Catholic schools join Philadelphia Great Schools Compact

The Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia has joined the city’s Great Schools Compact.

The compact is designed to create more seats in high-performing schools in the city.

Archbishop Charles Chaput says joining with the district and charter schools is an effort to share information and strive for the best education for all children.

“We want to be good citizens, we want to be friends,” Chaput said Monday. “We don’t see our school systems as competitors, but equally committed to the good of the children who are the future of our community.”

Mayor Michael Nutter attended Catholic schools, but sends his daughter to a public school. He says the schools can learn from each other.

“We’re trying to drive excellence at all possible levels for all schools across the city of Philadelphia,” Nutter said. “The more options our children have, the more options our parents have, the more we can deliver a high-quality education for all people. And that makes this city a better place to live, work and raise our families.”

The first visible goal of the compact will be including the archdiocese schools on a map of all schools in Philadelphia.