Why Catholic Schools Are Still A Good Option
Catholic school enrollment has taken a hit in recent years, with almost 1650 schools closing or consolidating in the last decade. Catholic schools are not the only private schools with lower enrollment: all elements of the private education sector have lost students. This lower enrollment does not mean you should turn to the public school system. Despite this recent challenge to Catholic education, enrolling your children in a Catholic school offers them many clear advantages.
Student/Teacher Ratio
Even though public schools try to cap their class sizes at manageable levels, they sometimes have a larger student to teacher ratio than private schools do, including Catholic schools. Particularly in the early years, children benefit greatly from having fewer students in their classes. In smaller groups, they get more individual attention and do not get lost among their more outgoing peers. Research also shows that the benefit of these smaller ratios in the first academic years continues even when students are older and in larger classes. In the US, teachers in "self-contained" Catholic classrooms have about 19 students each.
Academics
Many Catholic schools pride themselves on having high academic and disciplinary standards. The safe school environment allows students to focus on their studies. In general, Catholic schools emphasize a challenging curriculum and homework, which leads to higher student achievement. As a result, Catholic school students exhibit better writing skills and score higher than public school students on standardized tests.
Religious Education
One of the biggest advantages to a Catholic education is the focus on a religious education. The students' faith is an integral part of the entire school day. They are instructed in scripture, morals, and church doctrine. Teachers in Catholic schools are seen as role models, not just in education but also for the way they conduct their lives. The importance of public service is also stressed, with students encouraged to participate in community service.
A Catholic education (such as is provided by http://www.cadets.com) offers specific advantages for students, including a more rigorous academic life. In addition, the classroom size allows teachers to give more time to each student, so your child cannot "fall through the cracks." Beyond academic excellence, Catholic schools also offer a firm religious foundation that is part of the curriculum instead of being seen as a separate aspect. Although the enrollment for these schools has fallen in recent years, the quality of education has not. You are choosing a solid education for your children when you choose a private Catholic school.