Private schools such as St. John Amelith are often surrounded by misconceptions about who is welcome, what parochial education looks like, and how students can benefit. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can cause hesitancy or doubt about whether a student will thrive in the unique educational environment that parochial schools offer. However, St. John Amelith is committed to breaking down these misconceptions and offering families a glimpse into the transformational power of parochial education: individualized attention for students, diverse opportunities for extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to making every student feel welcomed and cared for.

Myth #1: Academics

Understandably, many families care greatly about the quality of education their child will receive, as well as what resources are available for students who may need extra academic support. While some may worry that parochial schools lack the academic rigor of public schools, reality is quite the opposite. Private schools have more freedom to develop curriculum and teaching processes that are best suited to the needs of smaller classes. This often includes individualized attention from teachers, introduction to diverse learning modalities, and opportunities to receive tutoring or after-school help when needed. With smaller student-to-teacher ratios, educators can adapt lessons more efficiently to ensure no child is left behind.

Myth #2: Extracurriculars

A common misconception about private schools is that there are fewer opportunities for extracurricular involvement and, in turn, may be more difficult for students to find friends and community. However, intramural sports, music, and art opportunities are readily available to families enrolled in St. John Amelith School, and many students also benefit from faith-based extracurriculars like bible studies and youth groups that are rarely available at public schools. Parochial schools also often offer after-school and summer activities like vacation bible school or summer camps to help stimulate and engage students even when school isn’t in session. These opportunities, combined with smaller class sizes, often actually help students form deeper, longer-lasting friendships as they are able to see and interact with the same classmates for several years.

Myth #3: Accessibility

Some families may be concerned that parochial schools are unattainable due to tuition costs. The team at St. John Amelith believes that cost should never hold a child back from a strong, faith-based education, and offers numerous scholarships and flexible payment options for working families. Parochial schools believe in the power of diversity and in making high-quality education accessible for families from every socioeconomic background. By creating an educational environment rooted in compassion, academic excellence, and shared values, students from all walks can find community at St. John Amelith.

Choosing the right school for your unique child and family is no small decision. By looking beyond common misconceptions surrounding parochial schools, many families find that the individualized academic instruction, diverse range of extracurricular involvements, and flexible accessibility initiatives provide confidence that their child will learn, grow, and thrive in a private school environment.