Catholic Schools Week builds support and recognition for Catholic schools nationwide

Catholic Schools: Making a World of Difference is the theme for the 29th annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week, January 26 through February 1, 2003.

Catholic Schools Week is an annual national celebration of the important role that Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country play in providing a values-added education for America’s young people. Catholic schools are proud of their educational network that emphasizes intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and social values in their students. Catholic Schools Week is a key part of the year long national Marketing campaign for Catholic Schools.

Catholic Schools Week celebrates education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life; it is an education that prepares students for a Christian life. CSW also celebrates the high standards of excellence and the quality of the education available to all students in Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the USA.

The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to build community awareness of, and involvement in, Catholic schools throughout the country. During this week, many dioceses and schools encourage parents to take full advantage of the benefits of local Catholic schools by enrolling their children in those schools. CSW is also an occasion for schools to interest citizens in volunteering their time and talents to the local Catholic schools.

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The Catholic Schools Week celebration became an annual event in 1974.

- Within the Diocese of New Ulm, there are 18 Catholic elementary schools and 3 high schools. Total enrollment for elementary schools K-8 is 2,687; total enrollment for 9-12 high schools is 494.

- There are 8,114 Catholic schools nationwide; of these 6,886 are elementary/middle, and 1,228 are secondary.

- In 2001-2002, 49 new Catholic schools opened; 93 consolidated or closed.

- 3,477 schools have a waiting list for admission.

- The average student/teacher ratio in a Catholic school is 17:1.