Reasons to Go to a Catholic School

For many parents, sending their children to public school is not a realistic option. Whether due to religious sentiments or social concerns, some parents do not think mainstream education is an appropriate fit for their children. For Catholic parents who fit this description, sending their children to a Catholic school is often a logical choice. The advantages go beyond the religious, as Catholic schools are known for rigorous academic standards and high college placement rates.

Catholic schools are known for providing a social atmosphere that is conducive to learning and personal growth. Most Catholic schools are private institutions that offer a traditional, structured learning environment for students. While Catholic schools were traditionally gender-segregated institutions, many Catholic schools now provide coeducational instruction. Modern Catholic schools combine Catholic tradition (prayer, confession and discipline) with modern facilities and instruction.

Catholic schools are famous for graduating a disproportionately high number of academically successful students. Due to their emphasis on reading, writing and studying, Catholic schools tend to produce graduates with high literary achievement. Catholic schools generally have strict academic standards, a fact that may explain why graduates of Catholic schools have a disproportionately high likelihood of being admitted to college.

One problem many parents have with secular public schools is the approach these schools take to personal development. Many schools have adopted personal development models based primarily on the self-esteem movement, in which students are taught to maintain a positive self-image regardless of performance. Catholic schools have foregone this approach, favoring a personal development model that encourages students to pursue independent interests while maintaining high test scores.

Catholic schools are well-known for having strict disciplinary policies. While the days of physical punishment are long gone, Catholic schools still maintain a policy of strict penalties for misbehavior. By teaching children to be responsible for their own behavior, Catholic schools encourage a high level of maturity and conscientiousness in their pupils.

Perhaps the most famous aspect of Catholic schools is their value systems. Catholic schools combine a religious education with a collegial, supportive atmosphere. Catholic schools still maintain religious education programs, which involve prayer, confession and church service. While this kind of education is not for everyone, it can be the right choice for Catholic parents who want their children to grow up with a firm grounding in traditional moral values.