3 Benefits of Catholic Education vs. Public High School in Houston
We are often asked about the benefits of Catholic education vs. public school in Houston. Learn about the documented reasons why Catholic schools like St. Agnes set students up for success.
When it comes to choosing the right educational path for your child, there are many factors to consider. In Houston, parents have a range of options, including public high schools, private high schools, Catholic schools, charter schools, and more.
As a city known for its educational diversity, families often face difficult decisions when determining the best environment for their child's growth and academic success.
While some students benefit from attending public schools, attending Catholic schools can provide distinct advantages that public schools may not offer, particularly for students seeking advanced academic opportunities or individualized attention.
Let’s cover some of the research-backed benefits of private school and discuss why so many parents tap into the benefits of Catholic education vs. public school here in Houston.
Benefits of Catholic Education vs. Public Schools: The Data
Over the years, research has consistently highlighted a variety of benefits associated with Catholic schooling. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, when compared to their public school counterparts, Catholic school students generally demonstrate:
- Higher levels of academic achievement
- Greater participation in faith practices like praying daily and attending church
- Higher graduation rates than public school graduation rates
- A greater propensity to attend a 4-year college or university
- Higher earning potential in professional settings
- More active levels of civic engagement
- Lower levels of incarceration
- Higher levels of tolerance towards those with different views
In addition to these individual benefits, Catholic schools are also consistently linked to systemic benefits within their communities. For example, the presence of a Catholic school in a community can help mitigate the crime rate in the surrounding area and foster higher levels of social cohesion.
Catholic schools also consistently demonstrate less substantial achievement gaps between students of different backgrounds and abilities, as evidenced by the fact that Black and Latino students are 42% more likely to graduate from high school if they are enrolled in a Catholic school.
Additionally, parents of students enrolled in inner-city Catholic schools tend to be more engaged and involved in their child’s academic community than parents of inner-city public school students.
How St. Agnes Exemplifies the Benefits of Catholic Schooling
To continue the long-standing legacy of Catholic excellence in education, St. Agnes devotes itself to the ongoing development of its students academically, spiritually, and personally. Your child can expect to benefit in the following ways.
Individualized Attention in a Focused Learning Environment
One of the main advantages of attending a private Catholic school is the level of individualized attention students receive during their educational pursuits.
At St. Agnes, we offer an average student/teacher ratio of 9:1, so students can maintain uninterrupted access to their academic mentors. Comparatively, a local public school system like HISD cannot offer that level of student support with an average ratio of 18:1.
In many public school settings, large class sizes inhibit students from receiving the hands-on support they need to achieve their goals. At St. Agnes, however, we work to keep class sizes small and staff ratios manageable so students never feel like they are competing for attention or support.
Thanks to the manageable class sizes, teachers in Catholic schools can cater to the specific needs of each student, which contributes to a better education experience overall. This focus on individualized attention enables students to excel in areas they may struggle with and be challenged in areas where they excel throughout their entire educational experience.
Faith-Based Mentorship and Instruction
Another significant advantage is the emphasis on moral and spiritual development in a Catholic private school setting.
Catholic schools integrate faith-based teachings into their curriculum to help students draw connections between their faith and other facets of their lives. Unlike public schools, which are secular in nature, Catholic schools provide an environment where students can grow spiritually while pursuing their academic endeavors.
For example, theology courses comprise a cornerstone of our core curriculum. Students at St. Agnes also attend weekly Mass, participate in service projects, and are encouraged to engage in faith-centered activities outside the classroom.
This focus on spiritual and moral education is an essential aspect of the Catholic education experience, and it’s something that sets Catholic schools apart from public schools. Catholic school students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship within their faith – without fear of judgment or shame from their teachers or peers.
The sense of community within Catholic schools creates an environment where students support one another and are encouraged to do their best in all areas of life, including their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Robust Student Support Services
To help further maximize the benefits of our Catholic educational offerings, St. Agnes is proud to offer various Student Support Services aimed at fostering our pupils’ comprehensive growth and development.
Our college counseling team focuses on helping students navigate the college application and admissions processes in order to maximize their acceptance odds. We also offer one-on-one school counseling and a variety of wellness programs to help students tackle some of the major challenges associated with adolescence and early adulthood.
Finally, we are proud to have a dedicated team of advisors on hand to support students with disabilities and specific learning needs. Our student success center oversees the distribution and execution of accommodations for students with varying support needs and works to equip pupils with life skills that will help them achieve their highest learning potential.
Let’s Discuss Your Daughter’s Future at St. Agnes
Choosing the right school for your child can be a challenging decision, but many Houston families find that Catholic high schools like St. Agnes offer unique benefits that public schools may not provide.
Whether your rising high school child previously attended Catholic middle or elementary schools, attended public schools, or experienced another form of education, you can rest assured that St. Agnes will provide your child with an educational experience that prioritizes academic excellence, individualized support, and spiritual development.
If you’re considering local public schools but want a more personalized and spiritually focused education experience for your daughter, reach out today to speak to a member of the St. Agnes admissions team.
Let’s chat more about the benefits of Catholic education vs. public schools so we can help you find the right fit for your family.
