There are many different types of schools in the United States, and with so many options, choosing the right school for you can be a difficult decision. There are private, religious, and public schools in the United States, and they are all unique. International students can only attend U.S. public schools for one year, but international students can attend private and religious schools for all four years of high school. This allows students to fully immerse themselves in the school and culture of the United States.
Religious schools in the United States are private, and they can be of any denomination. Religious schools offer many benefits to international students. Catholic high schools, one common type of religious school, are popular with international students, whether they are Catholic themselves or not. International students choose Catholic high schools because of the small class sizes, strong academic performance, and focus on the student as a whole person. Here are six benefits of attending a Catholic high school:
Greater chance of graduating from college
Students who graduate from Catholic high schools are more likely to graduate from college. Therefore, if your goal is to attend and graduate from an American college, a Catholic high school may be a good option for you.
Higher average SAT scores
Students who attend Catholic high schools have higher average SAT scores than students attending other types of schools. Higher SAT scores mean you may be able to get into more competitive colleges or get more scholarships.
Higher reading and math scores
Students in Catholic schools have higher reading and math scores on standardized tests, which leads to higher scores in the classroom and on those tests. It also means you will be better prepared for challenging college coursework.
The cost is lower than other private schools
Catholic schools have lower average tuition costs than other private schools, making them more affordable for everyone. This option often makes school in the United States affordable for many international students.
Service-oriented
Catholic schools focus on service to others as part of student learning. Students learn the value of volunteering and compassion for others in Catholic schools, often through service hours built into the curriculum.
Single-sex options
Catholic schools can be co-educational, where both boys and girls attend, or segregated, where only boys or girls attend. Single-sex options can be good options for students who are used to attending with people of their own gender or for those who feel it will help them learn better. When researching and talking to schools, think about what is best for you and your education.
Choosing a high school in the United States is a difficult and important decision. It is important to think about what you want your high school experience to be like, as well as your goals after graduation. Catholic high schools can provide a great high school experience and prepare you for success in college and beyond.