Catholic Schools vs. Public Schools Test Scores -- Why Our Environment Matters
Learn how learning environments shape Catholic schools vs. public schools test scores — and how St. Agnes can help your daughter thrive academically in high school and beyond.
As a parent, you want to see your daughter thrive — not just in her grades, but in her confidence, motivation, and long-term success. If she is currently in a Houston-area public school and her current test scores show she isn’t reaching her full potential, you’re not alone.
Many frustrated parents search for learning environments where their child can feel known, supported, and challenged. When comparing Catholic schools vs. public schools test scores, one truth becomes clear: environment matters.
Students don’t flourish by accident. They excel when the setting nurtures their curiosity, strengthens their skills, and gives them the individualized support they need to succeed.
At St. Agnes Academy, we see every young woman as both a scholar and a developing leader. And when she feels safe, supported, and inspired, her academic performance follows. Learn why the environment matters to help your child reach her full potential.
How Catholic Schools vs. Public Schools Test Scores Compare
For years, national studies have shown that Catholic school students often outperform students in traditional public school settings, particularly in reading, math, and college readiness. While many factors play a role, one stands out: the learning environment itself significantly influences student achievement.
Public school students in large, overcrowded classrooms often struggle to receive personalized attention. In contrast, a mission-driven Catholic school environment fosters accountability, belonging, and focused academic support — all of which help students perform at higher levels.
When comparing public school students to their Catholic school peers, research frequently highlights:
- Higher average scores across core subjects
- Stronger academic engagement
- Greater college preparedness
- More consistent performance among students from grades 9th to 12th.
At St. Agnes, these trends are reflected in our own student outcomes. Our young women consistently demonstrate outstanding achievement, including a 1288 average SAT score and 97% of AP exam-takers scored 3 or higher. It all goes back to our intentional learning environment.
Why Learning Environment Impacts Student Achievement
Think of our learning environment as a three-legged stool that provides holistic support for your child throughout her high school educational journey.
1. Smaller Class Sizes Make a Big Difference
In many traditional public schools in Houston, class sizes can stretch well beyond what is optimal for individualized learning.
At St. Agnes, our student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. This means your daughter is not just another face in the room – she is seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. Smaller classes allow teachers to support students in the following ways:
- Tailor instruction to student needs
- Identify learning gaps early
- Offer meaningful feedback
- Build strong academic relationships
- Help each student take ownership of her success
This level of personalization can dramatically improve how students perform — not only on daily coursework, but also on standardized tests, AP exams, and college entrance assessments.
2. The Student Success Center: Individualized Support That Moves Scores Forward
Public schools often rely on limited tutoring or generalized support services shared across hundreds of students. At St. Agnes, the Student Success Center gives your daughter targeted, proactive support.
Our highly-experienced team provides the following support for each student:
- One-on-one academic coaching
- Study strategies designed for high-achieving learners
- Time-management and organizational tools
- Support for students balancing AP courses, athletics, and extracurriculars
- Strategic guidance that helps students perform at their peak
This kind of personalized academic care helps students perform consistently at high levels when it comes time for standardized testing.
3. Caring for the Whole Person Strengthens Academic Outcomes
One of the most overlooked factors affecting test scores is student well-being. At St. Agnes, our approach is rooted in the Dominican pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Preaching. This means your daughter will learn in an environment that values:
- Emotional wellness
- Spiritual grounding
- Belonging and sisterhood
- Service and purpose
- Character and leadership
When young women feel safe, connected, and confident, they are more motivated and more capable of achieving at high levels. A student who believes in her potential performs differently from one who is simply trying to get through the test.
How St. Agnes Helps Your Daughter Excel in High School and Beyond
Consider the key ingredients of our proven academic approach.
- Academic Rigor With the Right Support: Your daughter will have access to 12 Honors courses, 25 AP courses, and a faculty that is 77% advanced-degree educators. She will be challenged — but she will also be supported.
- A Culture of Excellence: Our students regularly earn recognition in National Merit Scholarship programs, STEM research, humanities competitions, speech & debate, and college-level AP coursework.
- Preparation for College and Life: With 98% of graduates attending four-year universities and college acceptances that include Ivy League schools, private schools, and prestigious state universities, your daughter will be guided toward a bright future.
These achievements aren’t just accolades — they reflect an environment that lifts students higher every day.
Is Your Daughter Ready for a More Supportive Academic Environment?
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school and not performing at the level you know she can, a nurturing Catholic school environment may be the turning point. At St. Agnes, your daughter will be empowered with:
- A strong academic foundation
- Personalized support
- Confidence in her abilities
- The motivation to excel in high school — and far beyond
Her potential is already there. She simply needs the right environment to bring it forward.
If your daughter is preparing to enter 10th or 11th grade, we invite you to explore how a St. Agnes education may transform her academic trajectory and open doors for her future.
We would be honored to walk with your family as your daughter discovers the confidence, strength, and excellence already within her. Let’s talk more about Catholic schools vs. public schools test scores and how we can help her reach her full potential.
