Catholic School vs Public School: What to Know

Parochial schools are private schools run by a church or parish, most often Catholic, and other faith-based schools work in similar ways. Compared with public school, they charge tuition, set their own admission rules, include religion classes or services, and may offer fewer special education services. Families usually weigh cost, values, class size and the kind of support their child needs.

How religious schools differ from public and independent schools

Public schools are funded by taxes, open to every child in the area and governed by a school board. Independent schools are private and run by their own board of trustees. Parochial and other religious schools are private too, but they answer to a parish, diocese or religious organization.

Cost. Families pay tuition and fees. Many schools offer need-based aid, discounts for siblings or members of the congregation, and some states have scholarship or voucher programs that can be used at private schools. Check what applies where you live.
Curriculum. Core subjects look much like any other school, with religion courses, prayer or services and often a service requirement added. How closely private schools must follow state curriculum and teacher licensing rules varies by state.
Culture and rules. Uniforms, conduct codes and a shared set of values are common. Many schools welcome students of other faiths; ask what participation is expected.
Size. Many are smaller than the local public high school, which can mean fewer electives and teams but closer attention.
For a broader comparison, see public vs private school and independent school families.

How admission works, including eighth grade entrance exams

Some religious high schools admit most applicants; others are selective. A typical sequence looks like this:

Open houses in the fall of eighth grade. Tour, ask questions and pick up the timeline.
An entrance or placement exam. Many religious high schools give one in the fall or winter of eighth grade, sometimes a shared test used by several schools in the same area. Scores can affect admission, course placement and scholarships.
The application. Usually report cards, teacher recommendations, a short student statement and sometimes an interview or shadow day.
A separate financial aid application, often due around the same time as the admission application.
Decisions in late winter or spring, with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit.

Our guide to private high school admissions walks through the timeline month by month, and the eighth grade parent guide covers the rest of that year.

Support services: what to expect and what to ask

This is the area where families are most often surprised. Public schools must provide special education under federal law. Private schools, including religious schools, are not required to offer the same services. A student with a disability who attends private school may still be able to get some help through the local public school district, but usually less than an IEP at a public school would provide. Ask both the private school and your district before you enroll. Our IEP and 504 plan guide explains the basics.

Questions worth asking on a tour:

Is there a learning support teacher or resource room, and how many students do they serve?
Will the school honor accommodations such as extended time or a quiet testing room?
How many counselors are there, and do they handle both college planning and personal concerns?
What happens when a student starts failing a class? Who calls home, and when?
Are tutoring or homework help sessions offered, and at what cost? See academic support options.

Deciding whether a faith-based school fits

Values. Are you and your teen comfortable with religion classes and services as part of the school week?
Needs. If your child has a learning difference or needs significant support, confirm in writing what the school can provide. See learning differences in high school.
Total cost. Add tuition, fees, uniforms, books, transportation and fundraising expectations over four years.
Courses. Ask whether the school offers the honors, AP or career courses your student wants.
Alternatives. Compare with your neighborhood school, charter schools and magnet schools.
Your teen’s view. A shadow day often tells you more than a brochure.

Where a mentor helps

Religious schools often run with smaller support staffs, so a student who starts to slip may not get much one-on-one follow-through. A mentor adds that weekly layer: setting goals, planning the week, building the habit of emailing teachers and checking in between sessions by text or phone. Mentors are not tutors or admissions counselors and work alongside the school, not in place of it. Parents join the intro call and get regular updates. Learn more about mentoring for high school students.

Common questions

Is Catholic school better than public school?

Neither is better across the board. It depends on the specific schools, your budget, your values and the support your child needs, so compare the actual schools near you.

Do you have to be religious to attend a parochial school?

Usually not. Many religious schools enroll students of other faiths or none, though students typically take religion classes and attend services. Ask each school what is expected.

Do religious schools have IEPs?

Private schools are not required to provide IEPs the way public schools are. Some offer their own support plans, and the local public district may provide limited services, so ask both before enrolling.

When do eighth graders take the entrance exam?

Many religious high schools test in the fall or winter of eighth grade. Check each school’s admission page for its date and registration deadline.

Get started

Want steady weekly support for your high schooler, wherever they go to school? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

Parochial and Religious Schools Explained: What Families Should Know