On the occasion of national Catholic Schools’ Week, we celebrate the 74 Catholic schools – elementary and secondary - of the Archdiocese of Seattle, which are forming the faith and character of over 22,000 students while achieving excellent academic results. In all grades and in all subjects, Catholic school students, on average, achieve above their grade-level. By preparing our young people for a challenging future, Catholic schools serve the good of both the church and society.

According to Fr. Ron Nuzzi of Notre Dame, “Catholic schools play an important role in the mission of the Church and in the overall educational efforts provided in the Church’s name. In the United States, Catholic schools have been indispensable in serving the poor, new immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, and even a goodly number of non-Catholics. As such, Catholic schools have made a significant and irreplaceable contribution to the republic while doing the work of evangelization and sanctification called for by the Church’s mission. Contemporary church leaders are wise to value and support such schools, for they have been the most effective means of passing on the faith while preparing, educating, and forming the next generation” (At the Heart of the Church, p.8).

We are grateful for the mission and the work of our Catholic schools and for the support they receive in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Rev. Stephen C. Rowan, Ph.D, Superintendent for Catholic Schools