Open Doors - Matthew 19:14
Welcome to the Open Doors - Matthew 19:14 program at St. Pius X Catholic High School, where we fulfill the call to “let the children come to me” by cultivating an inclusive, faith-filled educational community. As a proud participant in the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Open Doors Program, St Pius X provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience full immersion of Catholic high school life. Through modified academic instruction, tailored support, and active involvement in school activities, our program ensures that every student grows in knowledge, faith, and friendship alongside their peers. To learn more about the broader mission of supporting inclusive education across the archdiocese, please visit the Archdiocese of Atlanta Serving Students with Disabilities page.
Mission Statement
The Archdiocese of Atlanta recognizes the gifts and talents inherent within each of its students. We recognize that each child is an individual of great worth and blessed by God uniquely and with great love. We embrace the belief that all are welcome and strive to create a vibrant, Catholic community that celebrates the God-given potential of every student.
To foster these beliefs, we welcome the opportunity to provide assistance and programs to serve the different ways all students learn according to the resources available in each of our Catholic schools. We strive to instill compassion, empathy, and generosity in our learners.
Beliefs:
- When schools foster a culture of acceptance and compassion, all students benefit.
- When students of all abilities grow together in knowledge, faith, and friendship, the heart of the gospel is faithfully lived.
- When students learn to value each other as God values each of us, paths toward justice and integrity are paved.
- We recognize that each student has strengths, needs, and unique contributions to offer. Diversity enriches us all.
- When all students learn together, the Kingdom of God flourishes and thrives.
Matthew 19:14 St. Pius X Participant Profile:
- Students with developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Students who are able to initiate simple written and verbal expression
- Students who are able to interact socially with minimal distraction to themselves or others
- Students who are willing to follow the high behavior and academic standards of our school
- Students must be able to demonstrate skills in personal care (wearing the uniform correctly, toileting unassisted, eating and drinking unassisted)
Students participating in the Matthew 19:14 Program will receive a Certificate of Completion (not eligible for a high school diploma due to curriculum modifications)