According to the National Catholic Educational Association, an assessment conducted on eighth-grade students showed that average scores for Catholic school students stayed 15 points higher than the public school cohort. Unfortunately, many children lost ground in their math and reading skills during the pandemic. Fortunately, students at religious institutions didn't fall as far behind as their counterparts in public education. Continue reading to learn more about the results of this recent national assessment and what it reveals about Catholic education.
National Assessment of Eighth Graders Across All School Types
This assessment was conducted across the country to determine the rate of skills loss of eighth-grade students during the pandemic. Parents understood that the disruptions caused by the pandemic, including school closings, had a negative effect on their children but weren't sure of the degree or extent of the skills loss. This nationwide assessment set out to quantify those losses across all academic types, including ones that teach Catholic curriculum.
Catholic Schools Performed Better Across the Board
There were many instances where all children lost educational ground during the pandemic, no matter the type of school. In other areas, there were instances where children were able to maintain their skills with little to no loss. Even in areas where there was some skill loss for the Catholic students, their losses were lower in comparison to those students at charter and other private schools. This assessment is the first nationwide one conducted post-Covid, and it will be interesting to see how future assessment results shake out in the coming years.
Assessment Reflects the Benefits of the Quality Education Provided
This national assessment further validates the benefits of the top-quality education provided by Catholic schools. There are moral and cultural reasons why parents opt for an academic program for their children that is centered around the Catholic curriculum. But, even as important as those factors are, it's important to remember that quality schooling is also provided for these students. There is no limit to the benefits of a great learning environment, and this assessment is further proof of the value of a Catholic school.
Are you ready to transfer your child to a strong Catholic school, such as Regina Pacis Academy? Our team is here to provide any information that may aid your decision and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our school.
