10 Proven Reasons to Choose a Catholic School for Your Child
Here are 10 evidence-based reasons families choose a Catholic education, supported by national studies and decades of research. From stronger academics to deeper faith formation, Catholic schools consistently help students thrive—spiritually, intellectually, and socially.
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School (OLPH) in Scottsdale, we see this research come to life every day. Our students grow in faith and character, supported by dedicated teachers, a close-knit community, and a shared mission to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in Catholic tradition and academic excellence, OLPH continues a legacy of preparing students to lead with compassion, curiosity, and confidence.
Higher academic achievement
Research shows students in Catholic schools often outperform their public-school peers in standardized measures of reading and mathematics. ace.nd.edu+3ncea.org+3digitalcommons.lmu.edu+
Preparation for higher education and careers
Students from Catholic high schools often experience higher college GPAs, higher STEM-degree attainment, and better long-term economic outcomes. digitalcommons.lmu.edu+1
Smaller gaps for disadvantaged students
For students from low-income or minority backgrounds, Catholic schooling has been linked to narrower achievement gaps and higher graduation and college-attendance rates compared to peers in other sectors. FACE+2The Heartland Institute+2
Civic engagement and community orientation
Graduates of Catholic schools are more likely to volunteer, vote, and exhibit behaviors consistent with civic responsibility. FACE
Character, discipline and behavioral benefits
Studies suggest that students in Catholic schools have lower rates of disruptive behavior, better self-discipline, and healthier peer-relations. The Heartland Institute
Character, discipline and behavioral benefits
Studies suggest that students in Catholic schools have lower rates of disruptive behavior, better self-discipline, and healthier peer-relations. The Heartland Institute
Preparation for higher education and careers
Students from Catholic high schools often experience higher college GPAs, higher STEM-degree attainment, and better long-term economic outcomes. digitalcommons.lmu.edu+1
Smaller school sizes / closer teacher-student relationships
Many Catholic schools emphasize smaller classes, greater individual attention, and deeper relationships between staff, students and families—all of which support student success. sths.org+1
Integration of faith, service and academics
Catholic schools situate academic learning within broader missions of service, moral growth and faith formation. This “whole-child” approach appeals to families seeking more than just academic credentials. Our Lady of Lourdes+1
Community stability and neighborhood benefit
Research shows that Catholic schools can serve as stabilizing cultural institutions in their communities, supporting social cohesion and reducing neighborhood disorder when present. St. Anthony Catholic School+1