STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2013) — State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) today honored the important role Catholic schools play in Indiana’s education system with a Senate Resolution recognizing National Catholic Schools week.

Senate Resolution 17 acknowledges the history of Catholic schools in America and their accomplishments with Indiana students. Leising said there are almost 7,000 Catholic schools in the nation, eight of which are in counties that she represents:

• St. Louis Catholic School of Batesville
• St. Nicholas Catholic School of Sunman
• St. Michael Catholic School of Brookville
• St. Gabriel Catholic School of Connersville
• St. Mary Catholic School of Rushville
• St. Joseph Catholic School of Shelbyville
• St. Mary Catholic School of Greensburg
• Oldenburg Academy High School of Oldenburg

“Catholic schools are a very important part of our national education system,” Leising said. “These schools have a proven track record of success. More than 91 percent of Catholic school graduates within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis attend college. Catholic school students also score above average on national academic tests, and over 99 percent of Catholic high school students graduate each year. That’s something to celebrate.”

Catholic schools in the U.S. enroll nearly 2.1 million students each year. Notably, 15 percent of students in Catholic schools are not of the Catholic faith. In Indiana, there are 189 Catholic schools with a total of 54,375 students.

National Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 this year. For more information, visit the National Catholic Educational Association’s website.

-30-