Poll: Public School Or Catholic School

[Mishetta]

Hi Tellie! Hope all is going well with you!

I voted for Catholic. My DS 11 goes to Catholic school & as another poster mentioned, there is no room for fooling around. The classrooms are very quiet & the children are very respectful & I just love the uniform dress code. No fighting over what he wants to wear. Their hair must be kept short & neat & rules are enforced. That's the type of discipline my DS needs.

I don't know if you moved back to my area or not but if you're in the Utica Schools (like we are), I wouldn't worry about your kids not getting a good education. That is why we built in this county ~ for the school district. We just decided that having a son with ADHD, he's better off in a school which is more structured & disciplined than the public school district.

If you're in my area again, please PM me which Catholic school you're considering & I may have some information for you about it.

One more thing! My DS's buddy is in the same grade & attends the local public school. We Mom's compare our kids school work/homework & my DS is light years ahead in what he's learning especially in spelling & math!

(Your children are old enough for school already??!! Where has the time gone??)

Take care!
Rose

 

[MrsKreamer]

The problem here is that "good public school" is almost an oxymoron. The classes are overcrowded and as the kids get older teachers have less and less control over their classroom. The difference, IMO, is that (more or less) everyone can go to a public school, while their are acedemic and diciplinary restrictions on the Catholic schools. I went to Catholic school for 13 years. I always knew that if I failed more than one class in grammar school(K-8) I wouldn't be allowed to go back. If I failed a class in HS I wouldn't be allowed to go back. If you misbehave to the point of being disruptive, you won't be able to go back.
My HS was a three time Blue Ribbon school(Blue Ribbons are awarded by the President, and a school is only eligible every four years). For every girl in my HS(about 1100) there were 3 more waiting to get in. When I got to college, a small public university, I was WAY ahead of my peers...for example I was always a C student in English(note the horrific spelling), but when I got to college I suddenly became an A student.

So for us it is Catholic school. My mom was single working two jobs to make sure I could stay in Catholic school, and if DH and I both have to work two jobs we will.


*sorry about the grammar and spelling, I am nursing my son...

 

[barkley]

i think allot of consideration has to go into how an individual religious school operates. with some private religous schools there are high standards for teaching staff, with others you can have staff that have little or no college education let alone training in actual teaching. some have very high turnover of teaching staff-and some have staff that have been around FOREVER but should have been 'turned over' long ago. there's also the misconception (in my opinion) that private religious schools have a better handle on behavioural issues-this can be the case if the staff is correctly trained and the school stands behind their public policies-but in my experience as a former teacher in a 'christian' school, having 2 kids who attend a non catholic religious school, and having several friends with kids in catholic schools-this is'nt always the case. i've seen/known of many kids who have had behavioural issues that would have been dealt with rather harshly by public schools who are permitted to stay on in private schools to the detriment of other students. it can be an 'ego' thing with the school ('we will not fail this child-we can change any child's behaviour') or it can simply be a matter of dollars and cents (unless a private school has a line out the door and substantial assetts they may not be quick to remove a disruptive 'paying customer' student or one whose parent's are prominant/'generous' with the parent church).

i am also not keen on most private religious schools for kids with learning disabilities-it takes such specialized training to provide these kids with what they need; so unless a private school has staff with the appropriate training-a smaller class size or more 'one on one' alone usualy will not meet all of the student's needs.

that said-the school district in our town is very good, but we've always opted to send our kids to private school-just a personal choice on the kind of environment we want them exposed to. as for the person who asked how folks handle sending their kids to a church school thats not the one they (or us 'parents') belong to-we are in that situation. dh was raised seventh day adventist, i was raised catholic (neither of us practice either as adults)-our kids go to a seventh day adventist school. while it gets a bit interesting discussing with dd why my family observes sunday as the sabbath while her school teaches (and dh's family observes) saturday, and some issues around what happens to you 'when you die' it has (i think) made her more open and aware of the similarities between faiths vs. the differences. now our school does not teach that their way is the 'only way'-they simply teach what their parent church believes and practices, and goes into the historical basis for their position. so beyond having to adhere (at school and on field trips) to their dietary practices (vegan or at the very least no 'unclean' meats, no caffeine) and knowing we will never have a school activity or event on a friday nite (their sabbath observation begins at sundown friday)-they are not largly effected/impacted by the church ideology. i did make certain before i enrolled them at their current and a prior private religious school how the individual school/church handled religious instruction-i don't want my children to ever be put into an educational setting that teaches any faith is the only or 'right' faith, i may choose to expose them/raise them in a particular faith-but i don't want them to make their own personal choice based on what someone 'teaches' them (and i think for younger kids esp. it can be very confusing when their teacher/authority figure who they trust to teach them the black and white facts- instructs in religion. it's hard to question/dispute a religious issue with someone that traditionaly holds that type of power position in your life).

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Catholic school hands down, no choice about it. We've been saving for it since before we had kids. a bit crazy i know, but that's the way i was raised and i want that same exact environment for my children.

 

[Aisling]

We chose Catholic schools for my kids when they reached middle school. Safer environment, smaller class size, more discipline, higher standards, many of the reasons other posters have said. Catholic schools today aren't like they were when I was in school with the nuns whacking you with the ruler. My kids loved their teachers and did very well. Good luck with your decision.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I didn't add private school or homeschooling. I just wanted to know how the Catholic parents feel about sending their children to a public school not having any affiliation with the Catholic faith.

It's not so much about the teaching.. but more so of how they feel about the cost and the affiliation with their faith.

My son doesn't want to go to public school.. He likes going to church once a week with his class and learns about Catholic faith through Religion class. He already established his friends there. This school is a "Blue Ribbon" school.

My daughter is excited to try something different, a public school. I heard this is a very good school. It is also a "Blue Ribbon" school. It is only about 5 minute drive from our place and the school bus is provided.

I'm just worried about my kids finding new friends. Worried about if there's the bullies if there's any. Education wise, I'm not worried at the public school.

Bullies is not heard of.. at least not at this Catholic school. The parents are very much so involve with the school. The teachers do not tolerate what so ever when it comes to horsing around and disrupting the class and not respecting other students.

I need to make up my mind fast. Yea.. money is an issue. My daugther who is entering 2nd grade will be going through class for Reconciliation and to get ready for her 1st Communion. I know if she stays in Catholic school, she will be getting all the learning she needs to be able to recieve her first Eurcharist.
Or.. if we went with public school.. i can register her for the class.

I need to decide fast! I already bought their uniforms and their supplies for Catholic school.. but still debating here. I also bought some new clothes too just in case they do go to public school. The supply list I recieve once I have them enrolled at the public school and all other infos on the public school.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your experiences and thanks for taking the poll.

 

[pooh4evr]

I have taught both Catholic and public- My kids go to the public schools and will continue to do so unless we win the lottery and are able to afford what is considered THE Best (Academy of the Sacred Heart) very hard to get into - teaches french and spanish... Anyway I have found the public schools here anyway are much better funded - multiole computers in the classrooms, teachers that are CERTIFIED to teach their grade/specialty, aides, para professionals in the classrooms, programs for gifted as well as special ed. The catholic schools in our district do not have any of that. Many of the catholic teachers do not have a current certifications, and some have no teaching liscense (sp) at all, while I taught Middle School Science it was a real struggle -the textbooks were over 10 yrs old, we had one computer in the class which was just as old, and NO momey for equipment (experiments were a joke) Behavior was a problem because parents "we pay your salary (little as it is) and you Have to put up with our kids" . I guess it really depends on where you are, I am sure in many places the public schools lack funding while private has everything.

Our kids will go to PSR (Parish School of Religion) which is religion class one noght a week the sacraments are all made at the same time as the catholic school kids and the same requirements ahve to be met.

 

[Christine]

teachers that are CERTIFIED to teach their grade/specialty, aides, para professionals in the classrooms, programs for gifted as well as special ed. The catholic schools in our district do not have any of that. Many of the catholic teachers do not have a current certifications, and some have no teaching liscense (sp) at all,

This kind of shocks me and maybe this is a "state" thing. Our state requires that all teachers eventually be certified, whether it be a public or private school. There is a rule that any new teacher is given 2 years to complete their certification. Many of the teachers who were in my kids public schools were very open about this. A lot of them only had bachelor's degrees and were in the 2 year program to get their masters in education. Then they would get their certification. This also goes on in private school. So many of my kids' teachers, at various times, have not been certified. This is the state of Virginia. I think most states have this same rule. You would probably be surprised how many teachers your child has, at a given time, who were not certified during that particular school year.

My co-worker's son has been out of college for 4 years now. He got his Bachelor's Degree in English. He then took a job with a package delivery company. He decided he didn't like it and wants to be a teacher. He was hired at one of my county's high schools to teach IB program English. He has no teaching experience, no masters, is not yet certified, but is enrolled to get his masters. This goes on all the time. Granted, I do not live in a school system that is considered top-tier in this country, but we are not far behind.

 

[dsnymomof4]

Fantasia,
I would like to respond as a practicing Catholic. Our children have always attended Catholic School. Yes, it is a financial sacrifice for us. We are not wealthy by any means. But we feel that it is worth it. Our school is so wonderful - I cannot imagine them going anywhere else. I've substitued in the school, so I know what goes on every day. They start the day with prayers, they are taught on a daily basis about love and respect for others. They attend mass as a school with their friends and participate in monthly prayer services. They are able to actually say the word "God" and to celebrate "Christmas", not like in the public schools. They are taught in a loving, caring environment. The class sizes are low. Many of our teachers have children in the school and are also active in the church. Every year when the tuition rates come out I think about how much money we could save by sending them to public school. But, in the end, there is more to life than money and I am so happy that they have the opportunity to grow up in such a loving environment. Good luck with your decision.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thank you dsnymomof4. It is a hard decision. The things you said about Catholic school is what made me have a difficult decision. This Catholic school is an excellent school (despite of some of the parents that are snotty and thinks that they are better) and I can' think of anything negative about this school except for the tuition going up.

Sigh.. I prayed.. and I prayed.. and I even did the Rosary with my two children praying for some kind of a sign or that will lead me to help get them to stay in Catholic school. I even prayed to the Lord that since I am doing something for my children that will help them learn about the Lord and about Catholic faith.. that maybe He can help me keep them in school. Maybe the Lord is challenging me just to see what I am going to do. To save money or to sacrifice it so they can go to CS.

I mean I do have a little bit to spare for the tuition.. it's just there won't be much left after I budget everything. I am just afraid that if anything happens and there's an emergency.. where will I get the money. I know.. "Have Faith in Him." ... that everything is going to work.

 

[helenabear]

I know I replied on your other thread...

you have to do what you think is best though. I would choose public schooling, because after being in both in this school district, I personally know I got a far better education at the public school.

That isn't always the case.

If I didn't have such a great public school system (that has no problem doing a bible study class in HS) I wouldn't think twice about sending them to Catholic school.

I do admit, I live in a fairly Christian based town though. That might have something to do with the feel we had going to school. There were a lot of kids very active in churches and that feel spread over to most of what we did. We sang Christmas carols at the winter concert even

I personally would pick what is the better place for education first and foremost. I can easily bring religion into lives daily at home. We also had a fairly decent religious ed program at my church (from what I remember). Not to sway you, but remember, religious teaching doesn't have to come only from the school or stop at the end of the day. You can do your own bible studies as well. If it is *that* much of a financial hardship, you probably do need to see what is best... and see where you can cut. It may be school, or may be something else.

Good luck with the decision, I'll say a prayer that you will figure out what is best for the kids and your family as a whole

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thank you Elaine.. and I am sorry I didn't see the other thread. I was having a hard time posting.. and I ended up with three of the same thread. Sorry about that.

So true.. learning the faith and practicing the faith has to come within and from parents/home.

I guess I wouldn't know about the public school here until they try it. I mean I know the public school here is excellent.. but I wouldn't know how the children is going to like public school. My son asked me a few times that if we have enough money if he can go back to CS this January. I just told him that if things doesn't work out at the PS, then the possiblity of putting them back to CS is very possible.

I heard that the parents are very much involve with in this PS.. so this is a very good thing.

 

[helenabear]

LOL, Tess, I think my other post wasn't as good... I did it while rushing out this weekend Just said it in case you wondered why I posted twice

I know it is hard to switch schools in general too. Like I said, I did both. I know what I was offered at PS was better than CS. I do really feel for you with that though... no matter what change it is hard to know what is right and not.

I also will say that my brother went to CS through HS, while I moved over to PS in middle school. Would it be possible for your kids to go to separate schools? If your DS prefers the CS then maybe he can go back while your DS stays at the PS?

I am sure though, from what I have seen in you that you will do what is best for the kids. I hope you are able to keep your faith strong while this happens. And keep remembering that if things are bad for the kids, something will happen and you will be able to put them back in the CS

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thank you Elaine. You know what.. I thought the same thing. I was thinking of putting my son in CS and my daughter in PS. But I think it should be the other way around since my daughter is getting ready for her Reconciliation and First Communion, that she should attend the CS and my son PS.

With the school hours.. it might work. CS starts at 8:00 and PS starts at 8:30. CS gets out at 3:00 and PS gets out at 3:30. My daughter is not worried about going to a different school, but my son has already established his friends. If I do do this..

Hmmm.. it's something to think about. And thank you again for your kind words. We will definitely keep our faith no matter what. =)

 

[helenabear]

Glad I could help a little. Keep in mind though, that before I went to Catholic school (we moved from a place that was public) we did those two sacraments in the whole public school system. Actually I moved in the middle of second grade. My religious ed from the church did Reconciliation first then they did Communion in 3rd grade. As long as your church is good, I am sure she will learn what she needs in the classes then. I really didn't spend any more time in my CS learning about the sacraments than I did weekly at CCD.

Hopefully this will help reassure you a bit more that even trying to go to PS may not be all that bad for them. I am a product of both (with CS in between two PS stints) and religiously, I can't say one was that much better for me than the others. I really do think that this will all work out for the best!

 

[delilah]

My son is currently in Catholic school. We actually live in a district that has some of the best ranked public schools in the state, but, our Catholic school outperforms them on the ISTEP, in percentages of students who pass. The same is true of the Catholic HS my son would attend. Our school district is relatively wealthy, and the kids can be snobby and really into possessions and superficialities rather than the solid moral values I would like my son to learn. I have heard from high school students who are my patients that the school is very cliquish. To me, it is worth the money for Catholic school.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I can see how the kids can be snobish.. cause their parents are. And they spoil them rotten. What I mean by that is that the parents gives them most of what they want, but some children just take advantage of it and do not show some appreciation and always want more and want finer things. And some would rather "clique" with their own "status."

While others have less.. they are just as happy and content of what they got.

What is great about CS (here) is that the students wear uniform. So you can't really tell who has more or less.

Now this is what I don't care for in this particular CS is that the parents have this "cliquish thing." I sometimes feel left out. They would pass by me and not say a word nor smile.. as if I am invisible. However when they see the other parents.. they say hello and talk and laugh. I tried to mingle with them.. but no use, I felt not wanted in their "group." And it's kind of funny how they are like that cause they are supposedly be Catholic (I know they are cause they go to the same church as we do). They are not so friendly. Maybe cause I am not the same color as they are? Maybe cause I don't have a husband (I'm a widow). Maybe they think I had the children with just any black man? (My children looks a little more like African/American than Filipino.) Because I am not as rich as they are? Because I don't live in a house but rather an apartment?

Sorry.. rambling here.. it shouldn't be about me.. Anyways... Thanks you Delilah.. and Thank you everyone who posted and took your time to share your thoughts.

 

[Christine]

I can see how the kids can be snobish.. cause their parents are. And they spoil them rotten. What I mean by that is that the parents gives them most of what they want, but some children just take advantage of it and do not show some appreciation and always want more and want finer things. And some would rather "clique" with their own "status."

While others have less.. they are just as happy and content of what they got.

What is great about CS (here) is that the students wear uniform. So you can't really tell who has more or less.

Now this is what I don't care for in this particular CS is that the parents have this "cliquish thing." I sometimes feel left out. They would pass by me and not say a word nor smile.. as if I am invisible. However when they see the other parents.. they say hello and talk and laugh. I tried to mingle with them.. but no use, I felt not wanted in their "group." And it's kind of funny how they are like that cause they are supposedly be Catholic (I know they are cause they go to the same church as we do). They are not so friendly. Maybe cause I am not the same color as they are? Maybe cause I don't have a husband (I'm a widow). Maybe they think I had the children with just any black man? (My children looks a little more like African/American than Filipino.) Because I am not as rich as they are? Because I don't live in a house but rather an apartment?

Sorry.. rambling here.. it shouldn't be about me.. Anyways... Thanks you Delilah.. and Thank you everyone who posted and took your time to share your thoughts.

Fantasia,

I understand the "clique" thing, but I tell you, it's everywhere. I had it at the public school too. It's just the reasons are different. If you don't fit in the with "supermoms" or the "do-it-all moms" it doesn't matter your race, religion, etc. You are just not one of them.

At my son's Catholic elementary school, they are very cliquish. They are not mean or anything, just exclusionary. Most of it for me (or against me) is that I am not a Catholic. These people have spent years together in their church and socializing in other ways that I could never hope to get in with because of my non-Catholic status. Also, most of them are SAHM's and that is another added factor against you if you work.

I will never forget the day I went to my DD's 8th grade awards ceremony. My DH could not attend so I had to go by myself. I walked into that room and sat at a table. No one would sit at my table. After the room filled up, it got kind of weird. They just didn't know me (after 3 freaking years) and they all gravitated towards each other. FINALLY, right before the ceremony one mom took pity on me, came over and said, aren't you XXXX's mom? Why don't you come over and sit with me? I thanked her profusely for being so friendly and we had a nice time.

But, again, this crap happens everywhere.

 

[Marie17]

For the lady who is struggling with the decision between Catholic and public schools based on tuition. First and foremost, check with your parish to see if they will subsidize any of it. At our parish which has an elementary, middle and high school, you are subsidized $300 per year per student. From the diocese, you can get an additional $800 per year per student - so basically it is $1100 off tuition for Catholics. You can get this money without being considered a "hardship" - just being a practicing Catholic. At our school with this discount it is an approximately 25% discount off of the Catholic rate - which our parish does offer. Also if you have more than one in school, a sibling discount is given.

If your parish and diocese doesn't offer this, I would DEFINITELY speak with your parish priest and your school principal about seeking additional financial help - we have a fund that helps those that cannot meet the tuition requirements (most parishes have a scholarship/tuition assistance program that is funded by benefactors).

EXPLAIN your situation about your son and his definite desire to continue his education in the Catholic school. If he can be a part of the meeting and express his desire that may also help them in their decision to fight on your son's behalf. I am sure they can work with you to make something happen that can be attained. It might mean that in order to subsidize the tuition further you and your son may have to do some sort of community work (like volunteer for an hour to watch the nursery children, or work the book fair, etc).

For the lady who was not Catholic and made to feel not welcome by being excluded - I apologize for all those women. The Catholic Church does not discriminate against anyone based on their religion, color, creed, etc. for schooling and employment. I've been in several parishes (we were military) and have had known several employees and children who were not Catholic - and not in any way were they ever treated differently. The only thing being is if you are not Catholic, you do have to realize part of the Catholic school experience is that your child will attend a weekly mass and learn about the Catholic faith. You are not required to become Catholic or partake in any of the sacraments if you do not believe in the articles of faith of the Catholic Church. All parents should be welcomed with open arms and with charity.

 

[Christine]

For the lady who was not Catholic and made to feel not welcome by being excluded - I apologize for all those women. The Catholic Church does not discriminate against anyone based on their religion, color, creed, etc. for schooling and employment. I've been in several parishes (we were military) and have had known several employees and children who were not Catholic - and not in any way were they ever treated differently. The only thing being is if you are not Catholic, you do have to realize part of the Catholic school experience is that your child will attend a weekly mass and learn about the Catholic faith. You are not required to become Catholic or partake in any of the sacraments if you do not believe in the articles of faith of the Catholic Church. All parents should be welcomed with open arms and with charity.

I don't know if you were directing this comment to me or not (I just posted above about not feeling like I was "in the group" because I was non-Catholic). I really did not want to make it sound like I was exclude because I was not off their religion--that's not it at all. And never, ever did I feel discriminated against. My point was that these women know each other through other venues besides the school. Not only do their kids all go to the same school, but their kids all went through First Communion together (mine can't), Confirmation (mine can't), not to mention that most of them all went to the same church and saw each other every Sunday (or Saturday), went to various church functions. In other words, they had a solid group situation going that was based on them all being in the same church. The only place they ever saw me was at school functions, so I never got a chance to get to know them, much less become part of the inner circle.