Catholic Classrooms
Discover what makes Catholic schools shine Where faith, math and science unite
EDUCATION WITH A MISSION
Catholic Classrooms
EDUCATION WITH A MISSION
WHAT’S INSIDE
Message from the superintendent
Theresa Hall shares what sets Catholic schools apart from other public and private schools
Who do you know?
Catholic school graduates go on to be leaders in business, government, sports, media and music
Innovation in the classroom
Catholic schools incorporate STEM subjects throughout the day to challenge students for tomorrow
You have a choice
Education Freedom Accounts will be available to all Arkansas parents beginning in August 2025 . .Page 10
Catholic schools map
Catholic schools in Arkansas operate under the authority of Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and the Diocese of Little Rock .
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In summary
Do you know how much it costs to educate one child in a Catholic school in Arkansas?
Page 30
On the cover
Little Rock and North Little Rock
include Will Little, third grade (front row left); Amy Arredondo, first grade; Danilo Robles, fourth grade; Olive Wingfield, eighth grade (back row left); Danny Nava, 11th grade; and Rachel Dam, 10th grade.
Discover 26 schools in Arkansas that are united and inspired
The first Catholic school founded in Arkansas was Mount St. Mary Academy in 1851. Since then, many Catholic schools have opened, and some have closed. Currently, we have 26 Catholic schools in our state that I am fortunate to get to visit throughout the year.
As with any school, Catholic schools strive to offer a challenging academic program to their students. But what makes our schools different is the ability to incorporate our religious values and share our faith throughout the day. During my visits to our schools, I ask students for their thoughts, and I hear how their faith is integrated into their curriculum from their answers.
Our schools have dedicated principals and committed teachers who give of themselves for their students and families. In their ministry, they embrace the opportunity to lead their students to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers who accept responsibility and care for each other.
We know that parents and guardians are the first teachers of children. We encourage forming a partnership with the school to work together for the growth and development of these children.
And even though all of our schools are Catholic schools and emphasize our faith, each school is unique. Within this magazine, you will find out more about the individual schools and what programs they offer that allow them to be different, and yet, so unique in their blend of top-tier education, life preparation and, of course, our faith.
Famous faces
Catholic schools in Arkansas can boast about dozens of graduates who have become wellknown in the state and the wider world. Here are just a few:
Business
n Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Class of 1991
n Charles Nabholz, founder of Con-Ark Builders and Nabholz Properties, St. Joseph, Conway, Class of 1954.
n Jake Nabholz, CEO of Nabholz Construction, St. Joseph School, Conway, Class of 1999
Government
n State Rep. Brit McKenzie, 2004 graduate of St. Vincent de Paul School, Rogers
n State Sen. Missy Thomas Irvin, Mount St. Mary Academy, Class of 1989
n U.S. Rep. French Hill, Catholic High School, Little Rock, Class of 1975
n G. David Gearhart, chancellor for the University of Arkansas, 2008-2015, St. Joseph School Class of 1967, Fayetteville
n Ray Simon, United States deputy secretary of education, 2005-2009, St. Joseph School, Conway, Class of 1963
Sports
Wallace Spearmon
n Wallace Spearmon, Olympic sprinter 2008 and 2012, St. Joseph School Class of 1997, Fayetteville
n Stephen Jones, executive vice president, Dallas Cowboys CEO and director of player personnel, Class of 1983, and Jerry Jones Jr., Dallas Cowboys chief sales and marketing officer and executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys, Class of 1988, Catholic High School, Little Rock
n John York, co-chairman of San Francisco 49ers, Catholic High School, Little Rock, Class of 1967
Media
n Nikolaus Koch,
producer for KARK and FOX-16, Sacred Heart School, Morrilton, Class of 2012
n Chris May, anchor for KATV Channel 7, Catholic High School, Little Rock, Class of 1989
n Brooke Buckner, weekend evening anchor and reporter at THV11, Mount St. Mary Academy, Class of 2016
Music
n Kyle Bruich, touring guitarist for Tyler Farr, David Lee Murphy and Trick Pony, St. Joseph, Class of 2006, Conway
Theresa Hall Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Laura Landreaux
Brooke Buckner
Nikolaus Koch
State Rep. Brit McKenzie
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Failure not a bad word in STEM classes
From robotics to 3D printing, schools introduce innovation to encourage students to try new things and learn from their mistakes
The last decade has revealed a growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in education, and parochial schools are no exception. In fact, parochial schools have taken STEM a step further, often interchangeably referring to their programs as STEAM, by including arts, or STREAM, adding arts and religion.
Catholic Classrooms spoke to some of the parochial schools to learn more about their STEM programs.
Christ the King School, Little Rock
One school that has emphasized various STEM opportunities in its curriculum is Christ the King School in Little Rock. Paula Frank, STEM teacher and IT support, said the school has many different programs and technology for students to experiment with to determine what they like and are good at. She, like many STEM teachers, refers to the school’s creative areas as a makerspace.
Ozobots, 3D Printers, Drone Legends, Strawbees, Makedo, KEVA Planks and BBC Micro:bit electronics for STEM builds.”
VEX Robotics program allows students to design and build remotecontrolled robots. Ozobots are small programmable robots that help students learn about the importance of coding and what different codes do. Drone Legends is a K-12 STEM curriculum that helps students learn about STEM through games and competitions. Strawbees, Makedo and KEVA Planks are construction sets that help teach students about engineering. A BBC micro:bit is a miniature computer with light displays, buttons and sensors designed to teach children to code and the importance of hardware and software.
tools if they finish work early.
Frank said teaching students of all ages about STEM is important because “STEM brings the textbooks to life.”
“We can use Play-Doh to light up an LED bulb to teach circuits. Students have made robots with paper cups, a small motor and markers,” she said.
“STEM brings out students' creativity and teaches them collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills — skills they will need in their higher learning and jobs.”
By Katie Zakrzewski Associate Editor
“We have built our STEM lab to have not only makerspace consumable items but also invested in Class VR (virtual reality) headsets, VEX Robotics,
At Christ the King, students are given the chance to tinker and explore STEM.
“Kindergarten through eighth grade come to the STEM lab once a week. Kindergarten through third grade do makerspace activities and mini-STEM projects, and fourth through eighth grade do multi-week STEM builds,” Frank said.
Even though Christ the King officially converted their computer lab into a STEM lab in January 2024, now that students have Chromebooks in all classrooms for digital skills, Frank said the school has always embraced STEM through classroom builds and projects
Frank said she hopes her classes and activities help students connect STEM to all subjects and topics.
“My goal this year is to relate STEM to their history and (English Language Arts) classes too — not just science and math,” she said. “My hope is their exposure to the STEM topics builds curiosity for future career paths and helps them come test time down the road.”
St. John School, Russellville
During the 2022-2023, St. John School in Russellville decided to dive deeper into STEM opportunities when they introduced a robotics program for students in kindergarten through sixth
Photo courtesy of Capt. Scott Pursley
Vex 123 kits. These kits formed the program's foundation, containing programmable robots that brought STEM and coding to life for students. … The school expanded by adding Vex Go and Vex IQ kits, followed by the addition of Vex Competition kits through a local business grant, completing the range of robotics kits offered.
Each week, students can participate in an after-school robotics session, with parental permission. Students can also join the competition team after passing a skills test. One of these teams earned an invitation to the Vex World Competition in Dallas, reaching this milestone in their second year of participation.
“The after-school program includes 20 to 25 students who gather once a week for an hour,” said principal Vivian Fox. “The three competition teams, made up of 12 members, meet at least once a week and more frequently when preparing for robotics competitions with other schools.”
Fox said the robotics room and the library’s dedicated technology center give students diverse STEM opportunities to experiment with and explore.
“Our robotics room houses the robotics kits, spare parts, computers and
the competition team's practice floor. However, space around the competition floor is limited, so coaches often have students build their robots in the school library or other classrooms. Still, having all the robotics kits and equipment centralized in one room is a significant advantage,” she said. “... Our library features a dedicated technology center, and each class participates in a weekly technology session. During these classes, the technology teacher integrates computer projects, robotics, and/or STEM activities into the curriculum.”
Fox said the past few years have been a pivotal learning period for developing the school’s STEM programs as they’ve participated in competitions and learned more about their skills and new opportunities. She said the school’s dedication to STEM will better prepare students for the next step in their educational journey.
“As many people know, there are very few Catholic schools that offer education from elementary through high school. As a result, students often transfer to the public school system after completing Catholic elementary or middle school. To attract students, we must compete with public schools, and once they join our schools, we must ensure they are fully prepared to transition successfully into other school systems when they leave,” she said. “Our goal is to prepare students not only academically but also spiritually, physically and emotionally. Many schools appreciate students from Catholic schools because of their strong behavior and work ethic. By integrating STEM, STEAM or STREAM into our curriculum, we better equip our students for future success and, in many cases, elevate them to a
Catholic High robotics instructor Paul Lincicome (left) poses with members of the robotics teams at CHS and Mount St. Mary Academy, both in Little Rock, showing off their robots and STEM creations in the robotics lab at Catholic High Feb. 28, 2024. See STEM page 8
higher level compared to their peers at other schools.”
Our Lady of the Holy Souls School, Little Rock
Four years ago, Our Lady of the Holy Souls School in Little Rock built a STEM lab for their students. Since then, Jill Wingfield, the school’s STEAM teacher, has been working to incorporate more hands-on learning in the classrooms.
Wingfield works with teachers in pre-K4 through sixth grade and with homeroom teachers to build lessons that are relevant to what each class is doing. Kindergarteners and pre-K students are working on architecture lessons with KEVA planks and Legos, while second graders are building beaver dams to try and block running water to improve their engineering skills while learning about nature. Sixth graders are learning about ancient Egypt and studying architecture and geometry hands-on through a STEM lens.
“When we're talking about social studies units and historical events, we'll be talking about Martin Luther King, and we might build his podium and what would it look like there when he gives his speech,” she said.
Wingfield also enjoys working religion into STEM lessons where she can.
“We might use our faith as an opportunity to talk it out … If you're talking about Zacchaeus climbing into the tree to see Jesus, how would you build him a platform to get up into that tree to make his problem easier?” she said.
“Our goal in moving forward is changing the way that the kids think. Being independent problem-solvers is our goal,”
STEM
Continued from page 7
she said. “Through these activities that connect with what they're doing, they are able to explore. We don't give grades in the STEM lab, so if the teacher chooses to grade them, it is usually on how they work as a team or in a group. So, we practice our manners and constructive criticism as opposed to just being mean. …
“In STEM, you should be able to fail — we tried this, here are the problems that happened, it didn't work. We have to go back and plan again. The way the program continues to move forward, we don't always have time to go back to the lab, but they are encouraged. If they're really inspired by this or interested in doing this at home, they're encouraged to continue to move forward.”
Catholic High School, Little Rock
At Catholic High School in Little Rock, Paul Lincicome splits his day between teaching religion and physical science classes and teaching the elective robotics class, which has exploded in popularity.
Lincicome said the school’s STEAM program is diverse, whether it’s teaching coding or helping construct sets and pieces for the school’s theater department.
“I am also the chair of the religion department, so everything that I do and I teach comes from a background of knowing that there is a reason for all this,” he said. “There's a creator, a grand designer. We can't teach science effectively without understanding that.”
Lincicome said teaching physics and robotics helps showcase the diversity in STEM, between using technology to help students relate a phenomenon in nature with a graphical analysis to an equation or a model.
“The physics classroom is transformed into this place where you see in front of you beautiful graphs that help you understand the challenging concepts of the world,” he said. “And in robotics, it is absolutely constantly a place of learning by putting your hands on it. You get to learn by trial and error.”
Lincicome added that trial and error is not a bad thing in STEM — it’s
how students learn.
“In every other academic setting, failure is something that sets you back in terms of high school — in some cases, permanently. So, it's an environment where you can be creative and fail, and it is absolutely not detrimental to your progress,” he said. “It is actually a failure that can be something that drives you so far forward. You may learn more from failure than you do from success.
“And that is a beautiful educational model that is missing and was missing in education for a long time. That's just a wonderful thing that I love about robotics.”
Around 70 students are in the robotics program, 40 of whom are introductory robotics students. The other 30 students are focused on design and competition.
The robotics team has won several competitions recently, and Lincicome feels that the team will soon end up in regional and world competitions. And they’re not the only STEM team at Catholic High making waves.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Charles Johnson, the Marine Corps JROTC instructor, teaches two electives in aerospace.
“In JROTC, we have a competitive Cyber Security Team, which just recently placed second in a state competition,” he said. “Additionally, the aerospace classes, in general, are
STEM certified, and we are in the process of getting a competition drone team off the ground.”
Lincicome hopes the example set by Catholic High will continue to trickle down into the parochial elementary schools.
“We offer so much more now, and you ask yourself, ‘Why did we change? Why have we adapted?’ Catholic schools — Catholic High and Catholic schools in general — we cannot be the frog in the pot. We have to evaluate when we may do something well, but we have to look at the environment around us and remain relevant in this day...
“Relevancy is first and foremost. We teach young men skills that are relevant to the 21st century, to where some of my young men are skilled enough that they could leave here with a coding accreditation and get a very productive job without even having to go to college and make a pretty decent living — and then given some other training and some management skills could make lots of money without any college experience.
“But that's not my goal. My goal is to get them ready to attack whatever it is they want to attack. I would say that the most important thing is just being relevant in today's day and age — this is an increasingly digital age.”
See Science page 12
St. John School robotics team coach Dustin Shoptaw (left) celebrates their first win with Jackson Shoptaw (back), Liam Goodwin, Alex Cousar and Sy Odle (front) at the Sherlett Myers Legacy Elementary Robotics Tournament Jan. 13, 2024.
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Arkansas parents have choice where to enroll children
Education Freedom Accounts available to all Arkansas families for 2025-2026 school year to fund Catholic or private schools in state
Catholic school education is within reach for Arkansas children, starting in the fall 2025.
The state Legislature approved the LEARNS Act in 2023 to cover an expansive list of improvements to public and private schools, including teacher pay increases for public schools and higher literacy for elementary students.
The act also established Education Freedom Accounts to cover up to $6,672 a year for private education. In the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, the accounts were offered to select students.
Beginning in August, all students in kindergarten to 12th grade can apply for the “school vouchers” as long as one parent lives in Arkansas.
By Malea Hargett Editor
Photo by Bob Ocken
The Arkansas Department of Education approved all 26 Catholic schools in Arkansas to receive funds from the state’s Education Freedom Account
program. The public funds are put into accounts for students to send to the private school of their choice.
For the 2025-2026 school year, students with EFA accounts will be given $6,865 to cover educational expenses, including tuition, fees, uniforms, computers, tutoring, therapy and transportation.
While there was a 3-percent participation cap for the two previous school years, for this coming school year, there will be no limit on student approvals, based on available funding.
State Education Secretary Jacob Oliva told Arkansas Money & Politics, “When we looked at the fact and the belief that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for all families and students, we knew a key part of that was to empower parents. Parents have a right to have a seat at the table and to look at different educational opportunities, environments that work best for their students and families. We were very diligent in about a three-year process to roll out the school Education Freedom Accounts where in Year 1, it started a little bit smaller. We had just over 5,000 students participate,
WHY CHOOSE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS?
n Catholic schools offer an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence. Emphasis is placed on moral development and self-discipline.
n The U.S. graduation rate for Catholic schools is 98.9 percent, compared to 98.2 percent for other religious schools and 86 percent for public schools, based on 2022 data.
n Eighty-five percent of Catholic school graduates nationwide go to college, according to the National Catholic Educational Association.
n Graduating seniors from five Arkansas Catholic high schools were offered more than $39.6 million in college scholarships in 2024. This figure doesn’t include Subiaco Academy, a boarding school.
and many of the students were already participating in the state scholarship program. (The Succeed Scholarship Program was rolled into the EFAs.) State scholarships weren’t new to the state of Arkan sas. They were just expanded, so a lot of the people that were already in the program are parents of students with special needs who needed to get more educa tional support for their child, and they were participating in the scholar ship program.
“We also opened up eligibility to first-time kindergarten families and
n Standardized test scores for Arkansas Catholic school students in kindergarten to eighth grades are above average. Based on the NWEA MAP test in the fall of 2024, these were the average scores:
Reading: 63 percent
Math: 64 percent
Language arts: 66 percent
Science: 71 percent
dents that were zoned for a failing school, and we know that they may not be able to thrive academically in some of those environments while other families may, so Year 1 was a little bit smaller…,” he said. “(In Year 2) we’ve doubled or almost tripled the amount of folks who are eligible because we’ve expanded it to not just children of military families but also first responders, D and F schools (schools that have a D or F letter grade), kindergarteners and first graders, and all in all, it’s going well.
private schools to feel comfortable to participate but also make sure that we’re able to hold those schools accountable to ensure that students are learning so that when parents are making an informed choice about educational options, they’re of high quality, and they’re not just creating choice options to have choice options. We want high-quality choice options for our families.”
Theresa Hall, superintendent of Catholic schools in Arkansas, said the EFA program is removing the financial barriers for parents.
First grader Amy Arredondo of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in North Little Rock and third grader Will Little of Christ the King School in Little Rock listen in this photo illustration Jan. 30.
“If they do have to pay tuition, it is not as much,” she said. “I feel like that shouldn’t hinder whether someone wants to go to our Catholic schools.”
All students are expected to participate in the same curriculum whether they are Catholic or not.
“The pastors, the principals, the teachers have to remember that’s why we are Catholic schools first, regardless of the academic part or who’s there or not there,” Hall said.
“We are still Catholic schools. You have to follow that mission.”
“New parents should understand what the mission is, what the expectations are,” associate superintendent Marguerite Olberts said. “We’ve had non-Catholic children in our schools… We have always been able to work with the families to understand that although we aren’t trying to convert their children to Catholicism, we still expect them to participate and respect the Catholic faith.”
Rebecca Steimel, principal of St. Paul School in Pocahontas, said she is happy to see that Catholic schools are more affordable for Arkansas families.
“Enrollment has increased, and it keeps increasing from year to year,” she said. “Education in general has changed over the course of time. Private education is becoming something that parents are looking forward to more, and it’s accessible for them
EFA
Continued from page 11
now with those funds… Our local (public school) choice is just not the best choice. (Parents) want them out of the public school because education has changed so much.”
Myndi Keyton, principal of Christ the King School in Fort Smith, said enrollment was around 270 students two years ago and now stands at 332. In the fall of 2025, the school will accept a maximum of 350 students from 18 months old to fifth grade.
She said parents are choosing Christ
HOW TO APPLY
n If you know what Catholic school you want your child to attend, contact the school for a tour and apply. Some schools have limited openings.
n Fill out your application for an EFA account between March 3 and Aug. 1, 2025. Students in preschool or pre-kindergarten are not eligible for EFA funds.
Science
Continued from page 8
Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock
Increasing female involvement in STEM has been an educational priority in the U.S. for years, and Mount St. Mary Academy — a state’s only all-girls school — is not shying away from the challenge.
Science teacher Capt. Scott Pursley teaches AP physics, AP chemistry and AP computer science. He also teaches students to code and oversees the school's robotics team, a program that now has five teams. MSM recently received an award from the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation for having five all-girls teams.
“When they leave Mount, we want our girls to make a difference in the world. Science and technology is a huge lever for good works. Having girls who both love STEM and are good at it is even better,” he said. “It’s pretty common for girls to choose traditional sciences like biology and environmental science. We now see our girls choosing mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering,
the King School for its multicultural community.
“We have a pretty culturally diverse community here,” she said. “We really embrace that. We work really hard to celebrate all the cultures in our school. Our staff is ethnically diverse. Our preschool is bilingual – half the learning day is English and half the learning day in Spanish.”
St. Theresa School in Little Rock is also attracting more students because of its diversity. Principal Kristy Dunn said 85 percent of the 245 students are Latino.
“We had 14-percent growth overall from the 2023-2024 to the 2024-2025 school year,” she said. “We opened a
second kindergarten and next year, we’ll have a second first-grade. That growth was already starting, but the EFA accelerated it… We have done a really good job of identifying our mission and serving the Latino community here in southwest Little Rock. When I came on 10 years ago, we were at 150 students. Before EFA, a high watermark was 213… Families were much more open to the discussion than any of the times when we could say there are partial scholarships. It will fund some of your education. For us, the EFA funds will fund the full tuition amount. It was really exciting for parents to see how much financial support they could get.”
Diocesan officials recommend applying as soon as possible because state funding could be limited. For more information, visit https://dese. ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-ofschool-choice-and-parent-empowerment/education-freedom-accounts/ information-for-families. Contact the state’s Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment at (501) 683-
chemical engineering, physics, etc. It makes me very proud.”
The makerspace at MSM — referred to as the Makery — is the school’s hub for technology and tools to help students explore 3D printing, modeling and designing, laser cutting and engraving, vinyl cutting and sticker production, multimedia content creation, graphic design, product photography, as well as tinkering and making in various substrates.
Joel Tanner, director of technology who oversees the Makery, said he hopes that having such a diverse STEM space will help grow confidence for students in “those fields that young women typically shy away from.”
“We wanted to still provide an opportunity for students to sample STEM. To say, ‘Hey, is this something that I may be interested in?’” he said. “So we created this space as a place that kind of exists outside of curriculum. You don't have to be an art kid to use it. You don't have to be a chemistry kid to use it.”
Students in math teacher Amber Pruss’ class use the Makery for hands-on assignments.
“I created a lab where my girls would
1876 or ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov for assistance.
n Once approved, funds will be placed in the child’s Class Wallet online every quarter. Families must transfer that money to the school for tuition, textbooks and fees. Any tuition over what is provided by the EFA will be paid to the school monthly.
have to use math to create houses first two-dimensionally. And then we went into a unit where they had to graph three-dimensional points,” she said. “So I created a lab to extend this lab — they were going to have to create this 2D drawing and make it into three-dimensional model, and then we would take it, transfer that knowledge over into our 3D printing software. They were actually able to 3D print their houses.”
For Pruss, hands-on learning and experimentation is half the battle — the other half is giving girls the encouragement to try.
“I think because STEM is such a heavily male-dominated field that the girls feel intimidated,” Pruss said. “But I really like the fact that since we are an all-girls school, we empower them to change the way things are. A couple of girls have said, ‘Coach, I don't think I can, I don't know if I can do this. Like, I really want to go into this, but it's going to be really difficult.’ And I said, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to if you really want to do it. You just have to change you. You're changing the future. You are the future. If you really want to do this, just put your mind to it.’”
Catholic schools across the state
Arkansas is home to 26 Catholic Schools in 18 cities
All schools operate under the authority of Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and work directly with the Office of Catholic Schools. The Office of Catholic Schools has a curriculum that all pre-K-8 schools use to ensure quality academic programs consistent throughout the state. Our high schools meet all state graduation requirements. The Diocesan Policy Manual and In Spirit and Truth Curriculum Guide are available on DOLR.org. Schools administer nationally normed tests, and all are eligible to accept students with Education Freedom Accounts.
Jonesboro
Pocahontas
Benton: Our Lady of Fatima School embraces ‘One Loving Family’
n Contact information: 818 West Cross Street, Benton, AR 72015; (501) 315-3398; olfbentonschool.org
n Principal or head of school: Nancy Handloser
n Grades offered: pre-K28th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 118
n What makes your school stand out academically?
As the only Catholic school in Saline County, we offer high-quality academics immersed in the teachings of our Catholic faith. The students attend Mass three times a week and also go to adoration once a week. Our close-knit community is very diverse, and with small class sizes, we are able to individualize instruction where necessary. Grades 3 through 8 are departmentalized by subject area in order to provide consistent vertical alignment of standards. The
science program facilitates active participation in learning through experimentation. We have several faculty and staff members who are bilingual (English and Spanish).
n Weekly Mass schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8:15 a.m.
n Athletic programs and teams: basketball (in conjunction with St. Theresa School, Little Rock)
n Clubs and extracurriculars: school choir
n Technology integration: 1:1 devices (1st-8th)
n Safety measures: visitors must enter through the main entrance and sign in through the office; electronic door lock safety system; new extensive camera system
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $4,095
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $4,358
n Open houses: Call school
for tour
n What makes this school a great option for your family? Our Lady of Fatima School is part of the wonderful parish community at Our Lady of Fatima in Benton. We are a small, diverse
community who together make up One Loving Family (#onelovingfamily). OLF has a unique Christian culture, demonstrating the love of Christ through education, service and compassion for all.
Conway: St. Joseph School prepares pre-K to 12th-grade students
n Contact Information: 1101 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72032; (501) 513-6808; aheathscott@ sjbulldogs.org; stjosephconway.org
n Principal's or head of school's name: Dr. Matthew Tucker
n Grades offered: pre-K312th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 541
n What makes your school stand out academically? At the high school level, we offer an honors program and concurrent credit classes, as well as ACT prep options taught by certified instructors, virtual class options and career and technical class offerings through a partnership with the Conway Area Career Center. In middle school, there are enrichment opportunities that help students nurture their personal interests,
Nov. 6, 2024.
such as STEM and drama. At the elementary level, we are dedicated to building foundational academic skills that will lead to lifelong learning success, and, in preschool, the curriculum is completely child-oriented and includes math and science.
n Weekly Mass schedule for students: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
n Athletic programs and teams: The middle school has a basketball and cheerleading program. High school teams include cross country, golf, volleyball,
basketball, bowling, cheerleading, baseball, softball and soccer.
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Middle school has Quiz Bowl and Battle of the Books. SJHS offers seventhto 12th-grade students band, Interact Club, choir, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Knitting Club, Spanish Club, Book Club and Young Male Leaders of America.
n Safety measures: Cameras on all campuses; keyless access points to the middle and elementary schools; teachers are CPR and Narcan-trained; monthly safety drills; visitors have to check in at the office on all campuses.
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $7,500 (K-6); $8,200 (7-12)
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $9,000 (K-6); $10,000 (7-12)
Our Lady of Fatima first graders celebrate with a special lunch on hat day during Red Ribbon Week in October 2023.
Fourth-grade teacher Nicole Gooch works with student Owen Johnson on a sound wave experiment in the science lab at St. Joseph Middle School in Conway
Fayetteville: St. Joseph, winner of the High Performing School Award
n Contact information:
1722 North Starr Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72701; (479) 442-4554; school@sjfay.com; sjfayschool.com
n Principal or head of school: Deacon Jason Pohlmeier
n Grades offered: pre-K38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 414
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Named a National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2014 and 2020. To qualify for this award, schools must have standardized test scores in top 15 percent of the country in both math and language and show sustained academic excellence across a five-year period.
n Weekly Mass schedule: Twice each week
n Mission statement: St.
Joseph School provides a well-rounded Catholic education to the Northwest Arkansas community, forming students to be lights to the world. St. Joseph maintains the high standards of the Catholic educational tradition by meeting students at their individual academic and physical levels and leading them to higher achievement.
n Athletic programs and teams: 7th and 8th grades, Arkansas Activities Association member; basketball, golf, track, cross country, tennis, cheer and girls’ volleyball n Clubs and extracurriculars: Chess Club, WIZE Computing/Robotics, Super Science, ballet, choir, ceramics, piano lessons, Battle of the Books, Quiz Bowl, Ozarks Live Acting, archery
n Safety measures: ALICEcertified organization; visitor check-in for access to student
school in Arkansas to be a National Blue Ribbon School twice. (Photo by Erica Erck Photography)
areas; security cameras n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $6,500 n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $9,000 n What makes this school a great option for your family? St. Joseph is the only nonpublic school in Arkansas to
be a repeat winner of the National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing Schools Award. Approximately 30 percent of the student body comes from ethnic minority groups and 15 percent of the student body demonstrates financial need.
You are not alone.
PROJECT RACHEL
Post-abortion healing and support ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock. Non-judgmental. There is hope. Healing is possible. Call or text securely, 501-663-0996 or email cphillips@dolr.org All inquiries are confidential.
Post-abortion healing and support ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock. Non-judgmental. There is hope. Healing is possible.
Project Rachel offers an integrated approach to healing for anyone suffering from a past abortion experience. The ministry reaches out to women, men and their families with spiritual, psychological and emotional support. Women and men are invited to receive the healing grace of God through sacramental reconciliation, counseling and prayer. It is a ministry of the Respect Life Office. All services are available in English and in Spanish.
Call or text securely, 501-663-0996 or email cphillips@dolr.org. All inquiries are confidential. Visit dolr.org/respect-life/project-rachel to learn more.
St. Joseph School in Fayetteville is the only nonpublic
Fort Smith: Christ the King School rooted in the Catholic faith
n Contact information: 1918 S Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901; (479) 782-0614; ctkschoolfs.com
n Principal or head of school: Myndi Keyton
n Grades offered: 18 months-5th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 332
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Christ the King School follows the curriculum of the Diocese of Little Rock and the Arkansas state standards. The preschool program is bilingual and has partnered with Notre Dame's ECLIP to bring students high-quality bilingual instruction. Kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers are trained in the dyslexia program Apple Connections OGin4D, and four staff members are SIOP-trained to offer additional help to English-language learners.
n Weekly Mass schedule: Mass on Fridays at 9 a.m. (pre-K to 5th grade); 18 months through 3-year-olds attend chapel every Wednesday; monthly school-wide rosary led by students n Athletic programs and teams: cheerleading, basketball
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Battle of the Books, Math Olympiads, Quiz Bowl, choir, student council, Chess Club
n Technology integration: 1:1 on Chromebooks (K-5th); weekly technology class for all students; classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards n Safety measures: campus locked with key card entry for staff access; cameras throughout hallways and campus; Hall Pass system when visitors visit our campus; off-duty Fort Smith police on campus during
the school day; entire staff ALICE-trained.
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $7,640
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $7,640
n Open houses: Call school to schedule a private tour with an administration team member
n What makes this school a great option for your family? Christ the King School provides a strong academic foundation rooted in the Catholic faith. We are proud of the diversity of our school community, and we celebrate all students and their strengths.
Fort Smith: Immaculate Conception received national recognition
n Contact information : 223 South 14th, Fort Smith, AR 72901; (479) 783-6798; icschoolfs.org
n Principal or head of school : Dr. Katie Kreimer Hall
n Grades offered : 18 months-5th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year : 300
n What makes your school stand out academically? We are proud to be the only private school in Arkansas to achieve HighReliability Schools Level 1
Certification, a prestigious national recognition that reflects our dedication to creating a safe, supportive and collaborative learning environment. Building on this accomplishment, we are currently working toward Level 2 Certification, which will further strengthen our focus on
Fifth-grade students at Immaculate Conception School in Fort Smith celebrate at the annual Halloween and All Saints‘ Day Bash Nov. 1, 2024.
teaching excellence and student achievement. We prioritize the use of highquality instructional materials in literacy and math, ensuring that our students receive a rigorous and engaging education. Our approach equips students
with a strong academic foundation and critical thinking skills, preparing them to excel as they transition to middle school and beyond.
n Weekly Mass schedule: every Thursday
n Mission statement:
Immaculate Conception School, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, develops the whole child, instills Gospel values, inspires a love of learning and promotes academic excellence in a diverse nurturing community.
n Athletic programs and teams: Basketball
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Choir, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Battle of the Books
n Safety measures : forcelock doors; a comprehensive camera system; shatter-proof glass on windows and doors; strict visitor protocols ensure that only authorized individuals can access the campus; safety drills
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $4,730
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $7,780
First-graders Aranza Sanchez and Rowan Clifton complete a holiday project at Christ the King School in Fort Smith in the fall 2024 semester.
Fort Smith: Trinity Catholic School students live by school motto
n Contact information :
1205 S. Albert Pike, Fort Smith, AR 72903; (479) 7822451; thinktrinity.org
n Principal or head of school: Zach Edwards
n Grades offered : 6th-8th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year : 217
n What makes your school stand out academically? Trinity offers STEM classes, a robotics club, tutoring, 11 clubs and organizations and nine athletic options. We also offer preAP classes in each grade.
n School affiliated with : Diocese of Little Rock
n Weekly Mass schedule: Wednesdays
n Athletic programs and teams: football, volleyball, cross country, soccer, tennis, dance, cheer, basketball, track, golf
n Clubs and extracurriculars : varsity band, Honor
Society, student council, Pure Hearts Girls, choir, Chess Club, Quiz Bowl, Earth Club, FCA, Book Club, robotics
n Is after-school care available? No
n Do you have summer care or camps? No
n Technology integration : 1:1 devices, robotics
n Safety measures : fulltime safety officer
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $8,300
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $9,300
n Open houses : Call school for a tour
n What makes this school a great option for your family? Trinity teaches the importance of selfinvolvement by encouraging students to complete volunteer service hours throughout the academic year and to reflect on their actions during religion
classes and weekly Mass. We provide a values-based education with high expectations. Our academic team consists of 22 highly trained educators. Our staff models Christian responsibility and encourages
students to partner with the community through stewardship and service, leading all students to reflect on how to “be something, do something and leave something, all for the glory of God.”
Hot Springs: St. John students model courtesy, inclusion and kindness
n Contact information: 583 W. Grand Ave. Suite B Hot Springs, AR 71901; (501) 6243171; sjshs.org
n Principal or head of school: Jennifer Elder
n Grades offered: pre-K28th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 134
n Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Pre-K curriculum that aligns with K-8th, supportive staff that collaborates for student success, Title I access
n School affiliated with: St. John Church
n Weekly Mass schedule: All-School Mass on Fridays and holy days, K-8th also attend one other day each week.
n Mission statement: St. John Catholic School is a family of dedicated educators who model and expect from
students courtesy, inclusion and kindness. We provide an exceptional individualized education in a safe, Christian environment. We inspire our students to meet the future with wisdom, compassion, integrity and self-confidence.
n Athletic programs and teams: Volleyball, basketball, cross country, track
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Lego League, chess, music program
n Is after-school care avail-
able? Yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? Yes
n Technology integration: School computer lab; smartboards in every classroom; Chromebooks 1:1 starting in 2nd grade; iPads for kindergarten and 1st grade 1:1
n Safety measures: Key fob entry access for gates and exterior buildings, security cameras, and office check-in procedures
n Annual tuition for
Catholic families: $5,975
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $6,075
n Open houses: Contact school for a tour
n What makes this school a great option for your family? We have high success rates for students attending local high schools and succeeding to high standards. We also see many of our alumni go on to college and successful postcollege careers.
Future Buffaloes visit the Trinity School campus in Fort Smith for Fifth Grade Day Feb. 5, 2024.
Students and teachers at St. John School in Hot Springs celebrate “Monochrome Day” during Catholic Schools Week in January 2024.
Jonesboro: Blessed Sacrament School students hail from 14 nations
n Contact information: 1105 East Highland Jonesboro, AR 72401; (870) 932-3684; school@catholicjonesboroschool.com; catholicjonesboroschool. com
n Principal or head of school: Mary Kay Jones
n Year established: 1886
n Grades offered: pre-K36th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 144
n Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Above average test scores on diocesan and national level; foreign language classes; Science Fair; northeast Arkansas and state winners for Daughters of American Revolution essay winners
n School affiliated with: Blessed Sacrament Church
n Weekly Mass schedule: Mass two times a week
n Mission statement: To inspire excellence and character formation rooted in Scripture and Catholic tradition
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Book Club, martial arts after-school
n Is after-school care available? yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? yes
n Technology integration: 1:1 device program; 3D printers; SmartTech boards in each classroom
n Safety measures: Daily security officer on campus; doors locked at all times; visitors must check in and out with office; ballistic film on exterior doors and main entryway; cameras in hallways, classrooms and cafeteria
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $5,272
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $7,700
n Open houses: Scheduled
private tours are available n What makes this school a great option for your family? BSCS is a community of students with heritage from 14 different nations. Diocesan seminarian Quinn Thomas, who scored perfect on the ACT, is an alum. Each year,
alumni who are senior graduates are valedictorian and salutatorian and are awarded millions in academic scholarships. A recent grad, Avery Hausman-Taku, was awarded a full-ride scholarship to flight school in Florida as a junior in high school.
Little Rock: Catholic High develops young men into leaders
n Contact information : 6300 Father Tribou St., Little Rock, AR 72205; (501) 664-3939; lrchs.org
n Principal or head of school: Steve Straessle
n Grades offered: 9th-12th n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year : 700
n What makes your school stand out academically? Catholic High School for Boys excels academically through its rigorous curriculum that prepares boys for whatever path in life they choose. From challenging coursework to hands-on programs like robotics and aerospace engineering, plus numerous clubs and electives, Catholic High prepares every student for a future uniquely their own. The individual college counseling provided ensures that more than 95
percent of graduates find the best fit for their futures, attending colleges, universities and military academies across the United States, and those choosing vocational fields also find a home. The emphasis on faith, integrity and duty
shapes young men into leaders ready for college, careers and life.
n Weekly Mass schedule ; Daily Mass before school, 7:15 a.m. Monday-Friday n Athletic programs and teams: 10 AAA-sanctioned sports offered in 6A Confer-
ence. Additionally, lacrosse and trap shooting clubs.
n Clubs and extracurriculars : 17 extracurricular activities, including mountain biking, Model U.N., Quiz Bowl, Rocket Time s, yearbook, Fishing Club and play
n Technology integration : Each student is provided with a Chromebook, and computer applications are a required course to build foundational skills.
n Safety measures: All visitors are required to check in at the main office; as a closed campus, all exterior doors remain locked throughout the school day; an off-duty Little Rock police officer on-site during school hours; security cameras
n Annual tuition for Catholic families : $6,300
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $7,300
Second graders at Blessed Sacrament School in Jonesboro celebrate the independence of Mexico during Spanish class in September 2024.
The senior ring Mass, seen here Sept. 20, 2024, is a tradition students look forward to before they graduate from Catholic High School in Little Rock.
(Photo by Nelson Chenault)
Little Rock: Christ the King enriches lessons with art and STEM
n Contact information: 4001 N Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR 72223; (501) 225-7883; school.ctklr.org
n Principal or head of school: Kathy House
n Year established: 1986
n Grades offered: pre-K8th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 578
n What makes your school stand out academically? We offer a dynamic and enriching academic program that extends beyond traditional classroom learning to include art, music (including band and choir), physical education, Spanish, library and STEM class.
n Weekly Mass schedule: Grades 5-8 attend Mass Wednesdays; grades 1-4 attend Mass Thursdays; and pre- K-8 attend Mass Fridays
n Mission statement: Our mission is to teach and live the Catholic doctrines and values and to provide a quality academic program through a loving, Catholic atmosphere.
n Athletic programs and teams: Students in kindergarten to sixth grade can join various teams, including soccer, volleyball, football, cheer, cross country, track and basketball, through the church league program. Students can try out for AAA teams in grades 7-8: volleyball, football, basketball, cross country and track.
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Band, choir, e-sports, Quiz Bowl, running club, robotics, crochet club, Battle of the Books, YES (Youth Entrepreneur Showcase) Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math competition and Student Council.
n Safety measures: off-duty
Compassion, Trust and Excellence
Robert Tellez
• Catholic High graduate
• “Super Lawyers” designation in Criminal Law 2024
• Handles car accidents
Since 2009, our practice has focused on serving the needs of immigrants, their families, and all those suffering and in need. We have particular expertise in criminal defense and personal injury. Our work has led us to form effective relationships across the state. Our office is located in the Family Service Agency Building near Dickey-Stephens baseball park.
Hablamos Español
Member, National College for DUI Defense | National and Arkansas Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Arkansas Bar Association | Pulaski County Bar Assocation | Hispanic National Bar Association
Little Rock police officers on campus daily; all visitors must enter through the main office; controlled access doors on all exit doors; surveillance security monitors strategically located throughout facilities; state-
of-the-art safe room that can withstand wind speeds of 250 mph.
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $6,760 (parishioners)
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $11,240
Third graders at Christ the King School in Little Rock use VR headsets in the STEM lab Jan. 21 to learn about the three major climates animals live in.
Little Rock: Mount St. Mary Academy oldest Catholic school in state
n Contact information: 3224 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, 72205; (501) 664-8006; admissions@mtstmary.edu, mtstmary.edu
n Principal or head of school: Sara Jones
n Grades offered: 9-12
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 500 girls
n What makes your school stand out academically? The college-preparatory curriculum includes the options of a full-scale honors program, the Advanced Placement program with 25 available AP courses and the rigorous AP Capstone diploma program. Additionally, 31 hours of college credit are available through our concurrent credit program with UA Little Rock and Crowley’s Ridge College, plus online summer courses. Students enjoy small class sizes at Mount and a 14:1
student-faculty ratio. Their ACT scores exceed state and national averages; our threeyear average composite score at the end of 2024 was a 24.3, and more than a quarter of the graduating class that year scored a 30 or higher ACT superscore.
n School affiliated with: Sisters of Mercy
n Weekly Mass schedule: Wednesdays and Fridays as well as a monthly Father/ Daughter Mass and Mother/ Daughter Rosary.
n Athletic programs and teams: Arkansas Activities Association’s highest classifications in 11 sports: basketball, bowling, cross country, diving, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. Plus two cheerleading squads, the Rockettes dance team and student athletic trainers n Clubs and extracurricu-
lars: 50 clubs and organizations, including the Honey Belles Bee Club, Diversity Club, Krafty Belles and the Belles Abroad travel program. Full list on the school website. n Safety measures: closed campus; all visitors must enter through the main entrance; double-entry security vestibule system with video intercom and electronic ac-
cess control; approximately 50 cameras monitoring interior and exterior locations on campus; perimeter fencing; staff posted at the main entry points during student drop-off each school-day morning
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $9,090
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $10,530
Little Rock: Our Lady of the Holy Souls’ top-notch STEM offerings
n Contact information: 1001 N. Tyler, Little Rock, AR 72205; (501) 663-4513; bagby@holysouls.org; holysoulsschool.org
n Principal or head of school: Amber Bagby
n Grades offered: pre-K38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 518
n What makes your school stand out academically?
We do have a state-ofthe-art STEM lab. We also offer the largest junior high elective course selection in Little Rock. Classes include but are not limited to: digital storytelling production and journalism, strategic gaming, outdoor adventures in STEM, creative innovations art in STEM; digital productivity with Google Suite, Real World STEM, Virtual Reality, robotics, Global Voices: Public Speaking and Current Events, ceramics, art
journaling, Art and Catholicism, musical theater and set design; art and world cultures, sports around the world, mindset and leadership in sports; fitness, Introduction to Ukulele, piano, Catholicism in French and Spanish, Spanish 1 and 2 and French 1 and 2. We also offer a progressive, handson curriculum in our early childhood program. Strong emphasis is applied to outdoor classrooms.
n School affiliated with: Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church
n Weekly Mass schedule: All school Mass each Friday in addition to any other weekly holy days of obligation
n Athletic programs and teams: basketball, football, tennis, cross country, track, archery, volleyball
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Robotics, BOB, theater,
Fifth-grade students at Our Lady of the Holy Souls School in Little Rock play chess with volunteer Sam Ray in the
choir, band
n Is after-school care available? Yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? Yes
n Technology integration: 1:1 device programs
n Safety measures: offduty Little Rock police on
campus; campus-wide monitoring system through LRPD live; all doors locked at all times, all classroom doors locked at all times
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $5,810
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $9,818
Students Macy Boswell, Mollie Morris and Emma Pruss perform an acid-base titration in their chemistry lab at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock May 10, 2024.
spring of 2024.
Little Rock: St. Theresa School supports all types of learners
n Contact information: 6311 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209; (501) 5653855; kdunn@stslr.org; jalarcon@stslr.org; stslr.org
n Principal or head of school: Kristy Dunn
n Grades offered: pre-K38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 245 n Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1
n What makes your school stand out academically? A broad range of academic supports for a variety of learners; ESl specialist and dyslexia specialist on staff; teachers of kindergarten-3rd grade are trained in Connections, a way to teach reading based on the principles of Science of Reading
n Weekly Mass schedule: All-school Masses Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
n Mission statement: The mission of St. Theresa Catholic School is to partner with parents in educating children in a safe, supportive, Christ-centered environment. In our multicultural community, we lead each student to know, love and serve God. We cultivate relationships among students, parents, faculty and staff by embracing our diversity and valuing the teachings of Jesus Christ.
n Athletic programs and teams: Church league and AAA volleyball and basketball; Soccer Shots for elementary students; archery program
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Lego Club, choir, a parish-sponsored Danzantes group, a parish-sponsored youth group for ages 13 and up, family nights once a month, and stu-
dents belong to the House system.
n Technology integration : 1:1 devices for grades 2-8, interactive display boards in grades K-5, virtual reality headsets in science class
n Safety measures : Security cameras; secure lobby for accepting visitors; electronic access on exte -
Morrilton: Sacred Heart serving River Valley for
n Contact information: 106 N. St. Joseph, Morrilton, AR 72110; (501) 354-8113; akoonce@ sacredheartmorrilton.org; sacredheartmorrilton.org
n Principal or head of school: Jennifer Roscoe
n Grades offered: pre-K312th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year : 260
n What makes your school stand out academically? Sacred Heart is one of only two remaining preK-12 Catholic schools in Arkansas. We offer honors classes and concurrent college credits. We also have invested in our Special Learning Services, led by special education certified teachers, for students who need more specialized services.
n Weekly Mass schedule: Mass at least once each week and opportunities for
rior doors, periodic police presence; walkie-talkies on designated channel for campus; NightLock door locks
n Annual tuition for Catholic families : $6,500
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $6,500
n Open houses : Call school for tour
more than 140 years
adoration and confession
n Mission statement: Since 1879, Sacred Heart Catholic School has strived to be a Christ-centered community dedicated to developing the whole child and serving families in the Arkansas River Valley. n Athletic programs and
teams : Basketball, baseball, golf, tennis and cheer n Clubs and extracurriculars: Robotics, e-sports, Book Club, Quiz Bowl, Anime Club, theater n Safety measures: video surveillance, shatter-resistant film and privacy perf on exterior glass doors
and windows, blackout shades on classroom door windows, lockdown locks, upgraded intercom system, security signage to assist first responders, low fencing and screening panels around road-facing playground fence and secure entryways for buildings.
n Annual tuition for Catholic families : $9,600
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $9,600
n Open houses : Call the school for a tour
n What makes this school a great option for your family? Sacred Heart graduates consistently score above both state and national averages on the ACT. In 2024, 100 percent of our graduates were accepted to college or trade school, and 86 percent received scholarship awards. Our school is supported by an engaged alumni community.
Third graders Brayan Yat-Pop (from left), Steve Ibarra, Camilla Giron and Laurel Davis join in a DNA-extraction science experiment Nov. 25, 2024.
Fourth graders Josie Anderson, Margo Zimmerman and Mia Rosas listen in social studies class at Sacred Heart School in Morrilton in the fall of 2024.
North Little Rock: Immaculate Conception nurtures spiritual growth
n Contact information: 7000 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116; (501) 8350771; icsnlr.org; info@icsnlr. org
n Principal or head of school: Nicole Schafer
n Grades offered: preK38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 408
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Junior high: choir, band, journalism, student government, Beta Club, robotics, creative writing, financial literacy and career development; enrichment and intervention offered K-6; voted best private elementary school in metro area, 2024
n Weekly Mass schedule: All school Mass is held each Friday. Each grade level also goes to Mass one other day per week and attends
Eucharistic adoration once a month.
n Athletic programs and teams: basketball (5th-8th), volleyball (5th-8th), cross country (5th-8th), track (7th8th), football (5th-8th), cheer (two squads, 5th-6th and 7th-8th)
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Cub Scouts, Beta Club, student government, BOB (Battle of the Books), Little Rockers Running Club, choir, band, Mathletes and Journalism Club
n Technology integration: 1:1 throughout the entire school; iPads preschool-1st grade; Chromebooks 2nd-8th
n Safety measures : comprehensive security system; cameras are strategically installed both inside and outside the campus for continuous surveillance; all windows and doors are reinforced with bullet-proof
film; local off-duty police officer monitors campus activity; all visitors must gain entry through a secure video surveillance system; visitor check-ins are recorded in office; access to all doors is controlled through a key fob system; Night Lock System secures
every room in the building n Annual tuition for Catholic families : $6,100 (parishioners) and $7,300 (out-of-parish Catholics) n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $9,300 (K-8); $6,500 (preschool)
n Open houses : Contact school for tours
North Little Rock: Immaculate Heart of Mary maintains legacy
n Contact information: 7025 Jasna Gora Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118; (501) 851-2760; school@ihmnlr. org; ihmnlr.org
n Principal or head of school: Brenda Hiegel
n Grades offered: pre-K38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 116
n What makes your school stand out academically?
We are proud to have highly qualified teachers dedicated to meeting the needs of all our students in small, focused classrooms, ensuring each child receives personalized attention. We utilize Mystery Science, Renaissance Accelerated Reader, Khan Academy, Friendzy and other programs to enhance instruction in a meaningful, fun way for students.
n Weekly Mass schedule: Mass on Thursdays and Fridays
n Athletic programs and teams : Blue Angels cross country, volleyball, basketball, track and field, football, archery, soccer (pre-K3)
n Clubs and extracurriculars : Choir, Quiz Bowl, Battle of the Books, student council
n Technology integration: classroom smart boards; 1:1 Chromebooks; Virtual Reality (VR) headsets
n Safety measures : Use Hall Pass for student and visitor protocols; camera system throughout campus; school doors remained locked and visitors
have to ring doorbell/be recognized to be admitted; shatter-resistant window coverings; interior classroom deadbolt door knobs
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $6,795
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $7,321
n Open houses : Tours are scheduled by appointment, typically on Fridays
n What makes this school a great option for your family? We have lower classroom teacher-to-student ratios, offering more personalized instruction. We offer diverse programs that involve our students, their families and staff, such as our annual Karnawal Festival, children's Mass, multicultural festival, family rosaries, awards assemblies acknowledging academic achievements, growth, citizenship, attendance and other unique achievements.
Fourth graders at Immaculate Conception School in North Little Rock perform a synchronized flag routine at their annual Veterans Day Assembly Nov. 11, 2024.
Pastor Father Ruben Quinteros (back row left) meets with Immaculate Heart of Mary Middle School Guardian Angels and their elementary school “Mini Angels” in the fall of 2024.
Paragould: St. Mary teaches service and gratitude in small setting
n Contact information: 310 North 2nd St., Paragould, AR, 72450; (870) 215-1537, principal@stmaryparagould.org; stmaryparagould. org
n Principal or head of school: Lee Ann Owen
n Year established: 1890
n Grades offered: pre-K6th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 50
n Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Small classroom sizes, master teachers, dyslexic therapists, hands-on learning
n School affiliated with: St. Mary Church
n Weekly Mass schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m.
n Mission statement: The purpose of St. Mary, pre-K-6 grade, is to provide quality education by promoting
academic achievement, selfdiscipline and a firm foundation of Catholic Christian ethics.
n Is after-school care available? Yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? No
n Technology integration: 1:1 devices
n Safety measures: Visitors must check in at the office; doors are always locked.
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $4,500
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $4,500
n Open house: Aug. 11, 2025
n What makes this school a great option for your family? Our students go on to be productive members of society, with a 95 percent rate of college graduates. We have had lawyers, doctors, educators, farmers, marketing and business profes-
St. Mary School students in kindergarten to sixth grade listen to a presentation on bullying in 2024.
sionals all hail from our little school. We focus on individual needs and work one-on-one as well as in
large and small groups. We also encourage service and gratitude through various activities.
Paris: St. Joseph puts emphasis on character development
n Contact information: 25 S. Spruce St, Paris, AR 72855; (479) 963-2119; saintjosephschoolar.org
n Principal or head of school: Michelle O'Neal
n Year established: 1979
n Grades offered: pre-K38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 73 n Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Our kindergarten is Waldorfinspired; music, art, PE, Crikut Club, Crochet Club, Student Council, school choir, music programs, Scripps Spelling Bee. We educate the whole child: spiritually, academically, developmentally and through community service opportunities.
n School affiliated with: St. Joseph Church
n Weekly Mass schedule: 8 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays
Kindergartners make Christmas ornaments in their classroom kitchen at St. Joseph School in Paris Dec. 17, 2024.
n Mission statement: Our mission is to empower students through our Catholic faith, academic excellence
and community excellence to become leaders of integrity. n Clubs and extracurricu -
lars : Crikut Club, Crochet Club
n Is after-school care available? yes
n Technology integration : 1:1 Chromebooks
n Safety measures: Visitors must come to the door and ring the bell to be admitted; school always locked down
n Annual tuition for Catholic families : $6,400
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $6,400
n Open houses: Shadow Days and tours can be scheduled throughout the school year
n What makes this school a great option for your family? We are small and can provide a personal experience for our families. We prioritize religious education and Catholic teachings. We perform strong academically and emphasize character development and service to others.
Pocahontas: St. Paul students perform well in high school
n Contact information: 311 Cedar Street, Pocahontas, AR 72455; (870) 892-5639; principal@stpaulsabers.com; stpaulsabers.com
n Principal or head of school: Rebecca Steimel
n Year established: 1880
n Grades offered: pre-K-6th n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 149
n Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1
n What makes your school stand out academically? St. Paul School provides a rigorous academic learning environment that helps students excel in core subjects as well as their faith. St. Paul School is a smaller school with a low student-to-teacher ratio, veteran teachers, a school-wide science fair, STEM night, book camps, art show and Bible races.
n School affiliated with: St. Paul Church
n Weekly Mass schedule:
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.
n Mission statement: The purpose of St. Paul School is to provide a quality education by promoting academic achievement, self-discipline and a firm foundation of Catholic Christian ethics.
n Athletic programs and teams: archery
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Saber Safety Patrol, fire marshals, student council, Battle of the Books (B.O.B)
n Is after-school care available? yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? no
n Technology integration: Computer lab, smart boards, 1:1 devices for 5th and 6th grade
n Safety measures: Visitor protocols; locked exterior and interior doors; safety film installed on all doors and windows; security cameras
n Annual tuition for Catho-
lic families: $5,000
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $5,000
n Open house: August 2025
n What makes this school a great option for your family? Students consistently perform above grade level upon transitioning to public schools. Many alumni achieve top honors in their classes and excel academically while continuing their K-12 education outside of St. Paul School. A significant
number of alumni pursue college degrees, reflecting the strong academic foundation that was instilled at SPCS. St. Paul School provides community outreach opportunities (food drive, nursing home visits, support for foster families, sending supplies to disaster areas, etc.) SPCS fosters a Christian understanding and provides opportunities for personal commitment to religious values.
Rogers: St. Vincent de Paul School models its patron saint
n Contact information:
1315 W Cypress St., Rogers, AR 72758; (479) 636-4421, svdpschool.net
n Principal or head of school: Alice Stautzenberger
n Grades offered: pre-K38th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 429
n What makes your school stand out academically? Advanced math and science classes; three high school credit classes; dedicated science lab; weekly classes in the technology lab where students learn things like internet safety, coding and app design.
n Weekly Mass schedule: Grades 2-8 attend Mass every Thursday; K-8 attend Mass every Friday morning
n Athletic programs and teams: volleyball, cross country, basketball, tennis,
Kindergarten students at St. Vincent de Paul School in Rogers perform in their annual All Saints musical Oct. 29, 2024.
track, golf
n Clubs and extracurriculars: Lego League, Quiz Bowl, hip hop dance, Challenge Island, drama, band, choir
n Is after-school care available? yes
n Do you have summer
care or camps? yes
n Technology integration: Technology lab, 1:1 devices in K-8, SMART boards and audio systems in every classroom
n Safety measures: all doors are locked during the school day; visitors must all
check in through the front door; first-time visitors must provide a photo ID
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $5,225
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $8,087
n Open houses: Call school for tours
n What makes this school a great option for your family? We utilize the House system in K-8 to build community and develop leadership skills in our students. Inspired by our patron saint, every class participates in meaningful service projects throughout the year. We have World Experience Day each year, where volunteers transform the school into a specific country or region of the world. Students spend the day visiting the different stations where they experience the culture, history and food of the area.
Students at St. Paul School in Pocahontas dress up as angels and saints and parade around the church for parents and visitors Nov. 1, 2024.
Russellville: St. John School puts focus on robotics and faith
n Contact information : 1912 West Main, Russellville, AR 72801; (479) 9674644; school.sjccr.org
n Principal or head of school : Vivian Fox
n Year established: 1947
n Grades offered : pre-K - 6th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year : 86
n Student-to-teacher ratio: 9.5:1
n What makes your school stand out academically? Competition robotics team, after-school robotics for K-6
n School affiliated with : St. John Church
n Weekly Mass schedule : All-school Mass Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.
n Mission statement : St. John Catholic School is committed to providing students with a highquality Catholic education rooted in the life of Christ
and fostering the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of the whole person.
n Clubs and extracurriculars : Robotics, yearbook, Quiz Bowl, Chess Club, Battle of Books
n Is after-school care available? yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? no
n Technology integration : Computer lab, 1:1 chromebooks grades 1-6; 1:1 iPads for kindergarten; Google Classroom
n Safety measures: New exterior doors; security cameras; doors always locked; second inside security door
n Annual tuition for Catholic families :
$6,869.12
n Annual tuition for non-Catholic families:
$6,869.12
n Open houses : Call the
Pre-K and second-grade students at St. John School in Russellville plant vegetables and flowers in the school’s raised garden beds in April 2024. The project was funded through an Arkansas Game and Fish wildlife education grant.
school for tours
n What makes this school a great option for your family? After-school robotics begins in kindergarten and continues through
fifth grade. Competition robotics team went to the World Competition in Dallas in 2024. Our outdoor garden area has vegetable and flower beds.
Stuttgart: Holy Rosary prepares students for the next chapter
n Contact information : 920 W 19th, Stuttgart, AR 72160; (870) 673-3211; holyrosarycatholicschool. net
n Principal or head of school : Kathy Lorince
n Year established : 1899
n Grades offered: pre-K36th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year : 68
n Student-to-teacher ratio : 17:1
n What makes your school stand out academically? Children's test scores are above the national average. When students graduate from the 6th grade, they do very well in the next chapter of their academic career.
n School affiliated with : Holy Rosary Church
n Weekly Mass schedule : Thursday at 8:30 a.m.
n Mission statement: Pro -
Kindergarten and first-grade students at Holy Rosary School in Stuttgart dress up as saints for All Saints’ Day Nov. 1, 2024.
viding a quality education and Christian formation
n Is after-school care available? Yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? No
n Technology integration : 1:1 devices Chrome -
books/tablets
n Safety measures : safety door locking system
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $3,200 for K-6; $5,000 for pre-K
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $3,200
for K-6; $5,000 for pre-K
n Open houses : Call the school for a tour
n What makes this school a great option for your family? family atmosphere, low tuition, small class size
Subiaco Academy has guided young men into manhood since 1887
n Contact information:
405 N Subiaco Ave., Subiaco, AR 72865; (479) 9341000; admissions@subi.org; subiacoacademy.us
n Principal or head of school: Dr. David W. Wright, headmaster
n Grades offered: 7th-12th n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 127 boys, boarding and day students
n What makes your school stand out academically?
Academic excellence is central to our educational philosophy, blending rigorous curriculum with personalized attention from dedicated faculty. Our diverse course offerings, from humanities to sciences, are complemented by honors and Advanced Placement options and a variety of extracurricular activities that foster critical thinking, creativity and real-world
problem-solving skills.
n School affiliated with: Subiaco Abbey, a Benedictine monastery n Weekly Mass schedule: Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.; Sundays at 10:45 with the monastic community (required); monastic Mass available at 7:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday n Mission statement: We see Christ in each student as we guide him in his response to God, aid the development of his known and hidden talents and foster his growth into manhood.
n Athletic programs and teams: basketball, 8-man football, tennis, baseball, soccer, wrestling, cross country, track, golf n Clubs and extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Student Council, Cultural Awareness (CASA), FBLA, Mathletes, Jr/Sr. High
Quiz Bowl, Jazz Ensemble, Visual Arts, Guitar, Robotics lab
n Technology integration: Chrome book carts in classrooms and dormitories
n Safety measures: Campus Emergency Response
Team, key card entry, cameras, visitor check-in with Raptor System n Annual tuition: $9,600 or day students; $27,800 for 5-day boarding; $33,000 for 7-day boarding
n Open house: May 2, 2025
The Subiaco Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dc. Roy Goetz (left), performs at a fundraiser at Christ the King School in Fort Smith Sept. 21, 2024.
n Contact information:
192 E. Henri de Tonti Blvd., Tontitown, AR 72762; (479) 316-3445; ozarkcatholic.org
n Principal or head of school: Angie Collins Grades offered: 9th-12th n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 106
n What makes your school stand out academically? We focus on a Catholic, classical education approach to learning. We weave the good, the true and the beautiful throughout our curriculum. Our course offerings include Advanced Placement courses as well as opportunities for students to take college-level courses with our educational partners. We are also responsive to student needs and, with our diverse staff, have the ability to offer elective courses that interest our students. This year, we added Entre-
preneurship and Portfolio Management.
n School affiliated with: independent Catholic high school
n Weekly Mass schedule: Mass on Wednesdays, with a variety of additional spiritual opportunities available throughout the month, including student-led Bible studies, rosary, "Bible in a Year" with Father Mike Schmitz and confession.
n Athletic programs and teams: AAA member in 2A-1 Conference; cross country, volleyball, golf, tennis, cheer, dance, archery, basketball, baseball, track and field
n Clubs and extracurriculars: drama, Quiz Bowl, Letter of Love, Pro-Life Club, Corporal Works of Mercy Club, Sustainability Club, Men's Club, Choir, drumline, art, Pop-Up Entrepreneurship Club
Tontitown: Ozark Catholic Academy follows classical education OZARK CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Est. 2018
n Technology integration: 1:1 devices
n Safety measures: doors stay locked; guests are granted access by the front desk staff ; visitors check in and out at the front desk, where they are given a visitor badge to wear during their stay
n Annual tuition for Catholic families: $5,655 (students attending Catholic schools since 5th grade)
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families: $10,530 (students not attending Catholic elementary school) n Open house: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
9th-12th Grade
Ozark Catholic Academy engages students in a rigorous, integrated education that enables them to behold the fullness of reality through both faith and reason and to live the virtues that make one fully human and truly free. Integrated Classical Curriculum us, enables behol to the an
Ozark Catholic sophomores and chaperones gather for a class photo Aug. 26, 2024, before heading out on their leadership trip to Auxier, Ky.
West Memphis: St. Michael School looks for maximum growth
n Contact information : 405 North Missouri Street, West Memphis, AR 72301; (870) 735-1730; stmichaelwm.com
n Principal or head of school : Dr. Michael Beauregard
n Year established : 1936
n Grades offered: pre-K - 4th
n Student enrollment for 2024-2025 school year: 46
n Student-to-teacher ratio : 9:1
n What makes your school stand out academically? Instruction emphasizes academic excellence and knowledge and perpetuates the legacy of Western tradition. Students begin studying Latin in third grade in order to strengthen their vocabulary and overall language skills.
n School affiliated with : St. Michael Church
Fast Facts
n Weekly Mass schedule : Wednesdays and Fridays
n Mission statement: St. Michael School is a Catholic institution, and in its devotion to the Church and her teachings, its mission is to be faithful to the Magisterium and to model a life consistent with Christian virtues. St. Michael's provides a Christian atmosphere to promote the maximum spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth of each student.
n Is after-school care available? yes
n Do you have summer care or camps? yes
n Safety measures : Visitors must properly identify themselves before they are allowed access inside the school.
n Annual tuition for Catholic families : $7,000
n Annual tuition for nonCatholic families : $7,000
n Arkansas’ oldest Catholic school is Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, established in 1851.
n Arkansas’ 26 Catholic schools are located in 18 cities.
n Total number of students: 6,810
n Number of Pre-K students: 867
n Number of elementary students (K-8): 4,354
n Number of secondary students (9-12): 1,589
n Number of professional staff: 614
n Average cost of educating one child, per year in elementary school: $7,342.93
n Average cost of educating one child, per year in secondary school: $14,133.05
n Average tuition for a first-child Catholic student in elementary school: $5,491.70
n Average tuition for a first-child non-Catholic student in elementary school: $6,615.15
n Average tuition for a first-child Catholic student in secondary school: $7,949.20
n Average tuition for a first-child non-Catholic student in secondary school: $8,937.2
n Student ethnicities: White, 73 percent; Hispanic/Latino, 14 percent; Black/African American, 2 percent; Asian, 3 percent; Biracial/Multiracial, 6 percent; Unknown/ Other, 2 percent
n Student religions: Catholic, 73 percent; non-Catholic, 27 percent
Statistics provided by the Office of Catholic Schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
n What makes this school a great option for your family? St. Michael School guides its students by instilling and forming both the intellectual and moral virtues characteristic of well-educated Christian
boys and girls. The school accomplishes this task through the design and direction of the curriculum — toward truth and holiness — that sets St. Michael's apart from other local elementary schools.
Catholic Classrooms
EDUCATION WITH A MISSION
Published by Arkansas Catholic, official newspaper of the statewide Diocese of Little Rock, with support from the diocesan Catholic Schools Office. Learn more at arkansascatholicschools. org or call 501-664-0340.
Publisher
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor
Arkansas Catholic
Editor: Malea Hargett (mhargett@dolr.org)
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Copyright 2025, Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Kindergartener Crawford McCorkle, first-graders Mateo Cabrera and Rhysand Hauswirth and third-grader Miles Densford take a break during recess at St. Michael School in West Memphis in October 2024.
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