The Blessings and Benefits of a Catholic Education
A Catholic Education is a priceless investment.

Catholic Schools:

Develop and strengthen a personal love for Christ by...

growing in a meaningful prayer life and understanding of Catholic beliefs, sacramental life, and moral teaching, leading to total commitment to the person of Christ,

forming a Christian conscience and developing decision-making skills based on Gospel values, fundamental, permanent virtues, and the moral teachings of the Catholic Church,

appreciating and respecting the beauty, value and goodness of all creation,

developing attitudes of justice, concern and respect for others,

choosing to be involved in Christian service, particularly to the poor,

Develop a wholesome self-image by...

recognizing, developing and respecting the God-given talents in themselves and others,

developing self-discipline and assuming personal responsibility for their attitudes and behavior,

developing leadership skills,

developing respectful relationships and collaborating with others for the common good.

Assume personal responsibility for life-long learning by...

developing a work ethic, self-discipline and study skills which promote lifelong learning,

developing their life of faith and relationship with God through ongoing study, prayer and participation in the sacramental life of the Church,

developing and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all areas of the curriculum,

fostering an appreciation for scholastic achievement and intellectual leadership, acquiring proficiency and clarity in oral and written communication,

developing skills of scientific inquiry, math competency and technology literacy,

experiencing and appreciating aesthetic value in art, music, and literature,

developing habits of healthful living and skills for physical fitness, sportsmanship, and recreation,

participating as responsible citizens in the democratic society,

becoming aware of career options and leisure pursuits and seeking guidance in the application of one's talents.

Participate in the Church and society of the 21st Century by…

participating regularly in the sacramental and community life of their parish, recognizing and responding to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives and discerning their particular Christian vocation in the world, in marriage or single life, in the priesthood or consecrated life, or in the permanent diaconate,

developing a sense of responsibility and commitment, both as citizens of a global community and members of the Church to economic justice, multicultural diversity, and protection and care for the environment,

recognizing the interdependence of the global community and translating that awareness into direct action as responsible, productive citizens for the service of others. making informed judgments and decisions, acting in accordance with the principles of Catholic social teaching and our democratic society,

respecting life in all its forms and at all its stages,

engaging in critical reflection and application of Church teaching to the unique moral and ethical challenges of the 21st Century.
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According to research conducted by Jason Boffetti (Programs Co-ordinator and Research Associate in Education for the Faith and Reason Institute) and published in All Schools Are Public Schools (2001):

Catholic high schools graduate 97 percent of their students, compared with just over 50 percent in public

. The federal government uses a regular test, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), to measure education performance across the country. Results from the 1996 NAEP show that fourth- and eighth-grade Catholic school students do better in math, science, reading, and social studies, and few fall behind in later years. Eighty-five percent of Catholic school students take the SAT compared with 33 percent in public schools

Minority students from low-income families score more than 150 points higher than their public and magnet school peers, according to a 1990 Rand Corporation study.

According to a 2006 National Center for Education Statistic study:

In 4th grade reading, the average private school mean reading score was 14.7 points higher than the average public school mean reading score.

In 4th grade mathematics, the average private school mean mathematics score was 7.8 points higher than the average public school mean mathematics score.

In 8th grade reading, the average private school mean reading score was 18.1 points higher than the average public school mean reading score.

In 8th grade mathematics, the average private school mean mathematics score was 12.3 points higher than the average public school mean mathematics score.

Diocese of Youngstown Students

2008-2009 IOWA Standardized Test Results

Grade Reading Language Math Composite

1 76 95 77 N/A

2 69 62 58 N/A

3 72 71 66 74

4 67 68 63 70

5 69 73 67 73

6 65 68 63 67

7 69 72 69 71

The scores above are listed in percentiles. The percentile score indicates the performance of the typical diocesan students in relation to other students, nationwide, in the same grade. For example, the diocesan average for grade 5 Language was 73. This means that the typical diocesan fifth grade students scored as well as or better than 73% of students nationwide.

Ohio Graduation Test Report
Diocese of Youngstown students exceed all applicable standards.
2009-2010 Tenth Grade Results

Subject Average for Diocesan High Schools State Average for Public High Schools

Reading 96.1% 84.5%

Math 91.2% 81.4%

Writing 98.9% 89.7%

Science 89.1% 76%

Social Studies 92.1% 81.6%