Notre Dame de Sion High School is named ‘Top 50 In Nation’
for academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education
by the National Catholic High School Honor Roll.

 

Kansas City, MO / Oct. 15, 2010

        When you are among the best, people take notice. As the National Catholic High School Honor Roll announced its list of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the United States, two Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Kansas City ~ St. Joseph made the grade: St. Pius X High School, a diocesan co-educational school in the Northland and Notre Dame de Sion, a private all-girls school in south Kansas City.

       “I am very proud of all of the Catholic high schools in our diocese, “said Bishop Robert Finn. “For St. Pius X and Notre Dame de Sion, recognition from the Acton Institute is particularly meaningful because it confirms that we integrate the Catholic faith into the fabric of our schools and continue to set benchmarks for moral and academic formation.”

       The National Catholic Honor Roll recognizes schools for demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education. Begun in 2004, the Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, MI.

       “Having two local Catholic high schools recognized is evidence that our schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation,” said Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel W. Peters. “As a Catholic educator, I am pleased that this program takes a 360-degree look at the totality of a Catholic school education -- superior academics in a faith-based environment that prepare students for active engagement in the world.”

       All of the approximately 1,300 Catholic high schools in the nation are eligible for consideration by the National Catholic High School Honor Roll. The application process includes three comprehensive self-studies, which are juried by Catholic college presidents and noted Catholic scholars.

       “Being a college preparatory high school for young women and having this kind of recognition awarded says Notre Dame de Sion High School is among the best in our nation,” said Principal Michelle Olson. “Our young women live the spirit of Sion through their commitment to community service, academic excellence and extra-curricular involvement.” she said. “Because of our mission -- which is rooted in the Catholic faith and the Sisters of Sion -- our students are being prepared to live and lead in a religiously and culturally diverse world." In addition to reviewing community service outcomes, the Honor Roll examines average test scores on national standardized tests, Advanced Placement programs and curricula.

       "This award is the culmination of the hard work of our students, teachers, parents and alumni,” said Principal Joseph Monachino, Jr. “Receiving a national honor for our academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education confirms that we are succeeding in our goal to educate each student to their full academic potential as well as enhancing their growth of Catholic values. We are proud to provide an Education for Life to our students," he said.

To see a list of the top 50 schools, as well as lists of honorable mention schools, visit www.chshonor.org.