How to Choose a Catholic High School

Catholic schools have long had the reputation of providing a quality education. They are stricter with dress codes and discipline in order to create a good learning environment. Teachers are typically paid more at private schools, so they attract a quality teaching staff. Not everyone who attends Catholic school is Catholic, although religion classes will be offered. Use a few of these tips to choose a Catholic high school.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the location of the schools when you begin your search. Keep in mind whether your child be able to drive or take a bus daily to the school. Perhaps your child will need some boarding accommodations. Some Catholic high schools do provide housing, while others are strictly day schools.

2. Ask around. If you are Catholic, ask at your church what schools the other children attend. Talk to the pastor and to the parents (as well as the students!) to find out how they like the schools and if they would recommend them to you. If the school has a tight quota, request a referral from your pastor and other parents.

3. Visit the schools once you have narrowed down your choices. Arrive unannounced and walk the halls. Watch the students as they leave the building at the end of the day. You can learn a lot more about a school by watching from the sidelines than you can by an official tour that has been arranged by the faculty to show off their best side.

4. Check out the extracurricular activities that are available at the school, especially if your child is interested in sports. Many Catholic high schools have advanced sports teams, which play in regular tournaments and competitions that are watched by college recruiters.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.