Catholic schools are opening their doors and inviting scrutiny this week, national Catholic Schools Week.

Local administrators say parents may like what they find.

Sister Mary Ann Fischer, principal at Notre Dame High School, said, "Today, when the issue of parental choice is in the forefront and research is being done and legislation is being passed across the nation, we feel it's important that we in Catholic schools let people know that we are an alternative to public education.

"We want to let people know our successes as well as our challenges. We are opening our doors to allow the community to come in and take a look at who we are and what Catholic schools have to offer."

On Tuesday night, Notre Dame parents will be calling parents of eighth graders to talk with them about the school.

On Wednesday, a presentation on parental choice in schools will be presented in Jefferson City, featuring researcher John Chubb. Legislators, business leaders and educators are expected to attend.

Chubb's research suggests that the best schools are those whose parents purposefully send their children and where management is delegated to local leadership.

The presentation is sponsored by the Missouri Council for American Private Education and happens to fall within Catholic Education Week.

The week is a united effort by all Catholic schools in the nation to tell the public about its programs.

"If you've got something that's working, let's show it to the public," said Sister Jeanne Goessling, principal at St. Mary Cathedral School.

The theme for the week is Discover Catholic Schools, an homage to the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas.

Goessling said Catholic schools are working because students are learning, happy and enthusiastic.

"And I think it's because parents have discovered what they value and what they want in an educational system."

She added that students and staff share a "common value and common faith."

St. Mary's for the first time will present a distinguished graduate award during a ceremony Friday.

Hilary Schmittzehe, executive director and one of the original incorporators of VIP Industries, which provides employment and social services to handicapped individuals, graduated from St. Mary Cathedral School in 1943.

"As part of our education we give service to community," Goessling said. "To pick someone like Hiliary Schmittzehe who has succeeded and made a difference in our world, shows the value of that service."

The school will also honor teachers Joan Haring and Monica Macke for 20 years of service and Debbie Griffith for 15 years of service.

An open house is planned at the school Friday for parents and other community members.

Rita Fisher, principal at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Jackson said, "The academics are excellent and so is the parental support. But the fact is we can teach morality and spirituality. Those aspects of life will be very important for these students' entire lives. We can educate the whole child.

"We want to send a message of the value of a Catholic education not only to our children and parents, but to the entire community," Fisher said.

For example, names of Immaculate Conception graduates who have succeed in a variety of careers will be posted in the school.

"We want to show the good things that are going on and make the community aware of that."

Immaculate Conception is honoring 1964 graduate David Stoverink, who is now an attorney in Carthage, Ill. He will be honored today during 11 a.m. mass. The church service kicks off that school's activities.

"Since the theme of the week is Discover Catholic Schools, we will discover some aspect of our school each day community, academic excellence, etc.," Fisher said.

Students are making a yellow brick road through the hallways with each brick displaying the name of a child's favorite book and author.

On Wednesday, the school hosts student appreciation day and students may wear sweat suits; homework will not be assigned.

On Friday, the school hosts an open house for parents from 9-11 a.m. followed by mass and a sack lunch.

St. Vincent de Paul School kicks off its week of activities today at the 8:30 a.m. mass. Parishioners will write prayer intentions for a prayer-a-thon to be held Thursday.

On Tuesday, parents are invited to visit classes from 9 a.m. through lunch. Students and staff will also come dressed as they see themselves in the future.

On Wednesday, students will write letters of appreciation to parish or community groups.

And Friday, the school will present its distinguished graduate award. The recipient has not been announced.