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Is Catholic Education Worth the Expense?

Written by Michael Nicholson, Ed.D.

Dr. Nicholson was taken by surprise when a stranger asked him if Catholic school is worth it. As a Catholic school administrator and father to children who attend Catholic schools, he should have had the perfect answer at hand…but he didn’t. Here he takes the opportunity to reflect on the reasons why Catholic education is absolutely worth the investment.

I remember where I was when I got the question. My son just finished his last town soccer game. It was one of those cool spring mornings, so I had thrown on the sweatshirt bearing the logo of his soon-to-be Catholic school before heading to the field. I was just about to step into my car to head home when it happened. A parent from the visiting team asked, “Hey, is it really worth all that money to send your son to a Catholic school?” The question was posed innocently enough, but having barely gulped down my first cup of coffee on that Saturday morning, I was caught off guard. You know those moments in life when you look back at a situation and think of the 10,000 other things you wished you had said? Instead, I mumbled, “I’d like to think so,” not mentioning the fact that I work at said-Catholic school. 

In life, we rarely get do-overs. Even the perceived “experts” have off-days. The individual was, in fact, correct—Catholic school isn’t cheap. So, why choose it? After much reflection (and eating a little bit of humble pie), I can say that I am armed and ready for the next parking lot encounter (or grocery store, or shopping mall, or gym…). 

Why choose a Catholic school? Here are three reasons to start the conversation. 

  1. Don’t leave your child’s education to chance. Is it possible for your child to receive an excellent education in public school? As a product of public education, I can say the answer to that question is, “yes…it’s possible.” I’ve never been much of a gambler; I never enjoyed playing games that didn’t have a high probability of success (remember, the house always wins!). Catholic schools have long been known for their academic rigor, high-quality teaching, and disciplined environment. These things don’t happen by chance or accident in a Catholic school—they are part of the Catholic school experience. Why leave your child’s education to chance?

  1. The focus is on the who AND the what. Yes, there are many school options that have excellent academic programs with multiple levels and numerous AP courses. Yet, in addition to that, a Catholic school is a living community where your child will be known, loved, and valued. With an intentional emphasis on character formation and developing a strong moral compass in a community of faith, a Catholic school places a primacy on the God-given dignity and worth of each person. This is not just part of who we are; it is who we are. A Catholic education delivers on the promise to instill intellectual curiosity and academic excellence while simultaneously forming students to be the people God has created them to be. Oh, and they will learn how to actually talk to adults—while looking them in the eye AND shaking their hand. 

  1. It is the best investment you will make. Warren Buffett is one of the world’s wealthiest (and most generous) individuals. One of his best pieces of advice is, “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” His point is simple: approach your investments with a long-term mindset. Choosing a Catholic school is an investment—time, money, and other resources (one word: carpool). But it is an investment for life. Your child will receive a firm set of values that will guide him through life and a network of other alumni poised to help him land his first job interview. A Catholic education is an investment in your child’s mind, heart, and soul that will continue to yield dividends throughout the entirety of his life. And don’t forget, most Catholic schools offer ample need-based tuition assistance. Don’t get sticker shock and be deterred. Catholic education can be possible for every budget. 

Whether you are currently exploring a Catholic education for your child or you have found yourself in the “parking lot” situation, I invite you to reflect on the three reasons I’ve offered here for choosing Catholic education. Perhaps you have more to add from your own experience. The next time I’m asked if Catholic education is worth it, I’ll be sure to respond, “Yes, absolutely. Do you have a few minutes to chat?”
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Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.