Written by Maria Del Amo, director of Hispanic and Latino engagement, National Catholic Educational Association, [email protected]
As Catholic school leaders, understanding the culture, values and aspirations of Hispanic and Latino families is essential for fostering meaningful connections and increasing enrollment. The Hispanic and Latino population is the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., comprising 19.1 percent of the total population. This growth presents Catholic schools with a tremendous opportunity to serve families seeking faith-based education for their children. However, to successfully engage Hispanic and Latino communities, it is crucial to understand their cultural background and educational priorities.
Cultural Values That Shape Educational Choices
Hispanic and Latino families often share core cultural values that influence their decisions regarding education. Recognizing these values allows Catholic schools to develop strategies that resonate with this community.
1. Faith and Religion as a Central Pillar
Faith is deeply embedded in Hispanic and Latino culture. According to the Pew Research Center, 43 percent of U.S. Latinos identify as Catholic, making Catholic education a natural fit. Families seek schools that not only provide academic excellence but also reinforce Christian values and moral formation. Catholic schools should emphasize how they integrate faith into daily life and celebrate religious traditions that align with Hispanic culture, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day) and Las Posadas.
2. The Importance of Family (Familismo)
Family plays a central role in Hispanic and Latino culture. Educational decisions are often made collectively, with parents, grandparents and extended family contributing to discussions. Schools that create family-friendly environments—where parents feel welcomed and included—will have greater success in engaging Hispanic families. Hosting bilingual parent meetings, family Masses and cultural events can reinforce this connection.
3. Education as a Pathway to Success
Many Hispanic and Latino parents view education as the key to upward mobility. Research indicates that Latino parents maintain high expectations for their children’s academic achievements. A study highlighted that Latino parents desire significant academic success for their children and express a strong willingness to be more involved in their education.
However, they may not always be familiar with the admissions process, financial aid options, or scholarship opportunities. Schools must provide clear, accessible and bilingual communication to guide families through the enrollment process.
4. The Role of Language
Language plays a critical role in how Hispanic and Latino families interact with institutions. Language use among Hispanics varies by generation. While 93 percent of foreign-born Hispanics report speaking Spanish at home, this percentage decreases in subsequent generations. Among U.S.-born Hispanics, 57 percent speak Spanish at home, with 34 percent of third- or higher-generation Hispanics doing so. Offering materials in both English and Spanish—including websites, brochures and newsletters—demonstrates inclusivity and accessibility. Hiring bilingual staff and providing Spanish-speaking liaisons can also enhance communication.
Engaging Hispanic and Latino families in Catholic schools is not just about marketing or enrollment management—it’s about building relationships rooted in trust, faith and shared values. By understanding their cultural priorities, language needs and educational aspirations, Catholic schools can create a welcoming and inclusive environment where Hispanic and Latino children can thrive academically and spiritually.
As school leaders, we are called to open our doors wider and ensure that every family feels that they belong. “Todos son bienvenidos en nuestras escuelas católicas”—Everyone is welcome in our Catholic schools.
Contact Maria Del Amo
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support and engage Hispanic and Latino families in Catholic education, I’d love to connect! Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
