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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 04:37 pm |
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I have just finished a very uncomfortable conversation with my daughter. She is in a quandary about enrolling the grandsons for school next year. The Montessori they have been in is in financial and professional crisis, and she is looking for another placement, but it's so late in the "registration" season. I have been gently coaxing her to look at the catholic schools where she lives, but she keeps changing the subject. Today she said she had looked at their websites but they require a letter from the child's pastor and copy of their baptism certificate. They don't go to church, much to my grief. She said she doesn't care for a school which would turn away a child because their parents don't take them to church. Now I don't know what to say. I want to say "get your lazy rearends up on Sunday morning and take those children to church." But of course I can't. Well, I have in a much more subtle way! I asked her to at least call and make an appointment for ten minutes to talk with the principal and get the real info. Does anyone know if the catholic schools deny admission to children of apathetic parents? I could cry over it. My daughter was raised Southern Baptist and we went regularly until she was in high school and pretty much quit going. She also says she doesn't want them in a school that puts Bible and Christian teaching at 80% priority over other subjects. I think my dear sil has been filling her head with putty, but I can't seem to get through to her that the catholic schools are not like the fundie schools. Help!! 
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Ali
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 04:57 pm |
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Well, the school will (should) take anyone. You just get a discount if you're Catholic  There are Christians of many denominations in dd's school, as well as a Muslim family and a non-practicing Hindu family.
Of course all schools are different, but I have been very pleased with the academics at dd's school. Saxon math, they have new Science and Social Studies books this year. Most Catholic schools encourage academic excellence, IME.
The teacher's are very dedicated to the students and the school as well. Heck, they would have to be since they make so much less than in public school. When I was agnozing over this decision a couple years ago, the principle took an hour out of her very busy schedule to talk to me on the phone about my fears and apprehensions. That is dedication.
I am a tried and true, died in the wool homeschooler. That is my first love, it's where I think kid's learn best at. *But* since this isn't my perfect world, and compromises must be made, the school she is at right now is the next best thing.
Unfortunately the school only goes up to 8th grade. Dalton is in 6th. I'm already obsessing about high school (home!!)
She could also homeschool! (Had to through that in ) LOL
If your dd would like to talk to me about this, feel free to pass on my email addy . . .
alison dot butts at gmail dot com
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 776 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 05:14 pm |
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| My kids are in Catholic school- Catholics get a discount IF they are in good standing at a local parish. They generally are asked for proof of baptism etc. but NON Catholics are accepted, including non Christians- needless to say they don't have to provide any letters from their religious leaders or of course baptismal certs. They do have to agree that the kids will attend the mass (respectfully but obviously no commuion for them ) and they have to go to Theology classes along with the Catholic kids- they can of course ask questions etc but they can't be needlessly argumentative iykwim.
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kimdyuma
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| Location: | Arizona USA |
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| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 05:17 pm |
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| PS- This is not something I would mention but in my case it was a neutral party explaining the tenets of the Catholic faith to my kids WHICH has gone a long way in helping them on our journey becuase in the beginning anything I said was taken by them as critisim of our old churche(s) whereas if it was said by the school they would listne and discuss it with me.
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 05:20 pm |
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| Thanks Ali, I am a big fan of homeschooling too, but in my dd's case I don't think it's the best solution, just being honest. They have a lot of stress right now, my sil is not working because he's a builder and the market is stalled, and he can't seem to get it that if there are no houses for him to build, then maybe he needs to look for something else. Sorry, just venting, but it puts a strain on the whole family, grandparents included! My daughter will most likely be looking for a job, or will be homeschooling the four year old daughter, while the two boys go to school. Since the oldest is autistic, he has done extremely well at Montessori. I don't know, I don't know. I'm maxed out with anxiety right now.
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Credo Catholic
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 05:33 pm |
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kimdyuma wrote: PS- This is not something I would mention but in my case it was a neutral party explaining the tenets of the Catholic faith to my kids WHICH has gone a long way in helping them on our journey becuase in the beginning anything I said was taken by them as critisim of our old churche(s) whereas if it was said by the school they would listne and discuss it with me.
Gotcha! and I agree, if she would take the time to go and talk with them, and hear it from their mouths, it would be better. Thanks
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kimdyuma
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| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 06:15 pm |
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| My kids would not be good homeschooling candidates becuase our sone has autism and borders on agoraphoic and so needs to be forced out in public and the routines of school are comforting to him. Our daughter on the other hand tends to clash with me on projects so working at homeschooling would not be ideal!!
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mrsbmoo
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Virginia USA |
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| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Methodist. RCA, Presbyterian, Holiness, Wesleyan... Catholic as of June ... |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 07:13 pm |
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| I know our local Catholic school accepts kids from all faiths although if you have a Baptismal certificate you give them a copy. They don't spend 80% of the day on religion either, only one 30 minute period. They are an accredited school and known for their college prep curriculum. So I would say your daughter has some real misconceptions about what a Catholic school is like.
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Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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kimdyuma
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| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 07:39 pm |
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| OUr high school also only has one theology class per day- also one 1/2 hour mass per week. I do know that they start the day with a short prayer in home room time but also this school is theonly school in our town that is allowed to hold the AP classes on their on campus- all the kids in the 5 public schools have to attend the AP classes on the community college campus. I also know that the kids coming out of our high school have pulled in some 25+% of the total college scholarship funds- considering that our whole school population in just under 400 students that is a huge acheivement. In all fariness becuase of the lower numbers of graduating seniors the counselors can really give them attention and help them research resources compared to the larger numbers in the public schools where each grade level is 3 times larger than the whole school. The other private school in our town is run by the Southern Baptists and really isn't heard of much in the community.
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Credo Catholic
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| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu May 1st, 2008 04:05 am |
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| Update: Another Montessori school nearby has accepted both boys, so they are planning a visit for the boys to see the school to see if they like it (they better!) And some of their friends from the old school will be there so the transition will be easier. I was so hoping they would miraculously end up in a catholic school. Oh well, there will be other chances a few years down the road. I will never give up!
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Ali
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Thu May 1st, 2008 11:50 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote: Update: Another Montessori school nearby has accepted both boys, so they are planning a visit for the boys to see the school to see if they like it (they better!) And some of their friends from the old school will be there so the transition will be easier. I was so hoping they would miraculously end up in a catholic school. Oh well, there will be other chances a few years down the road. I will never give up!
At least it's resolved. IMO, another Montessori may be the best option anyway. Their schooling philosophy is so different than most traditional schools. It might have been a bit of a jump to go from that (and I'm picturing loose structure) to a highly structured Catholic school. Especially with the autism thrown in there, he will be comfortable in what he knows.
All my best,
Ali
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Credo Catholic
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu May 1st, 2008 01:20 pm |
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Ali wrote:
At least it's resolved. IMO, another Montessori may be the best option anyway. Their schooling philosophy is so different than most traditional schools. It might have been a bit of a jump to go from that (and I'm picturing loose structure) to a highly structured Catholic school. Especially with the autism thrown in there, he will be comfortable in what he knows.
I had thought about the strictness of the catholic schooling too, and warned my daughter about it. That would be a big jump, although the Montessori method when you see it in the classroom, is quite structured. It is a very calm and quiet atmosphere, the students choose their work and work at their own pace. For a high functioning autistic child it is good. But I would rather have had him in the strictness of a caring and Christian catholic school than lost in the cookie-cutter public classroom. That'll never happen as long as I can help out.
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 565 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 03:14 pm |
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Although I don't always respond, I often follow various discussion threads here with interest. This is one of those. As for my comments, occasionally I have heard of super strict church related schools, however, from what I have seen and heard, apparently they are fairly rare in both the protestant and Catholic denominations. I know that here in Virginia and in other states, there is some influence by the state and federal educational agencies to the extent that they mandate that school aged children and teenagers MUST be receiving a certain prescribed amount of education and annual testing is required - for home schoolers and for private school children - to make sure that they are being educated and that they are receiving their education in an appropriate manner. Home school families and private schools are given a certain amount of freedom in how they accomplish the education of the students, however, if problems arise, someone in the governmental structure WILL find out about it and actions will be taken to correct it according to state and federal mandates and guidelines. Here in Virginia, the private Christian schools (Catholic and protestant - and even some secular private schools as well as Jewish schools) will often have a "chapel program" of some sort once or more per week and Bible/basic theology instruction will be usually be required (typically a "Bible" class) for a one hour class period each day. And in the Christian and Jewish schools, usually some mention will be made of Christian influences on the subject matter. For example, my daughter is taking Biology, this year, and the instructor (we use DVDs with recorded class sessions done by highly qualified teachers) will mention something about God having created all that is, from time to time or, in English, in addition to standard secular works, some Christian works, like C.S. Lewis among others, are studied. Home schoolers and Christian and Jewish private school students are encouraged and required (although home school organizations have to kind of take it for granted, to assume, that students are complying) to exhibit behaviors according to Judeo-Christian norms (to BEHAVE themselves well - what a NOVEL thought). Yet, even so, you rarely would find a school or home school family, where somebody is gonna be constantly thumping the Bible and "cracking the whip" on students (unless they are a very great behavior problem and truly need some discipline). The difference between public schools and private schools and home school students is that the public schools do NOT teach and CANNOT teach solid behavior values and morals so a lot of time is often wasted on dealing with behavior problems of students some of whom can at times be uncontrollable and finally have to be kicked out (expelled) and public school students get nowhere near the familiarity with the Bible and certain parts of western culture. The only problem I have been aware of with Motessori students is that, depending upon the school, sometimes they produce students who are may have difficulty dealing with the rest of the world having been in a somewhat different educational environment than the rest of us (for example, my sister told me about working in a library, in our hometown, and about how some parents would bring in their Montessori students who would proceed to "run wild", get into everything and create problems and the parents would angrily demand that the staff let them do it so that the students would not have their creativity and inquisitiveness stiffled). Of course, some of these students and some undisciplined public school students will likely eventually run into situations, as adults, when the police and the courts or some future employer or the military will "kick their butts" and "orient them to the realities of life" or somebody will simply punch them in the nose and tell them to stop or they will get punched again and then they will start to learn that one cannot run around doing as one pleases in all circumstances. Now, if someone's child has a learning problem of some sort or a disability of some sort, it might be wise to contact one's local public school system advise them of the situation and then demand - taking them to court if need be - that the school system provide some sort of appropriate special education for the student and supplement with some religious instruction at home and at church. However, if no disability is present, private schools and home schooling can often provide a superior education in a superior environment compared to what one will find in public school these days.
As for Catholic schools accepting non-Catholic students or protestant Christian schools accepting non-Christian students, I have not found that to be a problem here in Virginia. Parents and students are informed - and must agree - that the student will receive religious instruction and will receive instruction which includes Christian information and perspectives and that the student must attend any required chapel services, if they wish to attend the school, and that they will abide by the school's behavioral standards. If they do not agree to that, the schools have every right and will exercise that right, to prohibit the student from attending. If a student attends the school and does not behave as required and/or does not learn the material, the private schools can and do exercise their right to expell the student and there is nothing that the student or parents can do about it other than find another private school somewhere or go to public school. I am supportive of all that, and so is my wife and so are many other parents.
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Intercessor
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| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
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| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 10:34 pm |
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Marsha, I've been involved in some all day training sessions this week and am late responding to your thread. I'm sorry about the stress you've been experiencing and will remember you and your family.
Take care of yourself.
Becky
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jacki
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| Location: | Essex, England, United Kingdom |
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| First Name: | jacki | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | baptised in the church of england (I am a brit) ... |
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Posted: Sun May 11th, 2008 07:58 pm |
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| wow this place is an education ! You pay for Catholic schooling? My daughter attended Catholic Primary 4-10 then Convent High School 11-18 for free . Here int he UK Catholic schools are part of the state system hence no fees. Though generally the uniform is more expensive. We chose the schools based on our faith and our childs ability. We pay for a bus service as school is 9 miles away this costs roughly £200 a term - a term is about 12 weeks. Homw schooling is rare here in England.
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon May 12th, 2008 12:10 am |
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jacki wrote: You pay for Catholic schooling? My daughter attended Catholic Primary 4-10 then Convent High School 11-18 for free . Here int he UK Catholic schools are part of the state system hence no fees. Though generally the uniform is more expensive. We chose the schools based on our faith and our childs ability. We pay for a bus service as school is 9 miles away this costs roughly £200 a term - a term is about 12 weeks. Homw schooling is rare here in England.
A year's tuition at the catholic schools in my daughter's area average $6,500. The montessori schools are usually a little less. There are no uniforms at montessori. Sigh, free tuition?
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kimdyuma
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Posted: Mon May 12th, 2008 12:54 am |
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| We are talking private schools( public to you I beleive) in the States state runs schools ( which we call public) are tax based and NON religious ( my kids were told to keep their crosses under their shirts). In canada when i grew up the state run schools were either Catholic or Protestant, we studied the same curriculim except for religion and our taxes were used- but there were still private rleigious schools actually run by the church and not the state as well.
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mrsbmoo
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| Location: | Virginia USA |
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| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Methodist. RCA, Presbyterian, Holiness, Wesleyan... Catholic as of June ... |
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Posted: Mon May 12th, 2008 02:08 am |
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Here it is around $6000-$7000 for Catholic School. They run a bus for another $800 a year but not to my area. I drive 25 miles each way, twice a day so my kids can attend. But that said with a grimace on my face, I think you get what you pay for academically in my area. The government schools are free but you meet kids who graduate barely reading and kids are tracked by the education and job status of their parents, meaning if your dad is a Doctor you get a different education than the child of a factory worker. De-segragation defionitely did not end the woes of Southern schools. Even for government schools, you have to pay class fees and pay for the books so kids with less money can't afford to take lab science or art or music, etc. So much for equal access to education through government schools.
Of course, the most pricey is home schooling because you have to spend your time (something too many parents I have met,don't have for their kids) Seriously money-wise, you can't beat homeschooling but there are many more than adequate private schools in our area starting at around $2000 at the elementary level.
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Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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DrDave
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Posted: Mon May 12th, 2008 05:07 am |
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I thought I might contribute for the sake of geographical diversity. 
Here in Australia, state run schools are theoretically free (not counting books, stationary, uniforms, excursions, and special programs, and of course some even charge for the school newsletter), whereas private schools (the majority of which are Catholic) while partly funded by state and federal governments, also charge fees.
In my experience most Catholic primary schools (P*-6) charge a fee of around $700 per FAMILY with an additional $125 for all stationary. An additional building fee is charged by some (in the order of $120). Catholic Secondary (7-12) schools vary widely, but the only one in our area charges in the order of $2000-$3000 depending on year level and subject choices.
P* - Most schools in Austraila offer a Prepatory Year called either "Prep" or "Reception" that comes after Kindergarten but before Grade 1
Regards Doc
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jacki
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:10 pm |
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oh my word!!!! Catholic schools here are free but you have to be careful as some are less Catholic than others. The private fee paying schools can be anything they want from what I can see and whilst we looked unless we wanted Lou to board the state Catholic Schools locally were better.
Have a google of Brentwood Ursuline Catholic High School to see what we get for free.
My daughter sat her first GCSE'S today Latin and RE and was slightly queasy this morning. I will show her this thread. On the down side there are no Catholic Universitys.
Currently the government pay £3000 per year to the Uni for her fees and she pays the government back in installments when she starts earning more than 15k.
I also work for the free health service something I believe does not exist in the US.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 05:18 pm |
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jacki wrote: I also work for the free health service something I believe does not exist in the US.
In my state (Louisiana) there is a free health care system for indigent (that is, low income) patients. It is operated by the Louisiana State University Medical School system and available to all residents, regardless of income. Those with higher incomes and insurance pay more; those with lower incomes and government assistance pay less or nothing at all.
Such a system is not available in all parts of the United States, however. There is government-funded health care for the elderly (called Medicare) and for extremely low income individuals (called Medicaid). But there are millions who have no health care coverage at all.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
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Talithacumi
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| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
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| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Thu May 15th, 2008 01:45 am |
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I suspect that part of the reason a Catholic school might ask for a baptismal certificate is because it's usually within the context of the school that a child receives at least 3 of their sacraments - i.e. - the Sacrament of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. If the child is not Catholic, they obviously should not receive the Sacraments, so part of the reason for requesting proof of Baptism is so that the administration knows which children can receive the Sacraments and which ones can't.
Just thought I'd throw that out there...
Oh, and btw, concerning how your sister feels, Marsha: "She also says she doesn't want them in a school that puts Bible and Christian teaching at 80% priority over other subjects."... there are lots of people I know in our area who would actually prefer to send their kids to our parish's Catholic school because of the Christian teaching - or at least because they know there's a world of difference between our Catholic school and the local public school which is, to say the least, very demoralized and raunchy. You wouldn't believe the mouths on some of those kids and the way they act! A lot of parents have been heard to say, "At least at the Catholic school we know where our kids are (the public school kids can leave the school grounds for lunch; needless to say, this gives them lots of opportunities for miscreant behavior) and we know they'll be taught good morals." I never could understand how good moral teaching could be considered a bad thing... .
JMJ
- Cheri
Last edited on Thu May 15th, 2008 02:03 am by Talithacumi
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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