Canadian Catholic 

School Trustees’ Association

Enlivened by the Word of God and our tradition, we promote and protect the right to Catholic education in Canada. We speak as one.

850,000

Students in Canadian 
Catholic schools 

2095

Catholic schools spanning 
across Canada

$1M

Raised in tuition assistance for Canadian families

1

National mission of Catholic education

65 Years of Protecting and Promoting the mission of Catholic Education

We’re absolutely delighted to be celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association.

This milestone reflects the dedication, faith, and commitment of those who have helped shape Catholic education in Canada over the decades. We’re deeply grateful for the work that has been accomplished, the connections that have been made, and the unwavering support of our members who have made this possible.

For decades, our annual AGM and Conference has brought Catholic school board members and trustees together from across the country to connect, be encouraged, and work together to strengthen the future of Catholic schools in Canada.

Ensuring Catholic education remains accessible to all Canadian families remains at the heart of our mission. Together with our members and supporters, we’ve raised more than $1 million to give the gift of Catholic education to families across the country—an incredible testament to the generosity and shared passion of our national Catholic school community.

Though funding structures and local traditions vary from province to province, CCSTA protects and promotes the work of Catholic school boards from coast to coast. For 65 years, we’ve listened attentively to the important needs of Canadian Catholic schools, promoted their invaluable and irreplaceable success in our country, and worked together to foster a shared vision for Canadian Catholic education.

As we review the past 65 years of CCSTA, we see a story of faith, hope and unwavering commitment to Catholic schools. It’s with great hope that we continue to build on this incredible legacy to protect and promote the life-changing mission of Catholic education in Canada.



“From a humble beginning of a resolution passed by 28 Catholic school trustees with the blessing of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Canadian Catholic Trustees’ Association (the word “School” would be added later) was born in 1960. We are blessed to celebrate 65 years of our past, embrace the present, and look forward with joyful hope to the future of Catholic education! I am elated to be part of this milestone anniversary celebration!”

- Teresita Chiarella, CCSTA President

Who are we?

At CCSTA, we believe in the powerful legacy and life-changing impact of Canadian Catholic schools. Our goal is to protect, support and promote the mission of Canadian Catholic education for years to come.

Representing seven Catholic school associations and spanning ten Canadian provinces and territories, we listen attentively to the unique needs and struggles of Catholic schools across Canada. 

We offer support to Catholic school trustees, celebrate the invaluable work of Catholic education and advocate for the rights of Canadian parents in choosing Catholic schools for their children. We partner with those involved in Catholic schools, as well as the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops, clergy, parents and politicians to build awareness and foster unified support of Canada’s Catholic schools.

Toonies for Tuition

Imagine if every family had access to the Catholic education they knew their children deserved…That’s the vision and the goal of Toonies for Tuition: that no child would be left out of a
 Catholic school in Canada.

Public funding for Catholic schools varies from province to province. Nearly 29,000 Canadian students attend schools in provinces with only partial government funding or no funding at all. 

Many families face difficult decisions as they balance their hope for a Catholic education and the accompanying struggle to afford tuition.

By providing tuition assistance, Toonies for Tuition eases the stress and burden on struggling families, restoring the choice in education that each Canadian family deserves. 

June 5 - 7, 2025 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

Annual AGM & Conference

Join us for encouragement, support and celebration! We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting our 2025 AGM & Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia! 

With dynamic keynotes and workshops, real-life stories of Atlantic Canadian Catholic schools and many opportunities to explore the coastal city, our upcoming AGM is already gearing up to be an unforgettable experience for members.

Why Catholic 
Education?

For centuries, Canadian Catholic schools have been educating students of all different faith and socioeconomic backgrounds. As an extension of the home, the Catholic school aims to love each child as Christ loves and foster growth and development in body, mind and spirit. 

We see the life-changing impact of Catholic schools. From the keen attentiveness to each individual child, the warm, faith-filled environment and the commitment to academic excellence, it’s no wonder more than two million Canadian parents have chosen Catholic education for their children.

News & Updates

Stories, events, meeting highlights, reports and more. Keep up with all that’s happening with CCSTA.

“To you it is given to create the future and give it direction by offering to your students a set

Did you know that nearly 70% of Francophone parents in Ontario choose French Catholic education for their children?  Catholic schools