Roman Catholic high schools, also called parochial schools, are high schools that are usually not public institutions. Being private enterprises, these schools tailor their academics around Catholic values, high academic standards and other criteria, depending on the school. Due to the generally high academic expectations, there is usually an admissions process, where the best quality applicants are selected for entry. These schools often have sports programs as well as extracurricular activities similar to secular high schools.
Catholic high schools generally have faculties composed of both clergy and lay educators. Schools may be coed. Related schools usually boast rather extensive theology or religious-studies departments, in addition to standard humanities, sciences and mathematics. Students are typically required to wear uniforms, as social differentiation based on material things is not deemed desirable. Uniforms also impart a sense of discipline and order. Students may or may not be required to regularly attend church services, although many Catholic high schools do not require applicants to be Catholic.
You will likely have to follow an admissions process to get into a Catholic high school. This may consist of a test that determines your basic academic skills. There may be a fee attached to the exam. In many institutions, students are encouraged to engage in a series of introductions to the school, its faculty and staff. These might include open houses, parent-student meetings, and days where applicants can "shadow" a student during a normal school day. As entering a Catholic high school entails a slightly different form of commitment than with public schools, parents and students are encouraged to see if they are truly comfortable with the environment before deciding on attendance.
Roman Catholic schools usually charge yearly tuition with possible additional charges for registration, books and some fees. However, you can also find scholarship or financial-aid opportunities with certain schools. Additionally, there may be tuition benefits or reductions if you enroll another child. There may also be accommodations for those children or students who suffer from learning disabilities or who have need of extra academic support in remedial areas.