Why send your child to Catholic high school

A high school student uses chemistry equipment.

In the midst of the thought-provoking classes, exciting extracurriculars, and busy social life of the high school years, imagine quiet moments built into each day to turn to God in prayer.

This education that nurtures the whole person is what you give your child when you choose a Catholic high school.

The five Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids offer excellent academics, highly qualified teachers, and an abundance of extracurricular offerings, as well as faith formation through regular Mass, Eucharistic adoration, retreats, and eight semesters of theology instruction (read our curriculum standards here).  All of this makes a difference for our students:

  • Catholic school students are 7-8 times more likely to attend Sunday Mass as adults
  • Among the class of 2020 in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, 96 percent of our graduates went on to college
  • These graduates reported accepting more than $8.4 million in scholarships (check out more accomplishments from the class of 2020 here)
  • Catholic school students across the country outperform their peers in core subjects like math, science, reading, and technology and engineering literacy (source)
  • Our graduates are 20% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree (source)
  • Catholic school alumni, on average, earn 13.6% more than their public school counterparts (source)
  • Catholic school graduates tend to be more civically engaged, more tolerant for diverse views, and more committed to service as adults (source)

Our high schools also share the belief that a Catholic education should be available to any family who wants to provide their child with a quality education in a strong Catholic environment. Our vibrant Student Support Services Network collaborates to serve learners with a wide range of learning needs. Additionally, a variety of scholarships help many families provide their children with a Catholic education.

Contact us here to learn more about enrolling in a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

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Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,000 preschool through 12th grade students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.

Pictured: A spring 2019 file photo from Muskegon Catholic Central.