WILDWOOD - Standing in the hallways of today’s Wildwood Catholic High School between class periods, it’s clear that this 64-year-old private educational institution rooted in catholic tradition and academic excellence is a thriving environment for students and staff alike, with room and plans to grow.

Much of Wildwood Catholic’s success – at a time when many private Catholic Schools are being forced to shut their doors – is owed to the people of its surrounding community: its businesses, alumni and philanthropic organizations. Two years ago, the school’s first Annual Appeal outreach effort to these groups received a tremendous response, and donations came pouring in to this four-year, co-educational secondary school of the Diocese of Camden and Notre Dame de la Mer parish, offering a values-centered education in the Catholic tradition. In addition to the many other donations gratefully received, two in particular: a generous donation from local philanthropist and a five-digit gift from the Holly Beach Library Association, gave the school more than hope – it gave it and its staff room to grow its curriculum for the betterment of the students—while still maintaining the lowest annual tuition of any private school in the South Jersey area (under $7,000).

Evidence that the generosity of its many supporters is benefitting the school and bettering the education of the students includes the following additions to the 2011-2012 curriculum—without a notable increase in their affordable, low tuition:

• the addition of a Boys Lacrosse Team;

• the initiation of an International Student program, which enrolls students from other countries. The initiative enhances enrollment, but more importantly, allows students to learn about different cultures and countries from their fellow students; while the foreign students learn about theirs;

• the addition of a Research Seminar, where students meet with media and library specialists to learn about the online educational resources available to them and how to access them;

• the addition of a Law Seminar for Junior students, which educates them on the various aspects of the law directly by area attorneys. Courthouse visits allow the students to witness first-hand hearings and meet the judge;

• the addition of a Medical seminar for Sophomore students, which educates them on the various aspects the medical field via teachings, seminars and field trips.

More academic additions are on the horizon, and the 2012 Annual Appeal is a significant part of the rebuilding that has just begun at Wildwood Catholic.

“Thanks to the support of everyone who has participated in our Annual Appeal, our growth over the last two years has been astounding; and we look forward to continuing to enhance the education of every student that walks through the door,” said Kevin Quinn, Director of Development at Wildwood Catholic High School.

Pending additions to the curriculum include a Writing Seminar, Senior Success seminar and additional electives (thanks to a grant from the International Academy of Science). The school will also soon be partnering with Seton Hall University and Kean University to offer their faculty professional development and their students higher-level educational opportunities.

The school is now approaching its second Annual Appeal at the end of the January 2012 and will once again ask parents, alumni and the community to support the school so that Wildwood Catholic can continue to build on the Advances in Education they have already put into place.

For more information about the Annual Appeal, to make a donation or to find out more about Wildwood Catholic High School, visit www.wildwoodcatholic.org or call 609-522-7257.