During Catholic Schools Week, students from Catholic schools across the country were invited to share, in their own words, what they love about their schools. This sampling of their reflections offers an inside look at Catholic education.
Archdiocese of Washington, from The Catholic Standard
“Something I like about my Catholic school are the school Masses. There is just something powerful when we all gather together and lift our prayer to God. We middle schoolers lead the younger students and give them a good example on how one should behave in church. After the recessional hymn, our principal Mary Penny takes some time to thank all the student volunteers who were petition and Scripture readers as well as altar servers and gift bearers. I feel like our school Masses really bring out the best in us.” – Matthew Cooksey, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“What I like about my school, St. Columba, is the sports. It helps me connect with my friends, my teachers and God. My school teaches me to be kind and care about others. When I play sports, I enjoy my time with my friends, and I’m thankful for them. I’m also thankful for my teachers’ support in learning. St. Columba makes me happy.” – Ngozi Goins, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“I have been at this school for a total of two years, and this community is something I like to call a small school with a big heart. I have met my best friend of my dreams, Nyali. Every day, we explore new things but the thing I love the most about my school is the tree of friendship. The tree of friendship is what separates the preschool from elementary and middle school. That tree indicates the bond between littles and bigs. I have so many memories of that tree, either collecting acorns with Nyali for fun or pushing a little kid on a scooter. It is also a nice school because as you get older, you still have a Mass buddy, that is like being a sister no matter who you are, where you came from or what you look like. That tree with that gleaming red bench can bring anyone together..” – Charlie Dean, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I love the teachers here. I love our buddies. I like how we get to interact with different levels of grades. I love how I feel safe. I like how I don’t have to worry about being scared. I can feel safe like it’s my home. I like morning prayer. I like how we sing and talk about saints and stuff like that. I like how we go to Mass every Friday. I like how we can interact with Jesus. I like how we have different teachers. I love to talk about Jesus.” – Addision Pitcher, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“My favorite thing about St. Elizabeth School is our uniform, because we have the word SAINTS written on it. This means we’re all called to be saints, and nothing can stop us from getting closer to God. When I look around the church during Mass, it’s a beautiful sight to see all the students from kindergarten to eighth grade wearing matching sweatshirts that prove our potential to become saints. I love that our school puts God above all else. We have a crucifix in every classroom, and we begin each class with a prayer. We also have Mass every other week, and it brings us closer to God and each other. Our school is a wonderful environment that spreads love, kindness and the faith. St. Elizabeth School, thank you for everything you do to help our students grow and develop into God-loving people!” – Julia Toumi, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, from Diocese of Arlington Youtube
Ed. note: This diocese chose not to share students’ names.
“They have small classes so you can talk to the teachers one-on-one about your difficulties and they really help you and guide you through your faith.”
“We get lots of one-on-one time, and it really does feel like a family.”
“There are so many people from different countries all around the world and it’s cool. We get to know about a little bit about where they’re from and what they like to do as a part of their country.”
“I think it’s helped me kind of discern nursing as a career path because I’ve realized the inherent dignity for every person and I want to help others see that in themselves.”
“The whole school is aware of the four pillars of study, community, service, and prayer. And it’s shown by the teachers, by the students, throughout all that we learn.”
Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, from Diocese of Gaylord Features
“Adoration completely transformed me. I realized Christ was truly present and that I could have a relationship with him every day.” – Betty Cordner 15, reflecting on St. Mary of Hannah School, Kingsley
“Part of who I am is in St. Mary’s. It has taught lessons and educated me. I don’t know who I would be without it.” – Claire Couturier, St. Mary School in Lake Leelanau
“It’s not just learning facts. It’s learning to live like Jesus.” – Maple Cordner, 11, St. Mary of Hannah School, Kingsley
Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indiana, from 2026 Catholic Schools Week Supplement
“It’s a smaller school, so everybody knows each other very well. It’s amazing to just get to meet so many awesome people. All of the teachers are great. All of the students are great. It is a really nice community. So that’s been really impactful. But I’ve also learned a lot academically. And I’ve become friends with kids from different grades. I haven’t always had that.” – Liam Malta, Senior, Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville
“More than anything, it’s been the connections you form with other people. From a spiritual perspective, that can really strengthen your faith. It’s been a lot of meeting really great people who otherwise I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to know. And that’s really allowed me to draw closer to God and inspect and strengthen my faith further.” – Liam Malta, Senior, Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville
Archdiocese of Cincinnati, from Bishop Fenwick High School
“I’m thankful for my opportunity to attend a Catholic school because It offers a supportive community of students and teachers that encourage learning leadership and service.” – Emma, Class of 2028, Bishop Fenwick High School
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