catholic verse public

Catholic school for high school level may be a good choice. Even though they have a graded curriculum for religion, I think that really gives them good exposure to the world in general. Reflection essays are good practice for college write ups. It will be good if religion is considered for electives but otherwise no issues even for non catholics, non christians.
School drill down on hard work and homework, study habits. I think they are overly strict.. but actually saw during the school year that it really pays off when I saw huge improvement in my child's grades.
As for the Education level, they offer challenging classes to the good level and selection criteria is not bad. But at the same time do not hinder advancement from elsewhere if student wants to move ahead unlike other public schools.
Stress factor due to competition is very minimum in catholic schools. This factor is major issue in some public schools in Bay area. This was one other factor for my decision also, since my child has never been in a public envioronment in early grades.

One thing I would consider is that many catholic schools are K-8 which is a big advantage over having the elementary to middle to high school transitions. Many children have trouble in the transitions and that seems to me to be where manya are "lost". I went to 12 years of catholoic schools in the "bad old days" and looking back realize it was a great experience. It was strict but I have great school habits and have been able to teach my children some great study habits. If you are catholic, then I would seriously consider it.

"The public school is working out for us but I can say you have a mix of kids with lower morals"
Unfortuantely, this is found in the catholic schools also. You would have to be pretty ignorant to think otherwise. If your environment is predominantly lower income, there will, of course be children with lesser morals BUT, that could also be said in well off neighborhoods where children seek out any attention they can because of parents that are career oriented, or socially engaged, never home. Your decision should be based on YOUR need for religeon in your children. If you feel strongly about this, send them to catholic school.If the education is sub par, send them to a public school and perhaps sign your child up for youth group. Your children will not be better people for having attended either school.Both are attended by children whose parents love and want the best for them.(Unfortunately if you are in an area where the economics are poor, both schools may be hurting) So I guess to me its black or white. Don't do it to keep up with the jones, do what's best for your child.

I dont think it should be a choice between catholic or public but more about which school would be better for your children. Just like not every public school is good the same goes for any school. I would tour the schools your looking into both public and private. See which school has more of what your looking for. Private you will have weekly mass, uniforms and usually less kids to socialize with. We did both> We pulled my oldest out of public for MS and brought my younger to catholic. things were great. My oldest is still friends with her catholic school friends. They have better morals at least the group she was with:) We sent her back to public for HS(we couldnt afford the tuition) and we then put my younger who was in 6th back in public. They had a principle change so it wasnt working. The catholic school we were in had 2 classes per grade so at least they had more friends. The public school is working out for us but I can say you have a mix of kids with lower morals