2024 National Blue Ribbon schools include four Catholic schools in Texas
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Forty-one private schools received this distinguished recognition. The National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes public and private schools in two categories: 1) Exemplary High Performing Schools and 2) Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.
houston
Christ the Redeemer Catholic School
Christ the Redeemer Catholic School (CtRCS) in Houston, Texas, is a vibrant learning community serving Pre-K3 through 8th grade students. The school is proud to receive its first National Blue Ribbon award, a testament to its commitment to excellence in education.
CtRCS is nationally recognized as a STEM Certified School through the National Institute of STEM Education. This prestigious recognition underscores CtRCS's commitment to integrating problem-solving into every aspect of its curriculum, from Project-Based Learning initiatives to a discipline philosophy that encourages students to take ownership of and resolve challenges.
The curriculum at CtRCS is designed to meet students where they are, providing personalized learning opportunities that allow each child to thrive. With a strong emphasis on STEM education—including robotics, coding, and hands-on science projects—students are prepared for the demands of the 21st century while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
CtRCS serves a diverse student body, enriching the school community with various cultural experiences and perspectives. This diversity fosters a rich learning environment where students can learn from one another and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Faith and community service are central to the CtRCS experience and deeply embedded in the school’s mission and daily life. At CtRCS, students are encouraged to live out their faith through meaningful acts of service that extend beyond the classroom. The school’s commitment to service is reflected in a wide array of projects and initiatives that support the local community and instill in students the values of compassion, responsibility, and respect for an ever-increasing global community.
houston
St. John Paul II Catholic School
St. John Paul II Catholic School (StJPII) in West Houston offers an exceptional Catholic education for over 700 PreK-8th grade students. Established in 1988, StJPII provides a nurturing environment with dedicated teachers and staff. StJPII features a robust curriculum, extracurricular activities, extensive student resources, and fine arts programs, including art, chorale, and band. Blending tradition and innovation, StJPII is committed to teaching Catholic values and academic excellence. Accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Bishops of Education Department, StJPII ensures the highest standards in education.
StJPII focuses on developing the whole child, empowering students to explore their talents and reach their full potential. Academic growth is supported through programs such as Study Skills, National Junior Honor Society, Summer Enrichment, the Stretch reading program, and Students Outstanding in Academics & Research (SOAR). Character development programs include Love and Logic®, Boys Town Education Model®, and Virtues in Practice®. StJPII also offers numerous after-school sports teams and hosts popular community events for the entire family.
Committed to affordability, StJPII has kept tuition increases minimal over the past decade. StJPII has earned prestigious accolades, including National Blue Ribbon School (1996, 2008, 2018, and 2024), National Institute for STEM Education Certification (2024), and Catholic Honor Roll School (2020). These honors reflect StJPII’s strong reputation in Texas and beyond. StJPII graduates typically gain acceptance to their preferred high schools, with many earning academic scholarships, demonstrating StJPII’s dedication to providing an exemplary Catholic education and fostering community pride.
plano
St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School, a pillar of education in Plano, Texas since 1982, is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, and social development of students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. With an emphasis in academic excellence and faith formation, St. Mark Catholic School provides a family-centered environment where students are encouraged to grow in both knowledge and character.
The school’s success is rooted in the dedicated staff who work closely with parents and students to cultivate a lifelong passion for faith, curiosity, and learning. At St. Mark Catholic School fostering individuality within the school community creates an environment of awareness and acceptance by embracing each person’s unique qualities and potential. Students are highly valued, promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation that elevates performance. Through open-ended questions and guided inquiry, educators empower students to form meaningful real-life connections while developing cognitive skills. To prepare for the future, students are taught to respect differing opinions, communicate effectively, and exhibit empathy within a diverse community.
Beyond the classroom, students are given the opportunities to shine through fine arts, athletics, STEAM clubs, and academic competitions. These options allow students to explore personal interests while offering a wide range of engaging activities that nurture God-given talents, boost confidence, and encourage students to embrace challenges and take risks in their life-long learning journey.
Cultivating individuality is foundational at St. Mark Catholic School by enhancing the faith journey and academic success in preparing students for fulfilling futures. For over forty years, this practice has defined St. Mark Catholic School’s standard of excellence.
pearland
St. Helen Catholic School
St. Helen Catholic School is a mid-size, suburban Catholic school, southwest of the Houston metropolitan area. St. Helen is a co-educational campus, PK3-8, founded by parishioners in 1997 with 48 students. Today we educate almost 400 students with expectations for high achievement to prepare them for high school and beyond
Our student population reflects the diversity of the surrounding areas and includes special needs learners who receive needed accommodations and interventions to promote individual success. Honors classes are also offered for students in grades 6-8.
St. Helen provides learners with a well-rounded, faith-based education which includes strong academics, student established goals for personal performance, development of social and citizenship skills, and a commitment to community service. St. Helen is a designated Archdiocesan STREAM Synergy School. Other varied interests of students are met through numerous enrichment and extra-curricular offerings and clubs, including athletic and academic competitions.
We are proud of our staff and campus recognitions with two "teachers of the year" in the Archdiocese since 2012, our School Advisory Council's award as "Council of the Year" in 2016, the principal's "Inaugural Leadership Award" in 2020, and two teachers named as Catholic teachers of excellence in 2022 and 2024.
The family atmosphere and academic achievements we tout are due to our emphasis on parent involvement, service learning, and caring relationships. St. Helen will continue to foster a challenging, nurturing learning environment for all of our learners, families, and staff.
