The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2011 celebrates the fact that Catholic schools are an added value (“a plus”) for the nation. Because of their traditionally high academic standards and high graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a definite contribution to American society.

Catholic Schools Week is celebrated nationally the last week in January. For 2011 the dates are Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, administrators, faculty, school staff, the community and families.

"During the early nineties when most teenagers wanted to be Michael Jordan or Madonna I asked the students of Bishop Garriga Middle School who they would like to be if they died that day. There was an overwhelming response of 'Mother Teresa because we know she’s going to heaven right away,'" said Margaret McGettrick, Director of Education for the Texas Catholic Conference. In Texas, there are:

• 25 Diocesan and Parish High Schools with a total of 7,422 students
• 29 Private High Schools with a total of 12,476 students
• 201 Diocesan and Parish Elementary Schools with a total of 52,333 students
• 27 Private Elementary Schools with a total of 7,810 students
• 1 non residential school for the disabled with 144 students

Source: 2010 Official Catholic Directory

The logo designed for the week displays the words “A+ For America, Catholic Schools” beneath a stylized banner of stars and stripes in red and light blue.

“Historically, Catholic schools are known for their high level of academic achievement, moral values and high graduation rates,” said Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). “What may not be as widely recognized are the outstanding successes recorded by students of low-income families and students from the inner city. That’s certainly a plus for many portions of the American population.”

Marie Powell, executive director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted: “This year nearly 30 percent of the nation’s 2.1 million Catholic school students come from minority populations. Enrollment of students who are not Catholic has increased to 14.5 percent, an indication that many diverse families seek the benefits of a quality education with moral underpinnings.”

The 7,094 Catholic elementary and secondary schools make up 44.4 percent of all private schools in the United States.

A Catholic-school education is available in all regions of the nation. Urban schools represent 30.7 percent of the total, suburban 36.5 percent, rural 20.5 percent and inner- city schools 12.3 percent. The five states with the highest student enrolments are California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio.

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of NCEA and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more about Catholic Schools Week, visit the NCEA Web site at: www.ncea.org/news/CatholicSchoolsWeek.asp. Learn more about your diocese's Catholic Schools Week activities on its web page. You may find a list of all Texas diocesan web sites here.

The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.