Public School versus Catholic Schools… the age old, question – which is better?
Many believe that Catholic schools offer an overall better education than compared to public schools but from personal experience I think the same quality of education that people regard Catholic schools to provide, can be received in public schools. I think a quality education depends on the student and the student’s motivation to succeed. There are many stereotypical pros and cons to attending a Catholic school versus a public school.
Not everyone has had the experience of going through the Catholic school system, and I for one am one of those people. Attending The Catholic University of America has been the most major Catholic schooling experience that I have had to date. Nothing, not even 8 years of C.C.D. classes could have prepared me for this experience.
I do not regret going to public school, where I was fortunate to attend the best magnet public schools in Miami-Dade County. Though sometimes I wish I would have had the experience of attending a Catholic school prior to college. I can get frustrated when I am not as well versed in my faith as my peers who went to Catholic school. I decided to make the jump into Catholic school for my higher education – to be able to have the opportunity to grow into and develop my faith. It has been interesting to be surrounded by so many of my peers who live out God’s message. During my first two years at CUA I didn’t do much exploring into my faith out of intimidation. Finally, though this past year – my junior year where in addition to attending weekly university mass on Sundays, is where I really have taken the opportunity to explore my faith and the unique offerings that CUA has to offer. I started to attend weekly Praise and Worship Adoration and daily mass in addition to making time for self reflection in the 24 hour chapel. Being in the presence of God with my peers has really taught me some valuable lessons. I see Christ in the faces of my fellow students. I see Christ in the love expressed through the undergraduate student body. As much as I can be a advocate for the public school system, attending a Catholic university has been one of my best life decisions to date. If it wasn’t for the opportunities that are unique to a Catholic university such as Campus Ministry – among the many examples – I would have had a very different experience than the one I am so grateful and blessed to have.
