In early 2025, NCEA committed to establishing a national-level award—the first of its kind—to recognize exemplary Catholic schools. During this same period, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it would be sunsetting the National Blue Ribbon Award. With that program ending, NCEA accelerated its efforts to design and introduce this new recognition.
The NCEA Catholic Schools of Distinction Program will recognize schools that set the national standard for excellence in Catholic education as demonstrated through the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS).
An NCEA Catholic School of Distinction is more than a strong school—it is a model of Catholic education at its best. These schools live out their Catholic mission with visible impact and service to students, families, and the wider community, while integrating faith across all aspects of school life. They demonstrate measurable growth in learning and innovation, embody a culture of academic excellence rooted in gospel values, and ensure sustainability through shared leadership, vitality, and sound stewardship of resources.
The pre-application period will open in February 2026. The full application will be completed during the school year and selected schools will be notified in fall 2026. The first NCEA Catholic Schools of Distinction will be recognized at the NCEA 2027 Convention in Indianapolis. Learn more about the program at www.NCEA.org/Distinction.
NCEA Discover Catholic Schools Week, November 16–22, 2025, energized students, teachers, and communities while lifting up the wonder of Catholic education. Schools lit up the week with service projects, games, teacher antics, social media shoutouts, open houses, liturgies, and career days—setting the stage for NCEA National Catholic Schools Week, January 25–31, 2026.
Get ready to celebrate Catholic schools united in faith and community! Learn more at www.NCEA.org/CSW and use #CSW2026 to join the conversation.
St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, Virginia Beach, VA, Diocese of Richmond
Holy Trinity School, York, PA, Diocese of Harrisburg
Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill, NJ, Diocese of Camden
Holy Redeemer School, Johns Creek, GA, Archdiocese of Atlanta
St. Catherine’s Academy, Anaheim, CA, Diocese of Orange
Holy Spirit Catholic School, Annandale, VA, Diocese of Arlington
St. Emily School, Prospect, IL, Archdiocese of Chicago
Wildwood Catholic Academy, North Wildwood, NJ, Diocese of Camden
The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot, Powatan, VA, Diocese of Richmond
Saint Joseph the Worker, Allentown, PA, Diocese of Allentown
St. Patrick’s Academy, Great Falls, MT, Diocese of Great Falls-Gillings
Notre Dame Preparatory, Pontiac, MI, Archdiocese of Detroit