Private schools

Catholic school teachers earn 20% less than their counterparts in public schools. The cost per student in public schools is $15,000 vs $11,000 in private schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Catholic school students consistently score higher on advanced achievement tests, and by eighth grade, they outscore their public school counterparts in mathematics by a full 13 points. There are a number of reasons for these differences. Public schools are more tolerant of inappropriate behavior. Students in Catholic schools know they will be suspended if their behavior warrants. Very low income families cannot afford Catholic schools. Catholic schools are more demanding and concentrate on the 3 R's while having higher expectations. Children of public school teachers attend private schools at twice the national average. Parents who send their children to private schools play a more active role in their children's education including having books in the home and attending student teacher conferences.