SPENCER, IA — Catholic Schools Week begins next week across schools in Northwest Iowa, as Catholic schools continue to see growth in enrollment numbers.

In the 2025–2026 school year, more than 26,000 students are currently enrolled in Iowa’s Catholic schools. That figure marks an increase of more than three percent from last year. Nearly 98 percent of students are attending Catholic schools with the help of Education Savings Accounts, which are increasingly being used by lower-income families.

In Spencer, Sacred Heart Parish and Catholic School are celebrating the week with a student-led Mass, family breakfasts, community service activities, dress-down days, and special events recognizing teachers and staff.

Emmetsburg Catholic School also kicked off the week with an omelet breakfast and all-school Mass on Sunday. Other events include a bishop’s visit, themed dress-up days, a decade’s dance, and a student-organized carnival to close out the week.

Catholic Schools Week in Iowa runs January 25th through the 31st and is celebrated nationwide each year to highlight the role Catholic schools play in educating students and serving their communities.