The Facts About Catholic Education Every Parent Should Know
Interested in sending your child to Catholic school? Learn some key facts about Catholic education to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to choosing the right high school for your child, the decision can feel overwhelming. For parents of middle school children, the goal is not just to find a school that provides quality academics but also a supportive environment where values are nurtured and character is built.
Catholic high schools offer a unique educational experience that combines academic excellence with a focus on spiritual growth, moral development, and personal success. If you’re considering private high schools for your daughter, here are some important facts about Catholic education you should know.
Academic Excellence: Catholic Schools Lead the Way
Catholic high schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students enrolled in Catholic schools consistently outperform their peers in public and other private schools on standardized tests.
Schools such as St. Agnes Academy offer rigorous curriculums that prepare students for success in secondary schooling and beyond. Students at St. Agnes Academy are encouraged to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills in a supportive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity.
With an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1, Catholic schools provide a more personalized learning environment than many public or private schools, where class sizes can often be larger. The results speak for themselves:
- The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) reports that 99% of Catholic high school students graduate.
- An impressive 86% of students go on to attend 4-year colleges.
Consider some additional facts to help you determine the right educational choice for your child.
1. Catholic Schools Foster Strong Values and Character
One of the most significant advantages of Catholic education is the emphasis on character development and faith formation. Catholic schools don’t just focus on academic achievement – they aim to form students who are compassionate, morally grounded, and engaged in their communities.
Catholic school students are taught to embody the values of kindness, respect, and service – both in the classroom and in their daily lives. This focus on ethical development is designed to prepare them for a future of leadership and social responsibility.
Daily prayers, weekly Masses, and religion classes are integral to the Catholic school experience, providing students with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God while learning about Catholic church teachings and traditions.
For parents who prioritize spiritual growth alongside academic success, a Catholic education provides a well-rounded approach to their child's development. For example, at St. Agnes, students are expected to embody the following upon graduation:
- Witness Gospel values and live veritas through word and deed.
- Recognize her Dominican heritage and incorporate prayer into daily life.
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a dedication to life-long learning.
- Embrace diversity and champion the marginalized in society.
- Confidently assume personal leadership and act with integrity and compassion.
- Recognize her interconnectedness with Earth and embrace core responsibilities.
- Celebrate life in a joyful, optimistic, and productive manner.
- Have a deep commitment to social justice and making a difference in the world.
2. Affordability and Access: Catholic Schools Offer Value
One of the common misconceptions about Catholic schools is that they are expensive and only accessible to families who can afford hefty tuition fees. While it’s true that families must pay tuition for Catholic education, the cost of attending a Catholic school is often lower than other private schools.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average tuition for Catholic secondary schools is $11,240. In comparison, other private schools can charge as much as $16,645 annually for secondary education.
Catholic schools also make a concerted effort to ensure that all students can benefit from their education, regardless of their family's financial situation. Schools such as St. Agnes offer robust financial aid and scholarship opportunities to families who apply.
3. The Impact of Catholic Education on College Success
Catholic schools don’t just prepare students for high school – the high academic standards help set them up for success in college and beyond. Students who attend Catholic high school are more likely to attend a 4-year college compared to their peers in public schools.
Students succeed in college because of the solid academic foundation and personalized support they discover in Catholic schools. Studies have shown that Catholic high school graduates are more likely to earn college degrees and pursue successful careers, thanks to the solid work ethic, leadership skills, and values they develop during their education.
This emphasis on higher education is part of a broader commitment to excellence. With rigorous academic programs, high expectations, and a focus on preparing students for the challenges of college life, Catholic high schools are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed in secondary schooling and beyond.
4. A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity
Catholic education isn’t just for a select few. Enrollment in Catholic schools is diverse, with students from various socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that Catholic schools enroll over 1.5 million students in the United States. This diverse student body reflects the beliefs and foundation of Catholicism, where all students are unique and valuable, with God-given talents.
Catholic schools also offer financial aid to families in need, allowing more children to experience the benefits of a Catholic education. With billions of dollars dedicated to tuition assistance each year, Catholic schools make it a priority to offer access to high-quality education, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances.
Facts About Catholic Education: Where Your Daughter Attends School Matters
When choosing a Catholic high school for your daughter, you’re choosing more than just an academic institution. You’re placing her in a healthy environment that nurtures her mind, body, and spirit.
Catholic schools provide a unique blend of academic rigor, personal development, and spiritual growth that offers a transformational experience and prepares students to thrive in their personal lives and society.
With a focus on academic excellence, character development, and college success, Catholic education offers families exceptional value. Whether seeking a school that prioritizes faith, values, or academics, Catholic schools provide a well-rounded, supportive environment where your child can succeed.
If you’re looking for a school that will not only prepare your daughter for high school but for life, Catholic education is a choice that will continue to pay off long after graduation. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more about the core facts about Catholic education and enrolling your child at St. Agnes.
