Celebrating Catholic Schools Week at Home: The Value of a Catholic Homeschool Education

Catholic Schools Week, celebrated every year from the last Sunday in January through the following Saturday, honors the impact and value of Catholic education.

Students in Catholic schools not only excel academically—with higher test scores, 99% high school graduation, and 86% college attendance—but also grow in faith, character, and service. For Catholic homeschool families, this week is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact and value of a Catholic education and to see how an academy-style approach blends the flexibility of home learning with the structure, community, and faith formation of a Catholic school.

Why Catholic Education Matters for Students

Catholic education has long been recognized not only for academic excellence but for holistic student formation. According to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), students in Catholic schools consistently outperform peers in public schools on standardized assessments. In the 2024 NAEP assessment for grades 4 and 8, Catholic students scored higher in reading and math, illustrating the strong academic foundation provided by a Catholic education. 

Catholic Academy Virtual Open House

Interested in a Catholic academy-style education for your children? Join our Virtual Open House to explore Catholic Academy’s home-based learning, discover how we support each child’s unique journey, and get your questions about admissions answered. 

But the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Catholic education fosters the development of the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit. A Catholic education balances the sacred and scholarly. Students learn virtues like compassion, integrity, and courage while engaging in service opportunities that connect faith to action. They experience an environment where academic achievement and moral development go hand in hand. 

For homeschooling families, a fully accredited online Catholic academy blends the strengths of home instruction with professional teacher support, expansive course choice, and a structured curriculum. Students are formed in faith and character in ways that mirror the ethos of traditional Catholic schools. 

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 

Catholic Schools Week is a national opportunity to honor and reflect on the impact of Catholic education. Catholic Virtual celebrates alongside families and schools, recognizing the contributions of teachers, parents, students, and parish partners to faith-filled learning. For homeschooling families, this week can be a time to:

• Highlight Achievements: Celebrate students’ academic, artistic, or service accomplishments within and beyond the family and school community.
• Engage with Community: Connect virtually with other Catholic homeschool families, parish programs, or alumni networks.
• Reflect on Faith Formation: Set aside intentional time for prayer, family devotions, or service projects that underscore Catholic values.
• Share Your Story: Document milestones or reflections to contribute to the broader celebration of Catholic education. 

Families are the heart of Catholic education, and students are at the heart of Catholic Academy. Kickoff Catholic Schools Week at home with a message from Catholic Academy president Rob Birdsell.

By framing learning and family activities within the context of Catholic Schools Week, homeschooling families can experience the joy of celebration, reflection, and connection, mirroring Catholic school celebrations around the nation.

Why an Online Catholic Academy is a Great Homeschool Choice

Families choosing a Catholic academy-style homeschool program are making a decision that balances flexibility, rigor, and faith formation. This model:

• Preserves Faith Identity: Students learn within a clearly Catholic framework.
• Maintains High Academic Standards: Accredited, teacher-led instruction ensures excellence across subjects.
• Fosters Lifelong Skills: Beyond academics, students develop critical thinking, service orientation, and digital readiness skills for college and career, and maturity.
• Strengthens Ties: Programs intentionally build Catholic identity. 

This Catholic Schools Week, Catholic Academy celebrates the value of Catholic education and the families who choose to bring it into their homes. A Catholic Academy learning experience is more than a curriculum; it is a formation experience that nurtures academic excellence, spiritual growth, moral development, and community engagement. 

By choosing this path, families provide their children with the benefits of a traditional Catholic education while embracing the flexibility of at home learning. Catholic education—at home or in school—continues to form students who lead with character, courage, and a lifelong love of learning rooted in Christ. This Catholic Schools Week, celebrate, reflect, and share the gift of this enduring tradition.