WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 29, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Students of Catholic high schools are more likely than their peers in other schools to graduate and attend college, a new study finds.
The Annual Statistical Report on Schools, Enrollment and Staffing, United States Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools 2009-2010, was recently released by the National Catholic Educational Association.
A statement from the U.S. bishops reported the finds Wednesday.
The study shows that Catholic secondary schools report a graduation rate of 99.1%. Non-Catholic religious schools have a rate of 97.9%; non-sectarian schools 95.7%; and public schools 73.2%.
Similarly, Catholic high school students, 84.7%, are most likely to attend four-year colleges. They are twice as likely to attend four-year colleges as public high school graduates, 44.1%.
“This report illustrates the ongoing excellence of Catholic schools,” said Marie Powell, executive director of the bishops’ Secretariat of Catholic Education. “Catholic high schools have a remarkable record of graduating their students and preparing them well for post-secondary education.
“Their effectiveness in educating students, even from disadvantaged backgrounds, has been cited consistently in research published over the last 25 years. The Catholic community can be very proud of their support for such schools.”
