As of the 2024-25 school year, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) records a national PreK–12 enrollment of 1.7 million students across nearly 6,000 Catholic schools, reflecting the nationwide influence of a Christ-centered education.
For millions of students across the country and world, Catholic K-12 education provides an opportunity to develop the spiritual, moral, and academic aspects of each person. Join us as we observe Celebrate Catholic Schools Week and showcase the remarkable value Catholic schools bring to our communities, students, and families, allowing them to witness firsthand the benefits of faith-based education.
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What’s Unique About Catholic Schools?
This year, Celebrate Catholic Schools Week runs January 25–31, offering an opportunity for families to experience Masses, assemblies, events, and special activities celebrating the special value of Christ-centered learning.
What sets Catholic schools apart from other types of private education is a commitment to developing the whole child — mind, body, and soul. Their missions go beyond just academic achievement, aiming to form students who are grounded in moral values, service to others, and a deep sense of faith.
Here are some key elements of Catholic education to show your community how your school creates a unique difference in each child’s life.
- Faith Formation: Students not only receive a formal education but also live out their faith through prayer, liturgy, and service projects, experiences which help shape each student’s character and moral compass for lifelong belief.
- Academic Excellence: Often boasting smaller class sizes, Catholic schools consistently outperform national averages on standardized tests, college readiness assessments, and graduation rates.
- Community and Values: Catholic schools foster a strong sense of community where families, teachers, and students work together, creating unique environments that encourage respect, support, and compassion.
- A Safe and Nurturing Environment: Catholic schools place a strong emphasis on creating a safe and supportive learning environment. With a focus on mutual respect, discipline, and care for each individual, students often feel more secure and engaged in their learning experience.
From Celebration to Connection: Telling Your School’s Story
While Celebrate Catholic Schools Week is rooted in tradition, it’s also a powerful storytelling moment for Catholic schools. Families often make enrollment decisions based on more than academics alone, they want a school that can mold students into model Christians. This week provides an opportunity to make that visible.
Student‑led tours, classroom spotlights, short videos, and parent testimonials help bring your mission to life in authentic ways. Even simple moments like highlighting service projects, faculty reflections, or alumni achievements reinforce the lasting impact of a Catholic education.
Consistency is key. Align messaging across your website, social media, newsletters, and events so families hear the same story no matter where they engage. When celebration and communication work together, this week becomes a lasting expression of purpose, identity, and trust.
How Schools Commemorate Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
Each school observes Celebrate Catholic Schools Week in its own unique way, but there are common themes and activities designed to engage families and showcase what makes their Catholic school special.
Host a Special Mass
Celebrate the spiritual impact your school has had on students with a special Mass open to students, families, and alumni. Emphasize biblical themes of lifelong learning, community, and commitment to excellence.
Community Service Initiatives
Many schools will organize service projects during Celebrate Catholic Schools Week, underscoring the importance of service as a core element of Catholic education. Have students demonstrate the values they’ve learned in class through acts of service in their own parish.
Inter-Diocese Events
Build strong bonds across the local Catholic community with inter-diocese events. Take advantage of centralized resources at the archdiocese level to plan get-togethers, friendly competitions, or dinners with families of different schools.
The Impact of Catholic Schools on Society
Catholic schools have a long-standing tradition of positive contributions to society. Their graduates are known for becoming leaders in their communities, embodying values of service, justice, and compassion. The combination of academic excellence and spiritual development forms students who not only excel in their chosen professions but also create deep bonds within their communities.
VenturEd Solutions™ is proud of the many Catholic schools we support. Celebrate Catholic Schools Week reaffirms the value that Catholic education brings to individuals and communities alike. It’s a week to reflect on how these institutions shape well-rounded, faith-centric leaders of tomorrow. Use this week to further connect with families, donors, educators, and other community members.
Here are some great resources for Catholic schools and independent private schools to use for a successful week:
- Check out the valuable Catholic school enrollment trends and insights we learned while at the 2025 NCEA Conference.
- Learn how to create marketing campaigns that resonate with Gen X and Millennial parents.
- We recently launched a powerful analytics platform taking insights across admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and finance teams. See what your school can learn with Enrollment Insights.
See how TADS offers solutions tailor-built to grow and strengthen your Catholic school community.