School News

Mr. Michael Fess, a teacher at Northwest Catholic High School, has spent four years helping students thrive in its supportive, close-knit environment, where they are seen, heard, and challenged—qualities that can be lost in larger schools.

“One of the things that makes Northwest Catholic special is its smaller setting,” said Fess. “In this community, students are really seen by teachers and administration.” With smaller class sizes and a stronger sense of community, Fess believes that students at Northwest Catholic are given more opportunities to stand out and develop both academically and personally.

At the heart of the school’s mission is the development of the “whole person,” and Fess says that this is evident in the range of opportunities available to students.

“It all starts with the student-teacher relationship,” he explained. “We really focus on nurturing that connection and making sure every student’s strengths are acknowledged.”

Fess is particularly proud of the faith-based education that distinguishes Northwest Catholic from public schools. While rooted in Catholic teachings, the school’s values-based curriculum encourages students to develop a strong moral foundation, regardless of their religious background.

“Even if you're not Catholic or Christian, our religion programs and values-based education help students grow in critical thinking and moral reasoning,” Fess noted. “These skills, shaped from a religious perspective, will serve them well in the world beyond school.”

For Fess, the most rewarding part of teaching at Northwest Catholic is watching his students grow, both as learners and as people.

“Seeing their maturity and the growth of our relationships is really special,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re all here because we want what’s best for the students.”

Fess teaches two challenging college-level courses—AP World History and AP Comparative Government and Politics—and his approach to teaching is centered around student engagement.

“I want to make the classroom a hands-on experience,” he said. “It’s not about standing in front of the room and talking at them; it’s about engaging them.”

Fess encourages his students to think critically and analytically about the world around them.

“The goal of my courses is to view historical events and current issues through a critical lens,” he explained. “This isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about developing skills they’ll use in college and beyond.”

The AP World History class, in particular, is rigorous, but Fess said that his students embrace the challenge.

“It’s a tough course, but the students meet the challenge head on,” he said.

Similarly, his AP Comparative Government and Politics class offers students a chance to explore real-world issues and develop a global perspective.

“We look at how things work outside of the United States,” said Fess. “It’s a great way for students to develop a well-rounded worldview.”

For prospective students, Fess highlights the many opportunities for personal and academic growth at Northwest Catholic.

“From a history perspective, there are so many electives and different courses available,” he said. “Students have the chance to pursue their passions.”

Ultimately, Fess believes that Northwest Catholic’s strong sense of community and commitment to developing well-rounded, thoughtful students sets it apart.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not excited to be here,” he said. “The students, the teachers, the families—it’s a place where everyone feels united and working toward a common cause.”