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Since private Catholic schools aren’t officially ranked, you have to do a little extra work to find the best one in your area. That explains why it’s hard to come up with a definitive answer when searching for the “Best private Catholic high schools near me.”
Fortunately, you can narrow your list by looking for schools with specific characteristics. Then, you’ll find a top-notch private school that has everything you need to excel now and in the future.
How to Find the Best Private Schools
There are numerous factors to consider when vetting the list of private Catholic high schools. Let’s go over each one, starting with its ability to prepare you for college.
Consider a College Prep School
You’re likely considering a private school because you want to focus on academics. You can take it a step further by selecting a college prep private school.
Administrators design the curriculum specifically to prepare students for colleges and universities. Thus, choosing such a school will put you on the path to success.
Select a School That Provides Personal Attention
Did you know that California’s public schools have a student-teacher ratio of 20.9:1? It’s hard to get personalized attention if you’re one in a sea of students, which might be a big reason you’re looking at private Catholic high schools.
While private schools typically offer a superior student-teacher ratio, some do better than others. Thus, make sure the school you select has a student-teacher ratio that’s below the national average of 15.5:1.
Find a School That Provides a Well-rounded Experience
Getting into a top-rated college is challenging, so you need to do everything possible to get ahead of the competition. That means you need to focus on more than academics, although that’s the most important. You also need to pad your college applications with extracurricular activities, or you might get passed over.
Be sure to look for private high schools that offer various activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. Along with helping you increase your odds of going to a top-rated college, these extracurricular activities will help you have fun and meet new friends. By doing so, you’ll enjoy countless benefits when enrolling in a private school that offers lots of options.
Look for Private Schools That Share Your Values
If you’ve attended public school in the past, you know that teachers and administrators cannot discuss religion and other topics that may be important to you. You may even feel like something is lacking when getting an education.
Fortunately, this is not the case when going to one of the best private high schools in Southern California, like St. John Bosco.
You can choose a private Catholic high school that provides religious and ethical education. When you attend such a school, you’ll even have access to a youth ministry, Christian service program, and retreats to help you explore and live out your faith.
At the same time, these private schools put a heavy emphasis on education, offering AP and Honors classes for students. These schools provide students with the best of both worlds—so you don’t have to sacrifice anything to get an excellent education.
Look for Schools That Provide Financial Assistance
Some people decide against private high schools because they don’t have the funds to pay the tuition. While others have missed a fantastic opportunity, you don’t have to follow in their footsteps.
Instead, you can explore private schools that offer scholarships and tuition assistance. Some of these schools provide merit- and need-based assistance options, allowing you to find a solution if you’re worried about paying for your education.
Select From Schools That Offer Support
High school can be a challenging experience for many different students. Between navigating your teen years and taking increasingly difficult classes, you’ll need support from time to time.
Most schools offer guidance counselors, but they can’t provide the type of support you’ll need if dealing with serious issues.
Be sure to check for private schools that also offer counselors who can provide social and emotional support. Then, you will have an adult to talk to whenever you need, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with the challenges yourself.
Counselors can also help you develop coping skills when dealing with uncomfortable emotions or situations—and these tools can be carried with you for the rest of your life.
Consider a School Where You’ll Make Lifelong Friends
Preparing for college is an essential item on your to-do list when attending a private school. However, you’d also like to form friendships that will last a lifetime.
It’s not a bad idea to check for private high schools with a culture that facilitates such friendships. For instance, retreats, organizations, and religious services can all help you get to know your fellow students better, meaning you can build strong bonds during your time in high school. With the right school, those bonds will continue to grow well after you graduate.
Evaluate the Facilities and Technology
The best private schools stand out when it comes to facilities and technology. For example, you can find schools with virtual dissection tools, 3D anatomy visualizations, and other technology to promote learning.
On top of that, some private schools have embraced technology to the point of offering online classes to provide more flexibility in your in-person schedule.
Check out the Culture in Person
While you can tell quite a bit about a private Catholic high school online, it’s wise to visit in person to ensure it’s a good fit.
While a campus tour will help you get a feel for the school, participating in a shadow program is even better. Then, you can immerse yourself in the experience, from attending classes to meeting the faculty.
The Final Say: Finding The Best Private Catholic High School Near You
These are just some of the things to look for when searching for the best private Catholic high school near you. St. John Bosco has all of these characteristics and more. Our private college prep high school has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, which is much better than the state or national average. We also offer scholarship programs and tuition assistance for those who qualify.
Additionally, students have access to clubs, organizations, and everything else they need to help them get into a top-rated college while also enjoying their time in high school. On top of that, students are part of the Bosco Brotherhood, so they are bonded for life. Make sure to reach out to us to learn more about our academics and culture.