Experience with Catholic High School Education

Starting to think about high school (still a couple of years off) and wanted to get thoughts on Catholic schools in the area vs. Columbia HS.  I am a proponent of smaller class sizes and individualized attention, but wonder if the Catholic schools in the area have access to the level of programming and technological tools that I assume are available @ Columbia HS.

Also looking to get feedback on the general vibe with schools like St. Peter's Prep, Seton Hall Prep as well as Mount Saint Dominic.

Thanks

windycity, our son attended Seton Hall and our daughter Mount Saint Dominic and we couldn't have been happier with the experience they both had.  If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me.

Our son attended Seton Hall Prep and our daughter attended Oak Knoll School.  We were delighted with both. Among our goals were quality of education, single sex education, smaller class sizes and opportunities for leadership. Having said that, if either of my children was a super advanced math student, I may have made different final decision or at least explored very carefully the options for advance math.  Not necessary in the case of either child. 

Be mindful of schedules, Open houses, visits, interviews and admission testing, application dates, and placement testing.  At various times, we  did this for at Seton Hall, Oratory, Montclair Kimberly, St. Peters, Oratory, Villa Walsh, Delbarton.   Different schools have admission points at 6, 7, 8,and 9th grades. It varies.

Thanks all.  Both kids are in honors math, so advanced math classes are a consideration.

Will keep an eye out for open houses so I can explore the school curriculums as well as transportation options. Is public transportation an option to get to all schools? I know Seton Hall is close, but the other options aren't.    

We sent our son to St Peters and our daughter went to Columbia. He needed a smaller classes and an environment where he couldn't get lost in the shuffle as he struggled with organization. Our daughter was more of a self starter, AP- minded achiever.  St Peters served him well with a caring but disciplined environment - the focus on ethics and giving back was also much appreciated. In terms of academics I found the schooling my daughter got at Columbia was superior in terms of rigor and collegiate preparation. Plus the access to terrific arts and the wonderfully diverse and accepting population made Columbia a real winner. I don't think my son would have thrived at Columbia so I am very pleased with the experience he had at SPP and if I had to do it again, I would have made the same choices. Best of luck !!

Luigi,

Thanks so much for your comments.  They helped a lot.  Did St. Peter's have good guidance counselors?  I am wondering if scholarship opportunities (some of which may be obscure) are made known to students.

Guidance for college prep was effective and provided true guidance but not steering.  Many of the teachers however, were SUCH amazing role models and mentors. My son was truly inspired by a number of teachers there, individuals who conveyed in words and actions that they believed in him and that he had something special to offer the world.  My husband btw, read my post and differed a bit in the analysis of the academics. He correctly reminded me that our son - now a junior in college- frequently demonstrates a solid understanding of concepts he only studied at SPP including religion, Latin, middle English literature. Also, if your kid is into sports SPP has an amazing array of trainers, coaches and facilities. 

Also, SPP has scholarships available, many of which we were told go unclaimed.

Thanks again. SPP will definitely be on my list.