What Sets a Catholic High School Education Apart?

There are a wide range of reasons that, after centuries, a Catholic education still remains a viable, and in many ways, preferable, option.
Catholic schools are renowned for emphasizing excellence in academic achievement. Class size is typically smaller, and the ratio of teachers to pupils greater; not surprisingly, students score consistently higher on standardized tests. Every Catholic high school in the Los Angeles Archdiocese meets rigorous college-preparatory standards and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Studies show that Catholic high schools have at least a 97 percent graduation rate, and those graduates attend post-secondary schools at an equally high percentage. According to The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, the average graduation rate for public schools is 61.7 percent. In addition to the three Rs, many Catholic schools offer more access to extra-curricular activities, such as theatre and sports, with athletic teams at many schools competing at the Division 1 level. More structure is typically provided: each school has a Dean of Discipline, who monitors behavior, and students are required to complete community service to become more civic-minded.
Catholic schools offer a higher rate of positive educational outcomes for children who are demographically disadvantaged. Also, tuition is often supplemented, so the Catholic community shares the cost. Students may attend any Catholic school regardless of where they live; there are no district restrictions. And speaking of restrictions, the previously-dreaded compulsory uniform offers more ensemble options, and of course, removes stigma from children unable to compete for the trendiest or costliest clothes.
Monsignor Sabato Pilato Superintendent of High Schools, on the website www.lacatholicschools.org states it best, “The word Catholic means universal, and we strive to make every child welcome … Our Catholic schools are places where faith and knowledge meet…. Put together growth in faith and growth in intellectual development and you have wholeness or well roundedness that is psychologically very healthy. Life is not just about facts or the accumulation of knowledge. Life is also about mystery, wonder, and faith. Catholic schools give our students the intellectual tools and faith to navigate a complex world.”
Graduates of Catholic high school excelling in fields today include Sonia Sotomayor (the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice); pop singer, Lady Gaga; the Irish-born actor best known for portraying James Bond, Pierce Brosnan; and President Barack Obama.
Bishop Alemany High School is located at 1111 N. Alemany Drive in Mission Hills. For more information, you can reach them at 818-837-5222, email: admissions@alemany.org and visit www.alemany.org.