PolicyBrief
S.RES. 594
119th CongressJan 29th 2026
A resolution supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States and celebrating the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week.
SENATE PASSED

This resolution celebrates the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week and recognizes the significant contributions of Catholic schools to academic excellence and community development in the United States.

Eric Schmitt
R

Eric Schmitt

Senator

MO

LEGISLATION

Senate Resolution Celebrates 52nd National Catholic Schools Week: 2026 Dates and Educational Impact Noted

This resolution formally recognizes National Catholic Schools Week, scheduled for January 25 through January 31, 2026. Rather than changing laws or moving tax dollars, the measure serves as an official 'shout-out' to the 1.7 million students and the network of educators within the Catholic school system. It specifically highlights the 2026 theme, 'Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,' which emphasizes the partnership between schools and families.

By the Numbers

The resolution puts some hard data on the table to explain why this recognition matters. It cites a 98.6 percent high school graduation rate and notes that 83.7 percent of those graduates head off to four-year colleges. For parents looking at the daily grind of education, the bill points to a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio as a key factor in these outcomes. It also clarifies that these schools aren't monolithic; about 21.8 percent of students come from non-Catholic families, and over a third of the student body represents racial minority backgrounds (34.9 percent).

More Than Just Academics

The text moves beyond test scores to acknowledge the 'holistic' approach these institutions aim for. It specifically mentions the focus on moral, intellectual, physical, and social development. For a busy professional or a tradesperson looking at the next generation of the workforce, the resolution frames these schools as contributors to a 'brighter, stronger future' through their emphasis on community service and spiritual growth. By citing the 52-year history of this celebration, the Senate is essentially acknowledging a long-standing fixture in the American educational landscape.