Why do some think academics are not as strong in Catholic schools? Is this based on a current experience, an experience from 20 years ago, bias or just trying to downplay Catholic, parish-based schools?

We have current experiences in both Catholic and public schools and have found the parish school to be more rigorous in some subject areas and equally rigorous in others.

Anonymous wrote:I am just wondering from a test perspective of school vs school? Only so much info on great schools and school digger but know at least know has to be a STEM school? Any feedback would be great.

What town do you live in?

My sister's kids went to St. Elizabeth and it was a great experience. For comparison, my kids went to Catholic in VA, and the differences were many. From tougher academics, to summer work in every subject, to midterm and final exams in middle schools - it was very rigorous. Both her kids are at St. John's in, accepted with full scholarships and in the top honors program. And yes, they were both accepted to the top Catholic DC single sex schools, but preferred SJS.(No bashing of their choices needed thanks). It may be the Washington Archdiocese and their focus on the schools, along with a very good principal and teachers, but I wish we could have gone there. Good luck - I am sure there are any number of good schools for you!

If you live in Md, your public options may be decent. Which public school would your kid go to?

Anonymous wrote:For comparison

St. Albans: $42,484
St. Anselm's: $25,900
Mercy: $9,970 in-parish/ 11,400 out of parish

I believe PP knows that St. Albans is not Catholic but listed it as an example of the price of a "traditional independent" (per the post immediately prior).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not what I am after but am just tying to figure out the differences in academics fox example I would love to find one that is a STEM school for my DS who excels in that area.

Do you mean excels or do you mean is good at.

For example, do you mean that he will need to take Calculus in 8th grade or do you mean he will get straight A's in Algebra 2 in 8th grade?

Also, I am not aware of any ES that have STEM there are HSs with STEM.

In my experience, the Catholic ESs are not going to accelerate at the whim of a parent but if there is a clear need and the child would not be happy at a slower pace they will accelerate.

There are parish schools and independent Catholic schools, the independent schools have opportunity for acceleration, especially the ones with a HS attached.

St. Bernadette in Silver Spring offers accelerated math for students - there are as many tracks as needed for 6th-8th graders. The website says the school's Algebra I team took 1st Place in the National Catholic Math League Competition Division 5, and 2nd Place overall nationwide out of 108 schools (including high schools).

St Albans isn't Catholic.

There are cheaper independent catholic high schools like Dematha, which is around 17k and is a pretty good school.

Parish elementary schools, that depends upon where you live. Though I've read that Holy Redeemer and St Jeromes Academy are very good, economically priced parish schools.

For comparison

St. Albans: $42,484
St. Anselm's: $25,900
Mercy: $9,970 in-parish/ 11,400 out of parish

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not what I am after but am just tying to figure out the differences in academics fox example I would love to find one that is a STEM school for my DS who excels in that area.

Do you mean excels or do you mean is good at.

For example, do you mean that he will need to take Calculus in 8th grade or do you mean he will get straight A's in Algebra 2 in 8th grade?

Also, I am not aware of any ES that have STEM there are HSs with STEM.

In my experience, the Catholic ESs are not going to accelerate at the whim of a parent but if there is a clear need and the child would not be happy at a slower pace they will accelerate.

There are parish schools and independent Catholic schools, the independent schools have opportunity for acceleration, especially the ones with a HS attached.

Just a heads up that (typically) the independent schools are much more expensive than the parish schools. So, if you are looking at Catholic schools because you can't afford a traditional independent, you might find yourself with sticker shock.

Anonymous wrote:It is not what I am after but am just tying to figure out the differences in academics fox example I would love to find one that is a STEM school for my DS who excels in that area.

Do you mean excels or do you mean is good at.

For example, do you mean that he will need to take Calculus in 8th grade or do you mean he will get straight A's in Algebra 2 in 8th grade?

Also, I am not aware of any ES that have STEM there are HSs with STEM.

In my experience, the Catholic ESs are not going to accelerate at the whim of a parent but if there is a clear need and the child would not be happy at a slower pace they will accelerate.

There are parish schools and independent Catholic schools, the independent schools have opportunity for acceleration, especially the ones with a HS attached.

What PP said. At the ES level, Catholic schools are going to be by parish and somewhat similar. At the HS level you might see some differentiation between schools that are good all around, good for sporty kids, and good for brainy kids but not at the ES level.

That's not really how catholic schools work. You go to your school in your parish. where do you live?

It is not what I am after but am just tying to figure out the differences in academics fox example I would love to find one that is a STEM school for my DS who excels in that area.

If that's what you're after, send your kids to public. Academics will not be as rigorous in catholic schools and there will be less emphasis on test scores, which for many is the appeal...

I am just wondering from a test perspective of school vs school? Only so much info on great schools and school digger but know at least know has to be a STEM school? Any feedback would be great.