Families have many education options to choose from, and that includes private institutions. When considering private education, families may consider Catholic schools. The family and parenting resource Verywell Family indicates that Catholic schools have the highest enrollments and the greatest number of schools in operation of all private schools in America.

Each year during National Catholic Schools Week, which is the last week of January, the country celebrates Catholic education. It’s also a time when many Catholic institutions host open houses and sponsor recruitment campaigns for the upcoming school year.

With CSW coming up in a few months, consider these points of interest about Catholic education.

The National Catholic Education Association says academic excellence is a hallmark of Catholic education, but it is directed in a way to foster the growth of the whole person — mind, body and spirit.

Service is fundamental to Catholic education and is a core teaching of the Catholic faith. Students enrolled in a Catholic school can expect to participate in service projects.

Many people are drawn to Catholic schools because of the smaller, more intimate campuses and class sizes. NCEA indicates the average student/teacher ratio in Catholic schools is 13:1.

Catholic schools enjoy diverse populations and have a history of welcoming and supporting lower-income students. The NCEA says the Hispanic/Latino population accounted for 20.7%  of Catholic school populations in 2017.

While many of the students enrolled in Catholic parochial schools are practicing Catholics, it is not necessary to be Catholic, or even Christian, to attend. Catholic schools require a significant financial commitment.

Niche, the school comparison and rating company, and the NCEA indicate the average cost of Catholic elementary schools in the U.S. is $4,400 per year, while Catholic high schools cost around $9,840 annually. However, many families feel the cost is well worth it because of the education students receive at Catholic schools.