catholic school question..

Chaminade and Sacred Heart Academy are excellent High Schools that are perfect for those great achievers who would otherwise go unremarkable to some colleges. It is well known that some really excellent Universities and Colleges pull from these two renowned high schools.
As far as elementary and middle schools go, there are some who feel a Catholic education is important and they don't mind paying tuition. Many don't realize that they don't provide the same level of services for students with special needs, they aren't required to differentiate their teaching methods to target all types of learners, nor are they required to submit to the same evaluations and requirements as public schools.
Some whose children are just bright and excellent students don't mind; their children would learn anyway. But how would we know for sure?
This is my opinion based on students I've tutored: I'm surprised at some of the methods of teaching that are allowed at Catholic schools and the lack of some programs, and as a taxpayer on Long Island, I cannot imagine paying tuition on top of those taxes for a school that doesn't have as high standards as a public school.

Message edited 6/2/2019 1:04:10 AM.

Re: catholic school question..

I think both public school and Catholic school have both benefits. I really think it depends on the family and student. It really is a personal decision. I can only speak from my own experience with Catholic School.

My children have thrived in a Catholic School. Every teacher and administrator knows each of my children and my children feel really cared for and loved at school. My son is in Chaminade and in no way has his education lacking. He has been on the honor roll all semesters and was well prepared from his Catholic elementary school. My children's school has low class size, but is in no way in danger of closing. I have a child with a disability and receives close to 4 hours of special education services in her Catholic School. Trust me, I had to really advocate for her and make sure she was getting everything she was entitled to, but special education services are available to students in private school.

In making the decision that impacted our decision, there were a few things that helped our decision: We love the family atmosphere. It is not just a school, but really feels like an extended family. As a working mom, I never have to worry about not being there. Honestly, I have friends that contact me that they will take my kids before I even have to ask for help. Not having to change schools every few years has helped my children be more confident. They know the kids they are with for many years. They are less embarrassed and willing to take risks because they feel comfortable. I realize or some students being with the same kids may not be the best situation, but for my kids they really feel comfortable especially in the middle school years. For my daughter with a disability, not having to explain her disability to a new group of children each year has really helped her confidence. The other students are so protective of her. Older students are given responsibilities to look out for the younger students which they are so proud of and the younger students love it too. All my kids have the same schedule. I don't have multiple calendars and start/end times and different childcare. Many of my children's after school activities are at the school. They easily attend clubs, Girl Scouts, sports, music etc. and then go to after-school program. It is seamless and I don't have to worry about getting them to and from activities. School starts early, so I do not need morning care. All schools have random days off. Catholic schools have only 3 religious holidays (which they will no longer have) outside of the regular vacations. Public schools have just as many, if not more. Yes there are 1/2 days, but after care is always offered at the school. Catholic Schools do participate in NYS exams, but only in grades 4 and 6 and my children have never been taught to the test. Opt outs are minimal because it is not really emphasized. For me, every Catholic School I attended more diverse than the local public school I would have attended. We love that discipline, responsibility, and faith are just as important as curriculum. Our final deciding factor was that when my son attended public school, the before and after school costs were as much as Catholic School, so we went with Catholic School.

Again, it is an individual family decision. For us, we are making trade-offs to send them to Catholic school, but we have not regretted it.

Re: catholic school question..

Message edited 6/4/2019 11:53:55 PM.

Re: catholic school question..

Message edited 6/5/2019 7:55:18 AM.

Re: catholic school question..