Catholic Schools, Math (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Average math scores for Catholic school students dropped between kindergarten and eighth grade, while math scores for public school students improved, according to a study by Michigan State University economist Todd Elder. Credit Michigan State University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.