Part 1: Why Private Part 2: Why Catholic
Public and private schools aren’t the same
(and neither is the experience they provide)
WHY SELECT A
private school private school
FOR YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION?
What drives parents to choose private education over public for their child? Public schools are free and supported by taxpayers—so why do so many parents decide to invest in private school? The simple answer is that every parent wants what is best for their child. For some families, this means finding a school offering holistic development, rather than only teaching core subjects. For others, it involves seeking out a school that better addresses their child's academic, emotional, or social needs.
Many parents want a school that can better prepare their child for the academic rigor of the nation’s top colleges and future careers.
While the specific reasons vary, millions of parents choose private schools each year because they believe it’s the best option for their child’s specific needs.
Is private school the best choice for your child?
INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL
OVERSIGHT ALLOWS FOR A TAILORED APPROACH
Perhaps the most obvious difference between public and private schools is the source of their funding. The funding mechanisms and independent financial oversight of private schools provide them with a distinct level of flexibility and autonomy. Public school budgets are limited to the amounts federal, state, and local governments permit them to spend. On the other hand, private schools’ operating income is based on tuition and donor support.
Private schools have the capability to manage their budgets in a way that best fulfills their mission and meets the needs of their students, with tuition rates and fundraising goals set at levels that ensure their ongoing operations and the ability to deliver the services that their students and families want and value.
The benefits that private schools can provide as a result of having control over finances are considerable. While these vary from school to school, the most common include smaller class sizes, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and enriching extra-curriculars often cut from public school budgets.
Catholic school Catholic school
WHY SELECT A FOR YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION?
According to Pew Research, about three-quarters of private school K-12 students (77%) attended a religiously affiliated school during the 2021-22 school year. The largest share went to Catholic schools, which accounted for 35% of all private school enrollment.
Often, Catholic secondary schools offer increased affordability compared to their secular counterparts. The average tuition rate for Catholic high schools in the Metro Detroit area was approximately 57.61% lower than that of non-religious private high schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
A Catholic education offers numerous benefits, which can be grouped into two main categories: the quality of academic instruction and the foundation of faith it provides. These categories are interconnected, as Catholic educators view education as a means of engaging students both intellectually and spiritually.
The Benefits
1. Emphasis on Gospel Values
Catholic high schools aim to incorporate Catholic teachings and faith discovery across various subjects, not limited to theology courses. This approach enables students to examine the intersection of faith and morality with academic disciplines.
2. Higher Graduation Rates
According to The National Catholic Educational Association ninety-nine percent (99%) of Catholic secondary school students graduate high school. In general, on national and standardized tests, Catholic schools consistently outperform public and other private schools by as much as 20 percentage points.
3. Lower Student-Teacher Ratio
A low student-teacher ratio in high schools enhances personalized attention and academic support. Catholic schools often maintain favorable ratios, fostering better studentoutcomesandstrongerteacher-studentrelationships.
4. A Sense of Community
Opportunities for fellowship, friendship, and service are readily accessible for families, fostering a warm and inclusive community. Schools often serve as vital hubs of support and connection, allowing families to lean on their school network inmeaningfulways.
Inadditiontoitsrigorousacademics, Catholicschoolsofferstudents opportunitiestoexplorehands-on science,arts,andathleticsprograms.
WHO DETERMINES THE SCHOOL’S
curriculum & policies? curriculum & policies?
STANDARDS & VALUES
Catholic schools promote schools promote Catholic
Marian High School sponsors multiple opportunities for tuition assistance and scholarship awards at the time of admission.
Reach out to our admission team to learn more. We’re here to help you each step of the way. admission@marian-hs.org
Our students continue to discover themselves and fearlessly claim their place in the world. At Marian, you’ll always be welcomed, encouraged, and accepted. You will be surrounded by supportive, high-achieving young women who are eager to learn, will applaud your success, and have your back.
Marian girls – they’ll be your friends for life.
Marian is a place where young women are confident and courageous, and learning is ambitious and personal.
We cultivate Christian virtues in the minds and hearts of our young women by fostering intellectual growth, nurturing character development, and deepening the spiritual life in each of our students.
