Reasons to Choose Catholic School
If you are considering private education options for your children, this is the perfect time to learn more about Catholic schools. National Catholic School Week is an annual celebration in late January of Catholic education in the United States. Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association, schools observe the week with open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and community members.
Catholic schools aren’t limited to members of the Catholic Church. According to NCEA, one-fifth of the students at Catholic high schools nationwide are of other faiths.
Here are some additional reasons parents choose a Catholic school education for their children.
1. Morals and values. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate Institute at Georgetown University confirmed that “strong moral values” are the top reason parents choose to send their children to a Catholic school. Many of the parents who select a Catholic school want their children’s education at school to be an extension of what they are being taught at home. They are looking for influences on their child that mirror their religious beliefs and moral choices.
Parent Angela Savage chose a Catholic school education for her young daughter for several reasons, including safety concerns and a desire to have a school that focuses on the entire child. Happy with her decision, Angela stated that “the consistent religious instruction and activities helped my daughter’s faith develop even in demanding situations.”
2. A strong religious foundation. Graduates of Catholic high schools statistically are more likely to continue church involvement as an adult. According to Our Greatest and Best Inheritance: Catholic Schools and Parental Choice (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops), “Catholic school students are more likely to pray daily, attend church more often, retain a Catholic identity as an adult, and donate more to the Church.”
3. A sense of community. Families who have children in a parish school have an easier time developing a sense of community with their fellow parishioners. Opportunities for fellowship, friendship, and service are available for families and create a warm and welcoming community. For those who don’t have other family in the area, this can be especially important, and their church and school become an important hub.
4. Affordability. Private school tuition can be expensive, but many Catholic schools and dioceses offer generous tuition assistance programs for families who need help.
5. High-quality education. According to NCEA, 99% of Catholic secondary school students graduate and 88% go on to a four-year college. On national and standardized tests Catholic schools consistently outperform public schools, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Local Catholic Schools
PK-8
Royal Palm Academy
16100 Livingston Road
Naples, FL 34110
239-594-9888
Call for a private tour!
Saint Ann Catholic School
542 Eighth Avenue South
Naples, FL 34102
239-262-4110
Open House Event January 28, 2024
St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School
2730 53rd Terrace SW
Naples, FL 34116
239-455-2262
https://saintelizabethseton.com
Open House Event January 28, 2024
9-12
• St. John Neumann High School
3000 53rd St SW Naples, FL 34116
(239) 455-2966
PK-12
• Donahue Academy
4955 Seton Way, Ave Maria, Fl. 34142
239.842.3241
Catholic Schools in Lee County
PK-8
St. Francis Xavier School stfrancisfortmyers.org
St. Andrews Catholic School standrewscs.org
9-12
Bishop Verot Catholic High School bvhs.org