Why Is Catholic School Better than Public School for Your Daughter?

Parents in large metropolitan areas like Houston often have to choose between several different academic institutions fit for their rising high-schooler.

While public high schools are a common choice, many parents opt instead to enroll their children in private Catholic schools like St. Agnes Academy because of the individualized and diversified educational opportunities they afford to young learners. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. That’s why it’s so important for parents to carefully consider what each of the institutions in their area brings to the table with respect to their academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and overall campus culture.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the much-discussed question, “Is catholic school better than public school?” We will also explore some of the key benefits enjoyed by students and families at Catholic educational institutions like St. Agnes.

Every student is unique and has their own unique set of academic and personal needs. While attending public school may be a solid option for some students, many students benefit significantly from the individualized attention and diverse learning environments offered at Catholic private schools.

The academic benefits of Catholic schools have long been recognized and celebrated by parents and students alike. Nearly 2 million students in the United States currently attend Catholic schools, and 99% of those students will go on to graduate from their Catholic high schools.

This graduation rate stands in stark contrast to that of public school students, of whom only 87% – on average – will graduate from high school.

Across the board, students at Catholic high schools demonstrate higher levels of academic achievement (i.e. higher math scores and standardized test scores) than their public school counterparts, and 86% of Catholic school graduates will go on to attend a 4-year college or university.

These higher rates of academic achievement extend to Catholic school students of all backgrounds and abilities, as the student achievement gap in Catholic schools is smaller than the achievement gap present in most public schools. 

Catholic private schools like St. Agnes Academy have long been renowned for their commitment to academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. St. Agnes offers the additional benefit of being an all-girls school where young women are encouraged to reach their highest potential academically, professionally, and personally. 

We offer a unique blend of rigorous academics, wide-ranging extracurriculars, and robust student support services designed to help pupils of all backgrounds and abilities grow and flourish.

Academic excellence is at the forefront of everything we do at St. Agnes. But, academic success goes beyond helping your child achieve “good grades,” as we focus on providing a holistic educational experience.

Our dedicated faculty members are committed to providing a challenging and engaging curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, we strive to cultivate a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom and empowers young women with the foundation and tools they will need to achieve their future goals.

In addition to academic excellence, Catholic schools place a strong emphasis on character development and moral formation.

At St. Agnes Academy, we believe in educating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we offer a diverse slate of extracurricular opportunities to help students develop additional skills and become more well-rounded. We offer extracurriculars in these areas:

Additionally, St. Agnes provides students with several opportunities to explore and deepen their spiritual beliefs. In addition to our core theology core requirements, we offer students the opportunity to attend weekly Mass and to participate in school-wide liturgical celebrations and Feasts.

For students who wish to build upon this faith-based foundation, St. Agnes also offers students the chance to attend annual retreats that focus on different pillars of the Catholic faith. Students can also take advantage of opportunities to serve and minister to their community through our Campus Ministry programs.

One of the hallmarks of Catholic education is the sense of community and belonging it fosters. Catholic schools play a vital role in their communities, and the benefits of their presence extend far beyond students, families, and faculty.

Many Catholic schools focus extensively on social justice and awareness, helping instill in students a sense of civic duty and responsibility that will follow them into adulthood. In fact, graduates of Catholic high schools are more likely to vote, more civically engaged, more tolerant of diverse views, and less likely to experience incarceration than their public school peers.

Catholic school parents also benefit from the community-centered nature of Catholic social teaching. Parents from inner city areas consistently report taking a more active role in their children’s education after enrolling them in Catholic schooling, and Latin Catholic school parents believe their children are more focused and motivated in a Catholic school setting.

In addition to building community, St. Agnes is home to a robust student support network that provides academic, personal, and college counseling to pupils throughout their high school journey.

With all of our programming combined, St. Agnes Academy is able to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for every student. We encourage our students to explore their passions, pursue their goals, and make a positive difference in the world.

While every school has its strengths, the data and lived experiences of millions of Catholic school students tell a compelling story about the stand-out nature of Catholic education. So, we believe the answer to the common question of “Is Catholic school better than public school?” is a resounding yes.

At St. Agnes, we are proud to provide an exceptional educational experience for your daughter. We combine academic excellence, character development, and community-centric programming to support her development across the board and lay a solid foundation for her future endeavors.

If you're ready to explore all that St. Agnes Academy has to offer, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about our programs, admissions process, and upcoming events.