Many concerned parents have asked this question, “But is a private school education worth the cost?” At Paraclete High School, many factors go into answering this question.
Parents deciding if private school education is worth the financial investment will consider various factors. Some of the most crucial elements to consider are:
- Your unique financial situation
- The type of student your child is
- Whether or not the school can provide a challenging college-prep curriculum where students grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally in a safe environment.
Let’s highlight some of the extensive benefits a private school education offers and how the experience prepares students for sustained success both in college and life after graduation. Showcasing these unique benefits will help parents realize that they must consider more than just cost when deciding whether to send their child to a private school.
Safety
Today perhaps more than ever, safety is of paramount importance in schools. While we have our security measures to ensure our student’s safety, we are proud to be one of the few schools in LA county without security checkpoints and metal detectors
While the security of our students is always our focus, we’ve never needed to install such safety measures. We believe our students hold themselves to a higher standard, and through our mission of serving others, each Paraclete student truly embodies this practice. We keep each other safe and have each other’s best interests at heart.
Genuine and Palpable Enthusiasm to Learn and Grow
Every day, our teachers and staff look forward to coming into school with the passionate and bright mind that defines a Paraclete Spirit. Our technology-first curriculum brings 1 to 1 technology into the classroom and integrates with each lesson plan, ensuring learning can continue even after the bell rings. We found that by providing our students with their tablets, they continue learning after the school day.
Our rigorous, college prep-level education has helped generations of graduates see success in college and the workforce. Many innovators, scholars, artists, physicians, educators, lawyers, business leaders, actors, writers, athletes, scientists, homemakers, and public servants are unified and shaped by a Paraclete High School education. Our enthusiastic alumni often return to campus to share their life career journey and how their time with us at Paraclete destined them for success.
Student success here at Paraclete does not rely on the intelligence of each student. When a student finds a specific course or topic particularly challenging, our teachers meet that challenge with additional support and guidance to help the student find their success at their pace.
Competitive Offerings
It’s hard to put a price tag on quality education. With nearly 20 Advanced Placement (AP) classes in traditional areas as well as STEM topics, we offer unlimited opportunities for students to reach their potential and prepare for post-graduation success. A report conducted by College Board Research indicates dual enrollment does not lead to the same success rates in college as AP offerings, nor are dual enrollment credits recognized as widely as AP credits.
In addition to robust academic offerings, we also provide students with an extensive array of extracurricular opportunities to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to unearth their undiscovered passions. Extracurricular activities offer several benefits, including the spark that ignites academic inquiry and the building blocks to develop essential problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
From our student-athletes, some of whom sign onto special teams after they graduate, to the talented members of our creative clubs, and the great minds of the academic groups who continue to represent Paraclete at competitions around the state. We are proud of the students’ success in their pursuits, and the pride we see in players and their families when a team wins State Playoffs or the Academic Decathlon team brings home gold medals from their competition.
Be Part of Something Bigger
It might be the Christian values prevalent through the curriculum or stem from our focus on serving others. In the end, there is a strong bond and identity of the diverse and ever-changing Paraclete Spirits that is truly inspiring to see. It doesn’t take students long to realize this place is partly theirs, and there is beauty in feeling that you truly belong here.
You can tell from the smiles and general comfort on campus that there is something bigger our students are a part of. Take a quick look at our student-run Instagram account to see what they choose to share about their Spirit Stories.
All Are Welcome
No matter the faith your household keeps, all students are welcome here. You do not have to be Catholic to attend Paraclete. Nationally for 2020-2021, non-catholic enrollment comprised 19.7% of the total enrollment in Catholic secondary schools, according to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). At Paraclete High School, 40% of our student body identifies as non-Catholic.
Families from different faiths often choose Catholic schools for reasons beyond academic reputation or class sizes. They seek something more, something they can’t always find in public schools. Non-Catholic families choose Catholic high schools because they want students immersed in a school environment that instills morals and builds character every day.
Private School Education: A Sound Investment in Your Child’s Future Success
As a parent, the best high school education choice for you and your family alone to make. Your child’s safety is an essential factor, as are extracurricular opportunities, academic excellence, and making sure your child enjoys school. If giving your child an all-encompassing approach to education that provides them a smooth transition to college and a significant chance of success in the workforce seems “worth it,” the financial investment should be too.
The cost of private school education is secondary to the advantages of a comprehensive faith-based education that instills the value of hard work and social responsibility in every student. However, if tuition is the one factor holding you back, get in touch with our Admissions team to see if there is additional information we can provide about the investment of attendance for your rising 8th grader.
At Paraclete High School, we define ourselves as a community, together in faith, serving others, made more empowering with one another. If your child is bright, ambitious, and ready to tackle challenges, register for our virtual tour and information session and begin assessing if Paraclete High School is the right fit for your child. Choosing a school like Paraclete might end up being the best investment you can make in your child’s future.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 16, 2018, and has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
