5 Differences Between Public High Schools and Catholic High School

Before coming to Pius, I was against catholic schools due to their association of requiring a uniform. In fact, for my first two years of high school I went to a Public school. However, since coming to Pius I’ve grown to love the school. Here are five differences between Public and Catholic high schools:

1.       The first and most notable difference between Public and Catholic schools is the mandatory religion class in each grade for catholic schools. When researched this difference is the most mentioned and for good reason. In public schools, students have one less mandatory class that frees up space in their timetable to pick and choose courses to their liking; however, in catholic schools they are required to take religion class from grade 9-12, with the option in grade 12 to take philosophy.

2.       The second difference between Public and Catholic schools, in my experience, is the focus of the school. When I went to public school, the administration was never involved with the school as much as the administration or Richie is with us at Pius. There were never as many liturgies/assemblies at the public school I went to, something I think really brings out the unity of our school and causes students to stop and think.

3.       The third difference between Public and Catholic Schools is the level of strictness. When I came to Pius, I wasn’t sure what the dress code was because I thought all Catholic schools required uniforms. However when I learned it didn’t, I was highly cautious of what to wear. Over the last two years I’ve learned what to wear and what not to wear. While at first it seemed similar to the dress code of the Public school I went to, the differences in strictness started to appear as the seasons changed. Where at my old school the ripped jeans or short shorts were allowed, here at Pius there is strict no wearing these articles of clothing. While I never wear them, I’ve heard of students being sent home to change as it was seen as inappropriate.

4.       The fourth difference between Public and Catholic Schools is the environment of the school itself. While at my old school, the environment wasn't bad per se it wasn't always the most welcoming; however, here at  Pius there is a strong connection to everyone. The teachers are all welcoming and nice, the administration is always hospitable, and the students are all friendly.

5.    The fifth difference between Public and Catholic Schools is the test scores. In EQAO, and other forms of testing it has been found that Catholic schools have higher test scores than public schools. An economic professor, David Johnson speculates, "Maybe they’re more selective, or maybe Catholic schools just try harder because they know parents can always switch their kids to the public system". In my opinion, it is due to the understanding between student and teacher. In catholic schools, I find teachers are more understanding towards the students. Whereas in Public schools, they tend to just clump everyone together.