It’s spring and many families are examining their child(ren)s education for next year. For whatever reason you may be looking… have you considered Catholic Schools? Many parents are surprised at what our local Catholic Schools have to offer, especially Austin Catholic High School, and I have found most have the same misconceptions.
Before you start exploring your options, though, you should separate the facts from the misconceptions about Catholic school. Here are six common misconceptions about Catholic schools.
Myth # 1: Non-Catholics are not welcome at Catholic school
Catholic schools are founded on basic Christian principles where teaching students of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. At Austin Catholic High School, a significant number of students are not Catholic and are embraced in our Augustinian charism focusing on truth, unity, and love. For most parents, a Catholic school offers not only strong academics, but also supports for spiritual and emotional growth in a smaller robust community.
Myth #2: Catholic schools are too expensive
Nearly half the students at Austin Catholic High School receive tuition assistance, discounts, or scholarships that allow each family to invest in their children’s education affordably. “If you’re committed to providing your child with a quality Catholic education, we are committed to helping you achieve it.” The return on investment is impressive at ACHS: 100% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance.
Myth #3: Catholic school teachers aren’t certified
Like all public schools, the Catholic schools in our area are accredited. Austin Catholic High School is fully accredited, and all of our teachers are licensed/certified to teach. The teachers who work at Catholic schools often choose to do so as a way to combine their faith with their profession and have more flexibility and command in their classrooms. ACHS continues to attract talented faculty who are highly invested in their work and committed to our strong family atmosphere.
Myth #4: Catholic schools are stuck in the past
Many Catholic schools across the country, including Austin Catholic High School, are dedicated to providing cutting-edge STEM/STEAM education. From our 1:1 learning environment to our cutting-edge STEAM wing, robust arts program, and competitive robotics team, students are exposed across all content areas. Our STEAM Capstone program encourages innovative discipleship solving real world problems using engineering, problem solving, and teamwork. ACHS even offers STEAM-based summer camps.
Myth #5: Catholic Schools promote conformity and diminish individuality
At Austin, every student is a name not a number. We celebrate the individuality of our students by encouraging them to develop their creative expression and critical thinking skills while holding high expectations for student behavior and respectful communication. Yes, most Catholic schools, including ACHS have a dress code. But a dress code also enhances a spirit of equality among peers and reduces distractions so students can focus on their education. As such Catholic schools are not just for the elite or super smart…we embrace diversity and all students looking to excel and grow.
Myth #6: Because of their small enrollments, Catholic schools lack academic, athletic and activity options
It is true that Catholic schools tend to have strikingly small classes and low student-teacher ratios. (max class size at ACHS is 22) But because there is less competition for slots on organizations like the robotics team, the basketball team and the theatre club, a higher percentage of students participate in the full array of after-school activities. At ACHS 90% of students participate in a sports team and 85% are a member of a club or activity. Most Catholic schools offer the same competitive academics as public schools with AP, Honors, Dual Enrollment and full array of extra-curriculars.
If you are seeking a safe, nurturing school environment for your child(ren) this year, one that is dedicated to academic excellence, innovation and lifelong success….A Catholic school might be the answer. Come check us out and see what we have to offer.