Catholic Schools - A + for America

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. 

Each year we celebrate Catholic Schools Week beginning on the last Sunday of January (this year January 30 - February 5).  Our parish and school begins our celebration with a Pancake Breakfast and Open House in our school / parish hall.  In addition, there will be a Mass on Friday, special activities for students and teachers, a skating party and LOTS of fun!  

The logo designed for this year's celebration of Catholic Schools 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.

Our parish school of Saint Andrew the Apostle currently educates 110 students in grades kindergarten through 6.  We have a dedicated and skilled faculty that puts the needs of each student first.  If you've ever attended our 6th grade graduation ceremony, the excellent education our children received is evident as they speak with poise and eloquence in front of their parents, siblings and peers.  

We are SO blessed to have a parish school here in our parish, and we invite YOU to have your children join us.