The educational vision of St. Josemaría draws from and elaborates on the teaching of the Catholic Church about the fundamental obligation of parents to educate their children. This vision puts parents first in their collaboration with schools. According to him: “Three things are important in a school: first, the parents; second, the teaching staff; third, the students. Your children –do not be offended– are in the third place; this way things go well.”

In addition to the primacy of parents as educators, the vision emphasizes the responsible use of freedom. St. Josemaría taught that: “parents have to respect their children’s freedom, because there is no real education without personal responsibility, and there is no responsibility without freedom.” He also urged parents to be also conscious of their responsibility for the spiritual education of their children.

Whitesands School follows this vision. The academic program, extra and co-curricular activities, the advisory system for students and their parents, the spiritual means of formation and the facilities of the school contribute to the education of the mind, body and spirit of the students.

Since 1951, when the first secondary school inspired by St. Josemaría was established in Spain, schools like Whitesands have been established in countries like the UK, the US, the Philippines, China (Hong Kong), Australia, Chile and Kenya. These schools, guided by this educational vision, all work closely with parents in the human, spiritual and moral formation of their children.