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
Senator
MO
This resolution expresses support for the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week, celebrated from January 25 through January 31, 2026. It recognizes the vital contributions Catholic schools make to the United States by highlighting their commitment to academic excellence, community service, and the holistic development of a diverse student population.
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.
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).
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.