Catholic Schools Week is in full swing next week from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3. The week is meant to celebrate students and staff, but also, showcase why these institutions have continued to thrive.
According to the National Catholic Education Association, there are reasons—a dozen to be exact—to choose these schools, with the first being that they offer a safe and welcoming environment for all. Catholic Schools also have a 99% high school graduation rate and 85% of those graduates go to college as well.
Throughout a student’s time at Catholic Schools, they prepare students to be “productive citizens and future leaders” and “emphasize moral development and discipline on top of showing children respect of selves and others.” Catholic Schools Week tries to showcase all that through open houses and assemblies to show off students’ work.
Other reasons the NCEA states include instilling in students the value of service to others, using technology effectively to enhance education, and providing a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life. Catholic Schools also set high standards for students achievement and help them succeed, partner with parents in the faith formation of their kids and offer an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence.
Lastly, but not least, they provide a “balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life.”
The National Catholic Education Association and The Annual Statistical Report on Schools also note that there are 5, 920 Catholic Schools nationwide, and of these 1, 814 are urban, 472 are inner-city, 2,411 are suburban, 1,216 are rural, and 7 are virtual. 4,746 are middle/elementary schools and 1,174 are secondary schools.
Want to learn more about Catholic Schools Week and everything to do with the National Catholic Education Association and The Annual Statistical Report? Visit ncea.org for additional information and to find out about the different catholic schools around you.
