Blue Ribbon Joy: Catholic Schools Shine in 2025

By Linda Reeves

A spotlight is shining brightly on Catholic schools as National Catholic Schools Week approaches, celebrated from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This annual event highlights the significant contributions of Catholic education to families, communities and the Church.

This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” captures what makes Catholic education unique: a commitment to academic excellence, faith formation and service. Across the Diocese of St. Augustine, 39 schools, including early learning centers, grade schools, and high schools, and one school dedicated to students with learning differences, serve over 12,000 students with a dedicated team of more than 2,000 faculty and staff.

Why Catholic Schools Stand Out

Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting task. Catholic schools provide a holistic approach to education, integrating faith, academics and values. Here are some tips for parents discerning the best fit for their child:

▪ Consider the Mission: Does the school align with your family’s values and spiritual goals? Catholic schools emphasize moral development, community and service.

▪ Visit the Campus: Open houses during Catholic Schools Week are a great opportunity to see classrooms in action and meet teachers and staff.

▪ Evaluate Academic Standards: Look for schools with strong test scores, high graduation rates and innovative programs.

▪ Observe Faith Integration: How is faith incorporated into daily learning? Prayers, Mass and religious education foster spiritual growth.

▪ Engage with other Parents: Speak with current families about their experiences. Catholic schools’ sense of community often sets them apart.

A Blue Ribbon Celebration

St. Michael Academy in Fernandina Beach exemplifies the best of Catholic education. The school was honored with the prestigious 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award, recognizing its exceptional academic achievements and commitment to student success.

“We are thrilled,” said Tricey Godfrey, the school’s principal. “This award is a testament to our faith-centered approach and the dedication of our amazing teachers.”

Godfrey credits the school’s success to its Christ-centered mission, noting, “We focus on Christ at the center of everything we do.” This focus, combined with the tireless efforts of the teaching staff, ensures that no student is left behind.

The school will host a community-wide celebration on Jan. 25, complete with blue balloons, festive decorations and special tributes to teachers and staff. St. Michael’s pastor, Father Eric Stelzer, shared his excitement: “God has truly blessed our school. Our mission of forming disciples is alive and thriving.”

Faith, Fun and Community

Throughout the diocese, Catholic Schools Week will feature an array of events. From silly sock days to career fairs and food drives, schools are finding creative ways to engage students and families.

At Resurrection in Jacksonville, Principal Amanda Rainey is hosting a food drive and a special day focusing on the priesthood and consecrated life. Meanwhile, Cathedral Parish School will hold a Mass celebrated by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, followed by a Eucharistic procession through classrooms—a moving reminder of the living faith at the heart of Catholic education.

A Legacy of Excellence

For more than 150 years, Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine have been rooted in a rich academic and spiritual excellence tradition. As we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, we are reminded of the vital role these schools play in shaping young minds and hearts.

Take time this week to visit a Catholic school, join in the celebrations and pray for the students, teachers and staff who continue to make these schools shine. Together, they inspire the next generation to become the people God intends them to be, leaving a lasting impact on the Church and the world.

To learn more about Catholic schools in the diocese, visit https://www.dosaeducation.org/our-schools or call the Catholic Schools Office at (904) 262-0668.

Box to come.

Catholic Schools Excel in the Diocese

The Diocese of St. Augustine takes pride in its tradition of academic excellence and environmental stewardship in Catholic education. Eight schools in the diocese have earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education, including St. Michael Academy in Fernandina Beach, which received this honor in November during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Christ the King Catholic School has been awarded the National Green Ribbon for its outstanding efforts in ecology and environmental education, showcasing a commitment to fostering care for God’s creation.