. I also vividly remember Mrs. Burdett celebrating Emily’s birthday in class and seeing her looking at Emily with so much love. When we are comfortable and confident in our values, it is easier to show kindness to others.

At The Franciscan School, the community partners with families to ensure they carry home values throughout the school day. How important is that to you?

McMahon Family: TFS helps to reinforce the values that we try to instill at home, especially respect and kindness for all of God's people, including themselves. It's highly beneficial for our children to be surrounded by adult role models and peers who prioritize and demonstrate the same values. We believe this support inspires them to be good and grateful people who are happy to be Catholic!

O'Reardon Family: It’s important to us that the values our children learn at school resonate with the values we are working to instill at home. We want our children to be kind, work hard, continue to be excited about learning, and develop strong friendships.

Ziemer Family: The carryover of home values at school is paramount to us. What better way for generalization of values is there than for everyone to be on the same page?

What is your favorite part of The Franciscan School? 

McMahon Family: Our favorite part of The Franciscan School is our children's enormous sense of belonging. They know they are cared for and valued at TFS, and they also take an interest in students in all grades. Some experiences that have contributed to this are altar serving at school masses, kindergarten and 8th-grade prayer buddies, Fr. Jim's very fun and special attention to each student, big kids cheering on the little kids at morning prayer (and vice versa), 8th-grade graduation clap out, and the numerous special connections our kids have made with our priests, teachers & staff, coaches, and of course the many incredible families who are so dedicated and involved in the community. 

Mikuta Family: One of my favorite parts of The Franciscan School is the sense of community and service; these two things go hand in hand. From my experience and what I’ve witnessed in others, this is more than just a school—it’s a genuine community. It’s a group of families who support each other through the highs and lows of life. They offer advice and guidance regarding the struggles of raising children and come together to help one another when needed, whether within the school or the broader community. There’s a strong focus on putting others before ourselves and a shared desire for what’s best for our children and everyone.

When we first came to The Franciscan School, I thought it was interesting that the shirts just said "Franciscan." I wasn’t sure what to make of it then, but now I understand. It’s not just a word—it’s who we are. It’s the essence of this school and what makes this community so special. I sincerely appreciate and feel so blessed to be part of the focus on service and how everyone comes together to support each other.

O'Reardon Family: The community is what we love best about TFS! The teachers are so dedicated to helping children learn and grow academically, spiritually, socially, and in exploring their unique talents and gifts. The families and Friars we have met and gotten to know have been so committed to making TFS the best possible place it can be. It’s been such a blessing to be part of this special community. When asking our children about their favorite parts of TFS, they responded, “friends,” “teachers,” and “TFS is the best school ever!”

Ziemer Family: Attending The Franciscan School has many wonderful aspects, but my favorite is Morning Prayer. There is something so beautiful about gathering to start the day in prayer as a school. I love that students lead Morning Prayer and that all students get to take an active role. Since I have students in multiple grade levels, I have seen the progression from younger students being Bell Ringer to start Morning Prayer and getting their readings a month in advance to middle school students getting readings only a day or two. When Abby was in 2nd grade and Emily was in kindergarten, Olivia, who was two years old then, and I frequently attended Morning Prayer. It meant so much to her that she started playing “Morning Prayer” at home, and she also learned both the Pledge of Allegiance and The Prayer Before the Cross from simply being at Morning Prayer.