At Faustina Academy in Irving, Texas, every policy — from classroom discipline to smartphone rules — begins with a single goal: leading souls to Heaven.
Every year, principal and founder Christina Mehaffey reminds parents that the school’s purpose is not merely academic excellence, but eternal salvation. “Our purpose on earth is to get people to heaven,” Mehaffey tells families at orientation. “It has to be in everything we do; in our choices, friendships, our technology use, everything,” she said, according to Catholic News Agency (CNA).
Teaching the Truth in All Things
Mehaffey insists that faith must shape every part of school life, from prayer and the sacraments to technology and friendship. “We want a school where everyone is on the same page, but we’re open to all,” she explained. “If someone comes in who isn’t Catholic, they have to commit to doing things the way the school does. Not only the technology policy but also prayers, the Mass, all of it. We’re going to teach the truth.”
This clarity of purpose has earned Faustina Academy a reputation for unity among families and staff. Parents know that their children are being taught not only academics, but how to live in truth and purity in a world clouded by digital noise.
Faith Over FOMO
That conviction led the school to take a bold stance on modern technology. In 2022, Faustina Academy made it official policy that students remain completely off social media — no TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or CapCut. Students also leave their phones in cars or turn them in to the office during the school day.
The rule, which some schools might find radical, grew naturally out of the academy’s mission. “Every single parent signed on,” Mehaffey told CNA. The decision followed years of research and discernment as she watched social media “draw kids away from reality” and expose them to “horrifying” content.
An IT expert invited to parent meetings explained that social media companies “intentionally made the devices and apps addictive because they knew kids don’t have self-control; all for the sake of making money,” according to CNA. Parents, shocked by what they learned, were unanimous in their support for a school-wide ban.
Forming Families United in Faith
Parents say the results have been transformative. “It was a huge blessing to me as a parent,” said Heidi Maher, whose family has been at Faustina since 2020. “It took that battle off the table. We have enough battles as parents. If no one else has social media, I don’t have to battle with my children.”
Another parent, Jane Petres, said the environment has given her daughters “a level of innocence” and safety she had long prayed for. “The other parents here seem very ‘with it’ and proactive,” she told CNA. “You can ban everything in the world, but unless the parents are enforcing it, kids are still going to be exposed to harmful things.”
Heaven Is the Goal
For Mehaffey, Faustina Academy’s success isn’t measured in test scores or college acceptances but in holiness. “Our purpose on earth is to get people to heaven,” she repeats — not as a slogan, but as a daily reminder that Catholic education is about formation, not just information.
In a world that often confuses freedom with distraction, Faustina Academy’s policy serves as a witness to something greater: that discipline, truth, and prayerful community can help young people rediscover the joy of living for God.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
