Catholic Schools Week runs January 31 – February 6, 2027, when parish schools across the country open their doors with Masses, open houses and student showcases.
Last Week of January
Every year, starting on the last Sunday of January and running through the following Saturday. The 2027 week runs January 31 to February 6, after the 2026 week ran January 25 to 31.
The National Catholic Educational Association started it in 1974. It co-sponsors the week today with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Senators recognize it as well. Their 2026 resolution marked the week’s 52nd anniversary.
Five Decades of Open Doors
NCEA began the week to celebrate Catholic education nationwide. It reached its 50th anniversary year in 2024.
Two saints frame the dates. St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic schools, has his feast on January 28, and St. John Bosco, patron of students, on January 31.
Themes run for several years at a time. “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community” served from 2024 through 2026.
Each theme comes with fresh materials from NCEA for schools, diocesan offices and parishes. A new theme starts in 2027. “Catholic Schools: Communities of Hope and Joy” will carry through 2029.
In Boston, The Pilot prints a special section for the week and sends copies to every school in the archdiocese.
Father Robert O’Grady of The Pilot, Boston’s Catholic paper, summed up the spirit. “Every school has a story, really many stories,” he wrote.
Why Schools Mark It
Recruiting is a big part of it. Many schools use the week to invite prospective families in, and NCEA now runs a separate fall event for that too. Discover Catholic Schools Week runs November 15 to 21 in 2026.
Enrollment is steady. In 2025–26, NCEA counted 1,674,907 students in 5,829 Catholic schools.
Younger grades dominate. Elementary and middle schools outnumber high schools 4,644 to 1,185, and they enroll 1,155,344 of the students. The other 519,563 attend Catholic high schools. Across all grades, there’s about one teacher for every 10 students.
Demand outpaces space in many places. NCEA found 2,189 schools with waiting lists.
Students come from many backgrounds. About 22.2% aren’t Catholic, and 35.1% are racial minorities. Another way to see it: 17.1% are Hispanic or Latino.
Outcomes are the selling point. The Senate resolution cites a 98.6% graduation rate and says 83.7% of graduates go on to four-year colleges.
NCEA’s president, Steven Cheeseman, calls the schools “a trusted choice for families seeking academic excellence, faith formation, and strong community.”
Ways to Take Part
Most of the action happens at individual schools. Expect Masses, assemblies and open houses, and parishes often host events for the wider public.
- Attend an open house at a Catholic school near you, even if you’re just curious.
- Go to the school Mass that opens the week in many parishes.
- Thank a teacher or volunteer, perhaps on the January 28 feast of St. Thomas Aquinas.
- Share your school’s story online with #CSW2027.
- Support the student appeal if your parish holds one after weekend Mass.
- Read about St. John Bosco, the patron of students, before his feast closes the week.
- Mark November’s Discover Catholic Schools Week if you’re choosing a school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catholic Schools Week the same every year?
Its pattern is. It always opens on January’s last Sunday, so the dates move a little.
Who runs it?
The national Catholic educators’ association, together with the bishops’ conference.
Do non-Catholic families send children to Catholic schools?
Yes. NCEA counted 372,244 students who aren’t Catholic in its latest data.
Do schools close for the week?
No. Classes go on as usual, and many schools invite visitors in.