Why Catholic School Could Be the Best Choice for Your Child

CWM
Mar 12
3 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent. Kids spend so much of their time at school—it becomes a second home. That’s why it matters not just what they learn, but who they become while they’re there.

A great school will teach your child math, science, and reading. But the best schools also help them grow in responsibility, kindness, faith, and compassion. Catholic schools do exactly that. They're places where students are supported academically and spiritually—where they’re invited to become their best selves.

So what makes Catholic schools different from public schools? Let’s take a closer look.

The Real Benefits of a Catholic Education

Catholic schools offer two major strengths: high-quality academics and a strong foundation of faith. And really, the two go hand in hand. Catholic educators believe in educating the whole person—mind, body, and soul.

As Pope Benedict XVI said, “A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person.”

Catholic schools do just that, helping students succeed in the classroom and prepare for life with a deep sense of purpose and values.

How Catholic Schools Stand Out

If you’re weighing your options, here are some of the ways Catholic schools go above and beyond compared to public schools:

1. Stronger Graduation Rates

Catholic schools have a long-standing track record of higher graduation rates. And the difference doesn’t stop there—studies show that Catholic school graduates are also more likely to complete college than their peers from public schools.

2. Academic Excellence

From test scores to classroom engagement, Catholic school students often perform better than their public school peers. In fact, Catholic school graduates tend to have higher GPAs in college too.

3. Smaller Class Sizes

With an average student-teacher ratio of 12:1 (compared to 16:1 in public schools), Catholic schools are able to give students more personal attention and support.

4. Faith Woven Into Every Subject

In Catholic schools, learning doesn’t stop at facts and figures. Faith is naturally woven into every part of the school day—from history class to science lab—giving students the opportunity to see the world through the lens of God’s truth and love.

5. A Welcoming, Faith-Filled Community

When school is part of your parish community, it feels like family. Students grow up surrounded by peers who share their values, and parents are encouraged to be active partners in the journey. It’s a close-knit environment where students feel known, loved, and supported.

Why Families Choose Catholic Education

Still wondering if Catholic school is right for your family? See if any of these sound like you:

You Want Faith to Be Part of Their Daily Life

Weekend CCD classes are a great start—but what happens Monday through Friday matters too. In Catholic school, faith is a daily experience, not just an hour on Sunday. Students pray together, attend Mass, and learn how to live their faith every day.

You Want Them to Reach Their Full Potential

Catholic schools are known for helping students succeed—not just in high school, but in college and beyond. If you want your child to grow in confidence, leadership, and academic success, this is a path worth exploring.

You’re Not Catholic, But You Value Moral Formation

Catholic schools welcome students from many backgrounds—nearly 1 in 5 students are not Catholic. No matter your faith, your child will benefit from a strong focus on moral values, personal responsibility, and service to others.

You Want Private School Without the High Cost

Worried about tuition? Catholic schools are often more affordable than other private schools—and many offer scholarships or financial aid to make education accessible to all families.

You Want a Healthy, Uplifting Environment

More than just a place to study, Catholic schools help students grow as whole people. Students learn to care for others, take pride in their work, and respect themselves and their classmates. That kind of environment can shape their hearts for life.

Why Catholic Education Matters—To Us and the World

At Catholic World Mission, we believe education is a powerful tool for transformation. It’s one of the four pillars of our mission because we’ve seen firsthand how Catholic education uplifts entire families and communities.

That’s why we support Catholic schools around the world—so that more children can receive not just an education, but a formation in truth, faith, and hope.