Just what is Catholic Schools Week?
Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the important role that Catholic education, at the elementary and secondary level, brings to our nation. Catholic schools emphasize spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical, and social values. CSW is a part of a year-long National Marketing Campaign for Catholic Schools.
And what does Catholic Schools Week celebrate?
Catholic Schools Week celebrates the high standards of excellence and a quality education that primes all Catholic school elementary and secondary students for more than a secular life. Catholic schools prepare students for a Christian life.
Is there a purpose of the Catholic Schools Week celebration?
Yes. Catholic Schools week strives to build community awareness of, as well as involvement in, Catholic schools throughout the U.S. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in Catholic schools and receive all the benefits of a Catholic education. CSW also provides schools with a chance to seek out interested individuals willing to volunteer their time and talents. If you wish to volunteer, please contact your local Catholic school.
What is the theme and what does it celebrate?
Every year a theme is chosen and this year the theme is: “Catholic Schools - A+ For America.” Catholic schools are “a plus” an added value for our nation. Catholic schools promote strong moral values and traditionally have strong academic standards and high graduation rates. Catholic school graduates, as well as Catholic schools, make a positive contribution to our society. Giving back to the community and helping others are values promoted by Catholic schools and instilled in each and every student.
Previous themes have included: Catholic Schools - Dividends for Life: Faith, Knowledge, Discipline, Morals (2010); Catholic Schools Celebrate Service (2009); Catholic Schools Light the Way (2008); and Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education (2007). The very first theme was Catholic Schools, Different Where it Counts - Message, Community and Service (1974).
Did You Know?
- Catholic elementary and secondary schools make up 44.4% of all private schools in the United States.
- New York, California, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania have the highest student enrollments.
- The average tuition (based on stats from 2009-10 school year) for a Catholic elementary school is $3,383.
- The average tuition (based on stats from 2009-10 school year) for a Catholic secondary school is $8,182.
- 171 new Catholic schools have been built in the last five years, with 24 added in 2009-10.
- The total Catholic school enrollment for 2009-10 was 2,119,341.
An activity of the National Marketing Campaign for Catholic Schools (since 1992), Catholic Schools Week is a joint undertaking of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Find a Catholic School in your area: School & Diocesan Locator
Catholic Schools and the Common Good -- Buy from Amazon
The Catholic Youth Bible® Revised -- Buy from Amazon
Peace in Christ,
© Melissa Knoblett-Aman
