Would you send your kids to Catholic School?

[choy]

Not an Orthodox-Catholic issue, but for Orthodox families who do not have an option for an Orthodox school in their area, would you send your kids to Catholic School?

[Cyrillic]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

[primuspilus]

I'd gladly send my kids to a Catholic school. Its better than the the indoctrination center that is the one ran by Liberty University in my town.

PP

[choy]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

Luckily I am in a part of Canada where we do not have that grandfathered clause for public funding for Catholic Schools.  Sure, its expensive to send kids to Catholic Schools but they are in full control of the RC Archdiocese and not the liberals in government.

And Archbishop Miller is very (in the Catholic sense) orthodox.

[Cyrillic]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

Luckily I am in a part of Canada where we do not have that grandfathered clause for public funding for Catholic Schools.  Sure, its expensive to send kids to Catholic Schools but they are in full control of the RC Archdiocese and not the liberals in government.

And Archbishop Miller is very (in the Catholic sense) orthodox.

I'd be surprised if they'd teach much about the issues that divide the Orthodox and the Catholics. Even if they did it would still be better than the secular schools.

[choy]

I'd be surprised if they'd teach much about the issues that divide the Orthodox and the Catholics. Even if they did it would still be better than the secular schools.

I'm pretty sure the IC and Papacy will be taught in some way.  But like you said, that is the least of my worries.  It is not as bad as accepting SSM and thinking that abortion is okay.

[Arachne]

I tried. It was oversubscribed, so the young 'un didn't get in.

UK law is that faith schools have to admit every year a certain percentage of students not of the particular faith, so it is possible that even Catholic kids were turned away. We have three primaries and a secondary in the area, and especially the secondary has close ties with the Orthodox chapel.

[choy]

I tried. It was oversubscribed, so the young 'un didn't get in.

UK law is that faith schools have to admit every year a certain percentage of students not of the particular faith, so it is possible that even Catholic kids were turned away. We have three primaries and a secondary in the area, and especially the secondary has close ties with the Orthodox chapel.

The Catholic Schools here have a preference for parishioners (usually the schools are attached to a parish), then then other practicing Catholics.  Even with that as a Ukrainian Catholic we would have been pretty low on the list, probably just one notch above Orthodox Christians.

[Jetavan]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

Luckily I am in a part of Canada where we do not have that grandfathered clause for public funding for Catholic Schools.  

...unlike, say, Ontario?

[Alpo]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

Doesn't that "one barely even notice it's Catholic" generally apply all Catholicism in Netherlands?

[Cyrillic]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

Doesn't that "one barely even notice it's Catholic" generally apply all Catholicism in Netherlands?

No. Well, perhaps a bit.

[choy]

I'm in a (public) Catholic school. One barely even notices it's Catholic.

Luckily I am in a part of Canada where we do not have that grandfathered clause for public funding for Catholic Schools.  

...unlike, say, Ontario?

Yup.  I think Ontario and Quebec has publicly funded Catholic School, which means the government has a say in what they teach.

[Arachne]

The Catholic Schools here have a preference for parishioners (usually the schools are attached to a parish), then then other practicing Catholics.  Even with that as a Ukrainian Catholic we would have been pretty low on the list, probably just one notch above Orthodox Christians.

We needed to attach a baptism certificate and a priest's recommendation to the application. By last year's standards, he probably would have got in, but this year the Looked After children (i.e. in care) were kicked up to the top of the list, whether Catholic or not, so that left us further down than before.

[Asteriktos]

Would you send your kids to Catholic School? )

In a heartbeat. 

[AWR]

The Catholic Schools here have a preference for parishioners (usually the schools are attached to a parish), then then other practicing Catholics.  Even with that as a Ukrainian Catholic we would have been pretty low on the list, probably just one notch above Orthodox Christians.

We needed to attach a baptism certificate and a priest's recommendation to the application. By last year's standards, he probably would have got in, but this year the Looked After children (i.e. in care) were kicked up to the top of the list, whether Catholic or not, so that left us further down than before.

All three of my kids went to the Catholic. My youngest child went to public school for K-2nd grade. Then the township change the system from small neighborhood schools to very large regional schools with long commutes. So we looked at the local Catholic school, and even though there was a waiting list at the K and first grade classes, the 3rd grade had openings. My other kids being siblings of a student were admitted when they were of age.

[Αριστοκλής]

My long answer and my short answer are the same: yes.

[Dominika]

In Poland definitely no. It's a straight way to become an atheist. I know people that have finished such schools forced by their careful parents (or more often: grandmothers) and it's not been lucky decision.

[choy]

The Catholic Schools here have a preference for parishioners (usually the schools are attached to a parish), then then other practicing Catholics.  Even with that as a Ukrainian Catholic we would have been pretty low on the list, probably just one notch above Orthodox Christians.

We needed to attach a baptism certificate and a priest's recommendation to the application. By last year's standards, he probably would have got in, but this year the Looked After children (i.e. in care) were kicked up to the top of the list, whether Catholic or not, so that left us further down than before.

My kids have Catholic baptismal certificates although my daughter is from the Ukrainian Catholic Church.  But that is not their basis.  We need an endorsement from our priest that we are practicing Catholics if we're not from the attached parish.  Though technically we are practicing Catholics

[Tommelomsky]

No! I would have an orthodox priest or a orthodox family teaching them.

[choy]

No! I would have an orthodox priest or a orthodox family teaching them.

They are trying to start a "cooperative" at our parish for kids.  Technically it will be homeschooling but some of the parents and clergy would run it as if a regular school, but it won't be an official school (at least in the beginning).

Of course I'm trying to explore my options here.  Homeschooling isn't really an option for us, financially we both have to be working, and while I do have a good paying job, it is not a stable one.

[Nephi]

While I don't have children yet, I definitely plan on sending them to a Catholic school.

[JamesR]

How can you guys afford (Roman) Catholic School? It's not free you know. My friend goes to a Roman Catholic school that costs anywhere upwards of 20k a year.

[William]

I dunno if I want my children in an environment where teachers say pagan prayers, openly deny the existence of hell, mock the scriptures, and the like. But I want them to get a quality education in other areas. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

[JamesR]

I actually know of several Orthodox academies and schools in the Bay Area. If I'm still living around here and can afford it, I might send my child to one of them. Plus, they are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

[Nephi]

How can you guys afford (Roman) Catholic School? It's not free you know. My friend goes to a Roman Catholic school that costs anywhere upwards of 20k a year.

I think it's going to vary greatly based on the area, and some have discounts (or scholarships) for lower-income families and other similar opportunities.

[pmpn8rGPT]

I don't have kids but if I did I would much rather send them to indoctrination into Catholic beliefs than indoctrination into statist beliefs

I actually know of several Orthodox academies and schools in the Bay Area. If I'm still living around here and can afford it, I might send my child to one of them. Plus, they are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

HOTCA is the master race that rejects ecumenical BS (although ROAC is also a good choice  )

[Kerdy]

Not an Orthodox-Catholic issue, but for Orthodox families who do not have an option for an Orthodox school in their area, would you send your kids to Catholic School?

If it were affordable, I would have done so years ago.

[Alveus Lacuna]

Plus, they are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

Hey, don't forget the Serbian Church in America! Not very welcoming to non-ethnic Serbs, though, at least generally. But also very traditional in many respects (Old Calendar, strict fasting, isolation from ecumenical gatherings, etc.), but not on others as much (no headcoverings, pews present, no gender segregation in congregations).

[Arachne]

How can you guys afford (Roman) Catholic School? It's not free you know. My friend goes to a Roman Catholic school that costs anywhere upwards of 20k a year.

Here in the UK it is. There may be private faith schools as well, but none of those in the area cost a farthing more than ordinary state schools.

[choy]

How can you guys afford (Roman) Catholic School? It's not free you know. My friend goes to a Roman Catholic school that costs anywhere upwards of 20k a year.

Here in the UK it is. There may be private faith schools as well, but none of those in the area cost a farthing more than ordinary state schools.

The ones I looked at here are about $500 a month, if I am not mistaken.  I think they do get some money from the government since they do provide education which is something the government ought to provide for, but not in a way that they are totally funded thus the government have full control on them.  Here's a sample of one in my area:

http://www.fatimaschool.ca/olf/AdmissionForms/Tuition%20Fees%202012-13.pdf

[Ansgar]

Plus, they are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

Hey, don't forget the Serbian Church in America! Not very welcoming to non-ethnic Serbs, though, at least generally. But also very traditional in many respects (Old Calendar, strict fasting, isolation from ecumenical gatherings, etc.), but not on others as much (no headcoverings, pews present, no gender segregation in congregations).

What about the georgians? They aren't even a member of the WWC.

[CoptoGeek]

If I can afford it for my children, absolutely yes.

[jmbejdl]

We did send our son to a Roman Catholic primary school before we moved to where we are now. Now we're hoping that he will get into the local Church of England secondary school (we'll find out in March). If there'd been a Roman Catholic secondary school near us we'd have probably picked that in preference, but an Anglican school (despite how liberal they've got in recent years) still seems better than the secular alternative to us. How I wish there were more Orthodox schools around, though.

James

[xariskai]

For religious reasons, no, (having gone to the best Catholic schools myself I ended up both agnostic and wild).

For purely academic reasons, "theoretically yes," but as the local secular high school our kids attend is among the top of the top in the U.S. academically (and outperforming most Catholic high schools nationally and certainly locally) we send them there.

Our priest is trying to start an Orthodox school, but if it actually existed we still would probably have our kids where they currently are, and I wager *most* of the local Orthodox families with high-schoolers probably would too (again, locally). Not to say we are doing the right thing -God only knows (Kyrie eleison).

[xariskai]

Question: For those of you who would/do opt for Catholic, is that mainly over academics or religion for you? (or perhaps something else, e.g. safety etc.)

[Nephi]

Question: For those of you who would/do opt for Catholic, is that mainly over academics or religion for you? (or perhaps something else, e.g. safety etc.)

All of the above. Especially where I live, the Catholic schools dominate the public (and one Protestant) schools in all areas.

[Αριστοκλής]

Question: For those of you who would/do opt for Catholic, is that mainly over academics or religion for you? (or perhaps something else, e.g. safety etc.)

All of the above. Especially where I live, the Catholic schools dominate the public (and one Protestant) schools in all areas.

Ditto here, except we do have an Orthodox K-8 school available.

[choy]

Question: For those of you who would/do opt for Catholic, is that mainly over academics or religion for you? (or perhaps something else, e.g. safety etc.)

The hope that our kids don't get programmed into the liberal agenda of the secular society.  Coming from an RC family, I wouldn't mind if my kids do grow up to be good Roman Catholics, if they decide to revert upon their adulthood.  Whatever doctrinal differences the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches has, there are a lot of good and holy people there.  And its far better than being secularized.  At least our area is blessed with a Roman Catholic bishop who is very true to traditional Roman Catholic teachings and thus the parochial schools are in line with the Church teachings.  I'd rather have that than risk getting my kids indoctrinated with secular lies in public school.

[tweety234]

I don't know. I would try for a month. If my kids liked it, I would continue with it. If they felt too uncomfortable. I would either send them to a regular school or home school them. One thing that would play a huge role in my decision though, is whether my kids are taught to do unto others as they would have others do to them. Also, I would make sure that the idea "my doctrine is truer than yours" would not be taught.

[choy]

Also, I would make sure that the idea "my doctrine is truer than yours" would not be taught.

I don't think that would be in any textbook but it would depend on the teacher.

[Shanghaiski]

They are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

This made me smile.

[Shanghaiski]

Plus, they are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

Hey, don't forget the Serbian Church in America! Not very welcoming to non-ethnic Serbs, though, at least generally. But also very traditional in many respects (Old Calendar, strict fasting, isolation from ecumenical gatherings, etc.), but not on others as much (no headcoverings, pews present, no gender segregation in congregations).

What about the georgians? They aren't even a member of the WWC.

Indeed. And His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia is now the senior-ranking Orthodox patriarch, having been on the throne since the 70s.

[Shanghaiski]

I don't have kids but if I did I would much rather send them to indoctrination into Catholic beliefs than indoctrination into statist beliefs

I actually know of several Orthodox academies and schools in the Bay Area. If I'm still living around here and can afford it, I might send my child to one of them. Plus, they are ROCOR--the Orthodox master race that rejects ecumenical BS.

HOTCA is the master race that rejects ecumenical BS (although ROAC is also a good choice  )

Which HOTCA bishops? Which ROAC?

[tweety234]

Also, I would make sure that the idea "my doctrine is truer than yours" would not be taught.

I don't think that would be in any textbook but it would depend on the teacher.

well in this case, I would warn the teacher.

[Agabus]

In theory, yes, if I could afford it, but that’s laughable right now.

I once attended the local Catholic high school’s graduation, and the principal actually told the graduates, “I hope you appreciate what your parents sacrificed for you to get a good Catholic education. Just for your high school years, they could have bought three new cars.”

The other religious schools around here are hangovers from the days of segregation academies, and more or less serve to keep the school system segregated even now (even if that is not the intention of the parents who send their children to those schools). The Catholic school system predates all of that by about a hundred years.

[rakovsky]

Not an Orthodox-Catholic issue, but for Orthodox families who do not have an option for an Orthodox school in their area, would you send your kids to Catholic School?

Yes I would, I think it's good.

Orthodox people I know who grew up in mostly Catholic communities generally went to public school, and typically people felt it was better because the nuns were mean and violent.

Nowadays things are different, as Catholic schools do not have corporal punishment, all over America. The same can not be said for many public schools in southern states. I called up a public school with a policy of beating students once and the principal explained to me that this was "normal" and everyone has it, and that the Catholic school there does. I called up the Catholic school and they did not.

The Catholic school I went to was nice, I wish I could be young again and redo it. They did not indoctrinate me, unlike the Evan. school I went to for a bit which was mentally stifling.

[Alpo]

What's wrong with public schools? In my country private schools are rare and most of them are not religious. Orthodox kids attend the same schools as their non-Orthodox neighbours.

[rakovsky]

I meant to say:

Orthodox people I know who grew up in mostly Catholic communities generally went to public school, and typically people felt public school was better because the nuns - who were not in public schools- were mean and violent.

What's wrong with public schools? In my country private schools are rare and most of them are not religious. Orthodox kids attend the same schools as their non-Orthodox neighbours.

Yeah and those public schools in your country don't beat tens of thousands of students a year with big thick boards.

Peace.

[choy]

Yeah and those public schools don't beat tens of thousands of students a year with big thick boards.

Peace.

Well, if you watch the news today, teachers just sleep with their students in public schools.

[choy]

What's wrong with public schools? In my country private schools are rare and most of them are not religious. Orthodox kids attend the same schools as their non-Orthodox neighbours.

Today in North America, they are agents for the liberal secular agenda.  They can't even mention the word "God" in public schools, but they will teach your 8-year-old how to sexually pleasure themselves (its true, there are cases out there).

[rakovsky]

Today in North America...  they will teach your 8-year-old how to sexually pleasure themselves (its true, there are cases out there).

After beating them with wooden boards.

This was an option in my high school (still in the south at that age)... I refused and I think it is sick. One of our spankers (school employees who disciplined with the paddle) was arrested and fired for dating a student. The paddle used is thick wood.
http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/101146/Exh5t_aSbcE

[rakovsky]

Well, if you watch the news today, teachers just sleep with their students in public schools.

See above.

[Cyrillic]

What's wrong with public schools? In my country private schools are rare and most of them are not religious. Orthodox kids attend the same schools as their non-Orthodox neighbours.

Today in North America, they are agents for the liberal secular agenda.  They can't even mention the word "God" in public schools, but they will teach your 8-year-old how to sexually pleasure themselves (its true, there are cases out there).

He, as true here as over there.

[Nephi]

After beating them with wooden boards.

Any schools that I'm aware of that use corporal punishment require the parent's signature. They don't just take children and beat them without the permission of the parents.

[rakovsky]

Any schools that I'm aware of that use corporal punishment require the parent's signature. They don't just take children and beat them without the permission of the parents.

Maybe where you are, but there's other places in the South where that's not true.

In [Texas] districts that now use corporal punishment, there is no requirement of parental consent.
http://educationfrontblog.dallasnews.com/2011/05/parents-would-have-to-ok-schoo.html/

Why Florida Schools Can Paddle Students Against Parents’ Wishes
Many principals say they will not paddle a kid against the parent’s wishes. But schools don’t always check the paperwork before they administer the punishment. And when that happens, Florida statutes protect the principals and teachers from lawsuits.

Mom Says Paddling Left Welts on Preschooler
Gierrea said. “I cried all the way home. It was really hard.”
Jones says the wooden paddle left welts on Gierrea’s bottom. Jones did not sign the waiver the school sent home asking for permission to paddle her son.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/florida/2012/03/13/why-florida-schools-can-paddle-students-against-parents-wishes/

This comes from slavery, when the "paddle" was invented.

[mersch]

If I could just do it over....sigh..... yes I would, or  private Lutheran school, or home school (no Orthodox schools here)=period.    Hind sight is always 20/20. My ex  hubby put his foot down- said no-so mine didnt. Funny, when I was in high school-I got in a spot of trouble-well, actually, was like always in trouble-my parents put me the catholic school- I hated it my junior year-loathed it, despised it,-my senior year, I loved it-(and no it wasnt for the social aspect my friends were from sports or my churches-not from any school I attended)-I learned a lot, Funny-I work in a charter school now, and I do not see how much more effective the Charter I work for when compared to the other KCMO schools.  But the stats on parochial and home schooled kids in the area far outshine the district and all the Charters.-

[JamesR]

What's so wrong with public school? If your kids can't resist the temptations, then no offense, but that's probably more so the fault of your parenting than the school.

[William]

What's the point of Catholic schools? I know maybe like 3 or 4 people who believe in God at my school.

[Asteriktos]

What's the point of Catholic schools?

They're better at edjumakatin peoples...

[choy]

What's so wrong with public school? If your kids can't resist the temptations, then no offense, but that's probably more so the fault of your parenting than the school.

Today, more than ever there is social programming happening in schools.  Especially with the liberal pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, and sexual liberation mentality.  I don't mind if the school environment is religion neutral, but they are aggressively teaching a message that is counter to the values of us parents and the family and of course our faith.

Kids will just get confused.  They are supposed to learn from their teachers and listen to them, then you tell them to filter out half of what they are being told?  Even adults will be confused.

[JamesR]

What's so wrong with public school? If your kids can't resist the temptations, then no offense, but that's probably more so the fault of your parenting than the school.

Today, more than ever there is social programming happening in schools.  Especially with the liberal pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, and sexual liberation mentality.  I don't mind if the school environment is religion neutral, but they are aggressively teaching a message that is counter to the values of us parents and the family and of course our faith.

Kids will just get confused.  They are supposed to learn from their teachers and listen to them, then you tell them to filter out half of what they are being told?  Even adults will be confused.

At least in my experience attending public school, I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. No one was trying to force this new weirdo liberal agenda on us. The most "liberal" thing we were ever taught was that it's mean, rude and offensive to pick on LGBT students and that was it.

[Cyrillic]

My (RC) high school does try to force social liberalism down my throat, though. So I guess not only public schools are doing it.

[choy]

What's so wrong with public school? If your kids can't resist the temptations, then no offense, but that's probably more so the fault of your parenting than the school.

Today, more than ever there is social programming happening in schools.  Especially with the liberal pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, and sexual liberation mentality.  I don't mind if the school environment is religion neutral, but they are aggressively teaching a message that is counter to the values of us parents and the family and of course our faith.

Kids will just get confused.  They are supposed to learn from their teachers and listen to them, then you tell them to filter out half of what they are being told?  Even adults will be confused.

At least in my experience attending public school, I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. No one was trying to force this new weirdo liberal agenda on us. The most "liberal" thing we were ever taught was that it's mean, rude and offensive to pick on LGBT students and that was it.

I live in Canada where everything is legal (same-sex marriage and abortion).

[Arachne]

In the UK, Catholic schools are public, and thus required to fulfil national curriculum requirements.

I found it particularly amusing that the Catholic primary I tried to get my son into mentioned explicitly that sex ed classes start in Year 5, while neither of the (secular) other two had a word on the issue.

[choy]

In the UK, Catholic schools are public, and thus required to fulfil national curriculum requirements.

I found it particularly amusing that the Catholic primary I tried to get my son into mentioned explicitly that sex ed classes start in Year 5, while neither of the (secular) other two had a word on the issue.

They don't tell you, they just teach them anyway.

Anyway, the RC bishop in our area is very conservative (and a traddie) so I have no worries there.  If our parish's Orthodox School initiative doesn't take off, I will probably send my kids to RC School.

[Arachne]

In the UK, Catholic schools are public, and thus required to fulfil national curriculum requirements.

I found it particularly amusing that the Catholic primary I tried to get my son into mentioned explicitly that sex ed classes start in Year 5, while neither of the (secular) other two had a word on the issue.

They don't tell you, they just teach them anyway.

Anyway, the RC bishop in our area is very conservative (and a traddie) so I have no worries there.  If our parish's Orthodox School initiative doesn't take off, I will probably send my kids to RC School.

Oh, I don't mind the teaching one bit. I was just tickled pink at the prudery, or lack thereof (depending on which side you look at).

[Michał Kalina]

I wouldn't send my kids (if I had them) to any private school, religious or not, jewish, christian or bahai - doesn't matter.

[JamesR]

I went to private Evangelical school from 6-8th grade because my dad worked there and got free tuition for me. In my experience, they tried to brainwash me and shove an agenda down our throats more than any public school I've ever attended has. Back in 2008, they used to teach us in "Bible Class" that Obama was evil and that we should pray and ask our parents to vote for McCain. Not saying they're wrong, but using kids too achieve a political agenda seems horrible.

[Antonis]

What's so wrong with public school? If your kids can't resist the temptations, then no offense, but that's probably more so the fault of your parenting than the school.

You unhesitantly pontificate a lot. I recommend erring on the side of not commenting when you are unsure. This has saved me many a time and my future self thanks my past self.

[Cyrillic]

What's so wrong with public school? If your kids can't resist the temptations, then no offense, but that's probably more so the fault of your parenting than the school.

Temptations? There are additional temptations in public school?

[yeshuaisiam]

If it was ONLY a choice between public or Catholic school, I'd send to Catholic any day.

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