Catholic school students in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island outperformed their New York City public school peers on 2026 state assessments, according to the Archdiocese of New York Superintendent of Schools Office’s 2025-26 Impact Report, “Renewed for Growth,” published on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Archdiocese-wide, 65.3% of students in Grades 3-8 were proficient in English language arts and 67.4% in math on New York State Education Department tests. In the three boroughs, 66% of Catholic school students were proficient in English, compared with 48% in city public schools. In math, the Catholic school rate was 69%, which the report says is 16 percentage points higher.
The report counts 46,958 students in 146 schools serving three boroughs and seven surrounding counties, based on an Oct. 1, 2025, census.
Scholarship tax credit ahead
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers can receive a 100% federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to qualified nonprofit scholarship granting organizations. The groups can fund tuition, tutoring, special education services, educational technology, and academic supplies. The Archdiocese of New York recently created a resource hub to provide information to parishioners, families, and financial advisors interested in learning more about the program’s practical applications.
The superintendent’s office worked with the Invest in Education Foundation to encourage New York’s participation. Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, superintendent of schools, called it “an opportunity that could make a meaningful difference for families.” The report notes the benefit is not limited to Catholic school students.
Renewal plan continues
The report also updates the School Renewal Plan, which builds on a School Viability Study conducted in 2024-25. Several schools are planning to become STREAM education centers, emphasizing science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and math. Additional schools are working with the University of Notre Dame’s Latino Engagement Institute to strengthen outreach to Latino students and families, and capital investments are aimed at improving facilities.