The primary purpose of Catholic education is to teach children the joy that comes with knowing, loving, and serving God so they can be with him eternally. A quality Catholic education forms the human person, both intellectually and spiritually, within the context of faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ as handed down by the apostles and His holy Catholic Church.  This is accomplished by means of educating students to live lives of service to God and others, grounded in the principles of love, charity, and justice.

At Saint William of York, we strive to nurture humility, wisdom, and virtue by guiding students to recognize and embrace what is good, what is beautiful, and what is true. This education empowers them to live lives of service to God and others, offering a freedom that only Christ can provide. It is essential to recognize that all educational materials should reflect the transcendentals of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. 

Truth can be understood as the pursuit of knowledge that aligns with reality. In secular instructional materials, this means presenting factual information accurately and objectively. Truth is fundamental to the learning process, allowing students to engage critically with content and develop informed perspectives. Instructional materials should be selected not only for their factual accuracy but also for their ability to lead students towards a greater understanding of God's truth. This aligns with the first tenet of Catholic Social Teaching: the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, which emphasizes the importance of presenting all individuals and ideas with respect and integrity.

Goodness refers to moral and ethical values that guide behavior and decision-making. Instructional materials should promote virtues that encourage students to act with compassion, justice, and respect for others. This can be achieved by integrating themes of service and care for others, particularly the vulnerable, into lessons. The principle of "Option for the Poor and Vulnerable" from Catholic Social Teaching  highlights the importance of social justice and the call to serve those in need at SWOY.   Materials that foster a sense of community and responsibility help students understand their role in building a just and ordered society.

Beauty encompasses not only aesthetic appeal but also the intrinsic value found in creation and human expression. At Saint William of York, we teach that while our individual experience is necessary in order for our students to perceive and delight in something beautiful, we know by faith that there is an objective standard of beauty which all created things reflect. At Saint William of York, that standard is God Himself, therefore all instructional materials should include works that inspire students and elevate their appreciation for things that are beautiful. This includes the arts that we experience, the books that we read, and the order that we can observe in math and science and nature. 

The mission of Saint William of York Catholic School is to create a Christ-centered academic community where we instill Catholic beliefs and Gospel values while nurturing our students' gifts of faith and intellect. So when considering instructional materials, we are mandated to follow our diocese while also adhering to a policy for choosing instructional materials that focus on supporting the moral, spiritual, and academic development of students, whether in-person or online. The following criteria can guide this selection:

1. Educational Content: All materials must align with the Diocese of Arlington Curriculum and all materials should enrich the curriculum and help lead students to Christ.
2. Quality Content: All materials are evaluated for factual content and the quality of the presentation should be maintained.
3. Appropriateness: Materials are evaluated to be suitable for the students’ age, emotional development, and social context that are not contrary to the teachings of the faith. 
4. Motivation for Reflection: Materials should encourage students to examine their attitudes, responsibilities, and rights as Christian citizens in a diverse world.
5. Objective Analysis: Instructional materials must clarify historical and contemporary issues, promoting understanding of social and economic challenges in light of the Truth of Jesus Christ.
6. Ethical Analysis: The selection process should involve collaboration among parents as the primary educators, the pastor as the shepherd of the parish, the principal, and professional Catholic educators who are experts in their fields, to ensure that any secular materials reflect a truly Catholic world. While the materials may not be created by Catholic sources, it is crucial that resources are free from heresy, profanity, inappropriate references, and content that could divide the community.

In conclusion, integrating the Catholic transcendentals of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty into instructional materials enriches the educational experience. It provides students with a holistic understanding of their faith and encourages them to engage with the world in a manner that reflects God's love and purpose. By fostering a curriculum guided by these principles, educators can help cultivate a more just and compassionate society, grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.