Academics in catholic schools...

[Anonymous]

Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

[Anonymous]

This depends on a lot. But, I think reading, writing are better at parochial schools as they still teach, grammar, vocabulary and spelling whereas MCPS doesn’t. There are also stronger electives like foreign language and more PE sessions a week. However, I do think math tends to be stronger in MCPS. Also, I think there are more opportunities at the high school level than an elementary at MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Search these threads. You should find many opinions. Check to see if the Catholic school tracks math in MS. Some do and some do not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This depends on a lot. But, I think reading, writing are better at parochial schools as they still teach, grammar, vocabulary and spelling whereas MCPS doesn’t. There are also stronger electives like foreign language and more PE sessions a week. However, I do think math tends to be stronger in MCPS. Also, I think there are more opportunities at the high school level than an elementary at MCPS.

What do people mean when they say math is "stronger"?

[Anonymous]

OP it depends on the school. Half my daughter’s 24 student class took geometry in 8th grade. My daughter is a sophomore now taking honors pre calc.

[Anonymous]

I have one in MCPS and one who went to Holy Cross. It’s a little hard for me to compare because my kids are very different and Covid threw a loop in things.

I will say that my daughter came to AHC from public school and she and the other public school girls were ahead in math and language compared to the girls from the Catholic schools. The downside of the school compared to a MCPS HS, was fewer choices for classes and electives. For example, AHC didn’t have a debate club and she would have liked to do that.
Public school child has greater choices but seems a lot less engaged with classes and teachers compare to AHC kid and I am not sure she will be as prepared for college.

[Anonymous]

Yes, academics in Catholic schools are very strong. They teach fundamentals that make a huge difference as students get older and develop skills that use these fundamentals as a foundation.

[Anonymous]

All the schools vary slightly regarding academics because it's also dependent on teachers (just like MCPS) but in general, the academics are strong, and they also have nontangibles that other schools both public and nonreligious private can't offer:
A reasonable tuition price, faith, a focus on the whole person, a strong community of parents who want similar values instilled, and teachers who are committed to their students and know them. It's so refreshing to see how the principal knows all the kids by name at our school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

Are you talking about big or little Holy Cross?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

Are you talking about big or little Holy Cross?

"little", pk-8

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

So we moved from Catholic to Bethesda area MCPS. But that was part of a bigger move from out of state.

Kids in elementary at the time. Reading and writing were fine. But behind in math for MCPS. Needed summer school to get them to the right level.

Absolutely every kid in Bethesda seems to be in higher level math, particularly by high school. Glad we made the move early. It would be impossible to catch up later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have one in MCPS and one who went to Holy Cross. It’s a little hard for me to compare because my kids are very different and Covid threw a loop in things.

I will say that my daughter came to AHC from public school and she and the other public school girls were ahead in math and language compared to the girls from the Catholic schools. The downside of the school compared to a MCPS HS, was fewer choices for classes and electives. For example, AHC didn’t have a debate club and she would have liked to do that.
Public school child has greater choices but seems a lot less engaged with classes and teachers compare to AHC kid and I am not sure she will be as prepared for college.

OP was talking about the parochial school - Holy Cross School - not the high school AHC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

Send your child to MCP and not Holy Cross.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

Send your child to MCP and not Holy Cross.

I disagree! Holy Cross is an amazing school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you say academics (math, reading and writing specifically) are strong enough in small catholic schools? looking at Holy Cross in Kensington.. Or are they stronger in Bethesda area MCPS?

Send your child to MCP and not Holy Cross.

why?