Since 1974 the nation's Catholic Schools have celebrated Catholic Schools Week beginning the last Sunday of January. This year Catholic Schools Week is scheduled for January 27 – February 2, 2008.

Catholic Schools Week celebrates the high standards of excellence and a quality education that prepares all Catholic school elementary and secondary students for a Christian life.

Catholic Schools week strives to build community awareness of, as well as involvement in, Catholic schools throughout the country. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in Catholic schools and reap the benefits offered. CSW also gives schools a chance to seek out interested individuals willing to volunteer their time and talents. If you would like to volunteer, contact your local Catholic school.

Each year a theme is chosen and this year’s theme is "Catholic Schools Light the Way." This year’s theme focuses on leadership. Catholic Schools produce future leaders who light the way to a brighter tomorrow for all. The theme also has a spiritual meaning. "The Way" is the biblical term used to describe Jesus’ disciples. As followers of Christ, we are "The Way."

Even though the official theme for 2008 is, "Catholic Schools Light the Way," last year the National Marketing Campaign For Catholic Schools implemented an ongoing theme, "Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education." This was the theme for 2007, and this slogan will continue to appear on various marketing materials, including posters, ads and t-shirts, in the coming years.

Did You Know?

• 36 new Catholic schools were added in 2006-2007
• Close to 35% of Catholic schools have a waiting list for admission.
• The average tuition for a Catholic elementary school is $2,607.
• The average tuition for a Catholic secondary school is $6,906.
• Just over 65% of Catholic schools are co-educational.
• The average student to teacher ratio is 15 to 1.

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

Peace in Christ,
Melissa Knoblett-Aman