National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2026 will be celebrated from Sunday, January 25 to Saturday, January 31.
Catholic schools have long been known for strong academics, character development, and a deep sense of community. In recent years, however, Catholic education has seen renewed interest nationwide—not only among Catholic families, but among families of many faith backgrounds who are seeking a balanced, values-centered approach to schooling. As we enter 2026, several clear trends are shaping why parents are increasingly choosing Catholic schools.
HERE ARE FIVE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT REASONS FAMILIES ARE TURNING TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION.
1. A VALUES-BASED ENVIRONMENT THAT FEELS GROUNDED
In an era of constant change, many parents want a school environment that feels steady and grounded in clear expectations. Catholic schools emphasize respect, responsibility, kindness, and service—values that guide daily interactions and routines.
Parents often cite this consistency as a key benefit. The predictable structure helps students feel safe, supported, and focused. Dr. John Murphy, Assistant Head of School for Mission and Identity at Santa Catalina, explains that the distinctive charism of a Catholic school shapes this environment, encouraging students to reflect on justice, equity, and moral responsibility as they engage with the world.
2. PERSONALIZED ATTENTION AND SMALLER CLASS SIZES
Catholic schools typically offer smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to know students well and tailor instruction to individual needs. Families appreciate the close relationships that develop between teachers, students, and parents.
This personalized approach supports academic growth while also strengthening confidence and social-emotional development—an important part of the Catholic emphasis on educating the whole child.
3. ACADEMIC RIGOR WITH A WHOLE-CHILD FOCUS
While Catholic schools are known for strong academics, families increasingly value the broader educational experience they provide. Students benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that includes core subjects, the arts, and expanding access to STEM and hands-on learning.
Murphy notes that Catholic education encourages students to explore questions of meaning and purpose, helping them understand how faith and reason work together—supporting both intellectual development and personal formation.
4. A COMMITMENT TO CHARACTER AND SERVICE
Service remains a defining element of Catholic education. Students participate in community projects, food drives, environmental efforts, and partnerships with local organizations.
These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement. Schools report that service learning helps students build confidence while developing a sense of purpose and connection beyond the classroom.
5. AN INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY
Nearly half of students in Catholic schools nationwide are not Catholic. Families from diverse backgrounds are drawn to Catholic education for its inclusive culture and strong sense of belonging.
Lindsay and Nic Kissell, parents at San Carlos School, say they chose the school to provide their children with a strong spiritual and moral foundation alongside academic excellence. They value the school’s emphasis on personal responsibility, respect, and service, and appreciate that character formation is treated as equally important as academic achievement. The Kissells say San Carlos’ philosophy—“We welcome. We nurture. We serve.”—is reflected daily by its staff and community, and that since their children began in transitional kindergarten, their family has felt truly at home.
LOOKING AHEAD
As families continue to seek meaningful educational experiences, Catholic schools are evolving while remaining rooted in long-held values. Whether drawn by academics, moral formation, or a strong sense of community, many families say Catholic education offers a balance they cannot find elsewhere.
Monterey County families exploring this option will find a range of Catholic schools across the region, each with its own strengths and traditions—and a shared commitment to educating both the mind and the heart.
OUR FEATURED MONTEREY COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
PALMA SCHOOL
PALMASCHOOL.ORG | 831-422-6391
Founded in 1951, Palma School is a private, college-preparatory Catholic school serving boys in grades 6–8 and co-educational students in grades 9–12. Owned and operated by the Christian Brothers Institute of California, Palma offers rigorous academics alongside award-winning music and art programs, championship athletics, and meaningful service opportunities. A strong campus culture emphasizes inclusion, camaraderie, confidence, and character development, preparing graduates to lead.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL
SHSCHOOL.COM | 831-771-1310
Located in the heart of the Salinas Valley, Sacred Heart School has provided a co-educational Catholic education for students from preschool through grade 8 since 1906. The school emphasizes 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. The academic program includes Spanish, art, music, technology, and physical education, along with a variety of extracurricular sports and clubs. Before- and after-school care is available. As a Blue Zones–certified school, Sacred Heart emphasizes healthy living in mind, body, and spirit.
SAN CARLOS SCHOOL
SANCARLOSSCHOOL.ORG | 831-375-1324
San Carlos School, a ministry of San Carlos Cathedral, has been serving students in the Monterey area for 128 years. The school offers a high-quality Catholic education for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 8, with an engaging curriculum that promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative exploration. In addition to core subjects, students receive instruction in technology, foreign language, music, art, library, wellness, and religion, and may participate in 13 extracurricular clubs and sports.
SANTA CATALINA SCHOOL GRADES 9-12
SANTACATALINA.ORG | 831-655-9356
Santa Catalina School is an all-girls Catholic day and boarding school in Monterey that prepares students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Guided by expert faculty, students take ownership of their academic journey, including participation in an award-winning marine ecology research program. Opportunities in athletics, the arts, and leadership complement a global community where strong relationships, curiosity, confidence, and character are cultivated.
SANTA CATALINA LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PREK-8
SANTACATALINA.ORG | 831-655-9337
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School serves boys and girls in preschool through grade 8 on a 36-acre campus in Monterey. The school combines values-based education with hands-on learning, encouraging students to explore their interests while developing strong character. Intentional focus on academic growth, compassion, and confidence prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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