KCHS recognized as School of Excellence

On Sept. 15, the Cardinal Newman Society released the list of schools recognized by the Catholic Education Honor Roll as 2014 Schools of Excellence. For the third time since the Honor Roll was established in 2004, Knoxville Catholic High School was named to the list.

The Schools of Excellence are recognized for overall excellence in all three Honor Roll categories – Catholic identity, academics, and civic education.

“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families, and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society.

This year’s Honor Roll schools are diverse: large and small, new and long-established, both highly selective and open enrollment admissions policies, and high and low tuition rates. The common trait is an institutional commitment to providing a truly integrated and faithful Catholic education across all disciplines and in all areas of student activities. Seventy-one schools received the honor of being named as a School of Excellence, less than five percent of the Catholic high schools in the United States.

“Being named a School of Excellence validates our partnership with our parents and supporting parishes as a truly authentic Catholic institution,” said Dickie Sompayrac, KCHS president. “This honor is also a testament to the outstanding commitment and work of our faculty and staff. We are all very proud to be a part of this incredible KCHS community.”

The Catholic High School Honor Roll was created by the Acton Institute in 2004. The Cardinal Newman Society assumed the program in 2012, consistent with its mission of helping Catholic families and promoting faithful Catholic education.

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga was recognized as a School of Excellence in 2010-11 and in 2012-13.