The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., proudly announces that both Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, which provides elementary education, and Pope John XXIII Middle School have been named Top Catholic Schools 2026 by Education Insider Magazine. They were among 17 U.S. Catholic schools recognized. The honor highlights the schools’ academic excellence, faith-centered communities, and holistic development.
A definitive source in education, Education Insider covers the full learning continuum, from kindergarten to 12th grade and higher education. Its list recognizes “institutions excelling in academics while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Stakeholders nominated schools, which industry experts vetted.
The two Catholic Academy schools joined another New Jersey school, Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, in the Newark Archdiocese as a Top Catholic School 2026.
Rev. Brown School and Pope John XXIII Middle School are two distinct schools within the Catholic Academy of Sussex County, which also includes Pope John XXIII Regional High School. The academy offers a seamless Pre-K to 12th-grade experience in a faith-filled, academic environment, aiming to create future leaders and encouraging students to honor the Father in all they do.
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Pleased with these dual accolades, Daniel O’Keefe, Catholic Academy’s president, said, “We are honored to be recognized for what is truly a collaborative award that is a result of the continuous hard work and dedication of so many people. This recognition motivates us to continue our vocation in forming young minds and leading them as faithful disciples of Christ.”
Rev. Brown serves pre-K to fourth-grade students, a period that Principal Patricia Klebez identifies as vital for academic and personal development. Education Insider noted, “The school is committed to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.”
At Rev. Brown, that calling is visible in every classroom, prayer, and relationship. It is a place where faith and future work together to give children the strongest possible start in life. It is not simply preparing students for the next grade or the next school, but equipping them with the skills, discipline, and faith needed to live with purpose, compassion, and hope for a lifetime, Klebez said.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” Klebez said. “We are always working to be like Jesus. To live like him, to act like him, and to understand that though we are imperfect, every day we can try to be better than the day before.”
To read the full article about Rev. Brown from Education Insider, visit https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/reverend-george-a-brown-memorial-school-2026
In a world that often separates faith from academics, Pope John XXIII Middle School stands out by seamlessly integrating both, unlike many schools. Students are encouraged to reflect deeply on their studies, recognizing that education is not merely about acquiring facts but about shaping their futures as thoughtful, responsible individuals. In their selection, Education Insider notes about Pope John, “The integration of faith into the curriculum helps students understand the world in a broader context, making lessons resonate more deeply.”
As Pope John moves forward, its commitment to excellence, faith, and character remains constant. With a strong foundation rooted in Catholic values, an academically rigorous curriculum, and a deep sense of community, the school continues to prepare students for success in both their education and life beyond the classroom, said Susan Santore, principal.
“It is an honor to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” said Susan Santore, Pope John’s principal. “We are a Catholic school, and with that comes a responsibility not just to educate, but to form students in the image of God. Our goal is to create a space where students grow not only in knowledge but also in compassion, integrity, and faith. That is what makes it unique and one of the top Catholic Schools.”
Read the full article about Pope John from Education Insider magazine.
Susan Santore, principal of Pope John XXIII Middle School, observes the work pf two students on computers. Education Insider Magazine named Pope John and the Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, both part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., as a Top Catholic Schools 2026.
Remarkable feat: 2 Sparta Catholic schools notch national recognition #Catholic –
The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., proudly announces that both Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, which provides elementary education, and Pope John XXIII Middle School have been named Top Catholic Schools 2026 by Education Insider Magazine. They were among 17 U.S. Catholic schools recognized. The honor highlights the schools’ academic excellence, faith-centered communities, and holistic development.
A definitive source in education, Education Insider covers the full learning continuum, from kindergarten to 12th grade and higher education. Its list recognizes “institutions excelling in academics while fostering spiritual growth and leadership.” Stakeholders nominated schools, which industry experts vetted.
The two Catholic Academy schools joined another New Jersey school, Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, in the Newark Archdiocese as a Top Catholic School 2026.
Rev. Brown School and Pope John XXIII Middle School are two distinct schools within the Catholic Academy of Sussex County, which also includes Pope John XXIII Regional High School. The academy offers a seamless Pre-K to 12th-grade experience in a faith-filled, academic environment, aiming to create future leaders and encouraging students to honor the Father in all they do.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Pleased with these dual accolades, Daniel O’Keefe, Catholic Academy’s president, said, “We are honored to be recognized for what is truly a collaborative award that is a result of the continuous hard work and dedication of so many people. This recognition motivates us to continue our vocation in forming young minds and leading them as faithful disciples of Christ.”
Rev. Brown serves pre-K to fourth-grade students, a period that Principal Patricia Klebez identifies as vital for academic and personal development. Education Insider noted, “The school is committed to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.”
At Rev. Brown, that calling is visible in every classroom, prayer, and relationship. It is a place where faith and future work together to give children the strongest possible start in life. It is not simply preparing students for the next grade or the next school, but equipping them with the skills, discipline, and faith needed to live with purpose, compassion, and hope for a lifetime, Klebez said.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” Klebez said. “We are always working to be like Jesus. To live like him, to act like him, and to understand that though we are imperfect, every day we can try to be better than the day before.”
To read the full article about Rev. Brown from Education Insider, visit https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/reverend-george-a-brown-memorial-school-2026
In a world that often separates faith from academics, Pope John XXIII Middle School stands out by seamlessly integrating both, unlike many schools. Students are encouraged to reflect deeply on their studies, recognizing that education is not merely about acquiring facts but about shaping their futures as thoughtful, responsible individuals. In their selection, Education Insider notes about Pope John, “The integration of faith into the curriculum helps students understand the world in a broader context, making lessons resonate more deeply.”
As Pope John moves forward, its commitment to excellence, faith, and character remains constant. With a strong foundation rooted in Catholic values, an academically rigorous curriculum, and a deep sense of community, the school continues to prepare students for success in both their education and life beyond the classroom, said Susan Santore, principal.
“It is an honor to be named among Education Insider’s Top Catholic Schools for 2026,” said Susan Santore, Pope John’s principal. “We are a Catholic school, and with that comes a responsibility not just to educate, but to form students in the image of God. Our goal is to create a space where students grow not only in knowledge but also in compassion, integrity, and faith. That is what makes it unique and one of the top Catholic Schools.”
Read the full article about Pope John from Education Insider magazine.
Susan Santore, principal of Pope John XXIII Middle School, observes the work pf two students on computers. Education Insider Magazine named Pope John and the Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School, both part of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., as a Top Catholic Schools 2026.