For those who have their child/children in, planning on putting their child/children in or themselves went to Catholic school, some questions.

While we still have about 1 ½ years until Troy starts kindergarten, we’re talking about what we’ll do. We are trying to decide between sending him to a charter school or Catholic school. The charter school is K-6. The Catholic school is K-6, then 7-12.

My questions are:

Would it be “bad” to send him to charter school for K-6 and then Catholic school for 7-12?

What if we did K in charter school then Catholic for 1-12?


I have no problems sending DS to Catholic school – I’m just “worried” about the after school time. The daycare that DS is currently at has an after-school program, but not sure they will “work” with the Catholic school (I need to ask).


Any feedback????
TIA!

Re: For those who have their child/children in, planning on putting their child/children in or themselves went to Catholic school, some questions.

I don't necessarily have any sound advice, but these are my thoughts...
If the charter school is good, I'd probably send him there (I mean, Kate and Abby will go to Catholic school not because the schools here are bad, but because of our personal beliefs)...unless you're really committed to a Catholic education, KWIM? I'd save the years of tuition.

Also, Kate's school has an afterschool (and before-school) program for working parents...have you contacted the school to see if they have the same if you decide on the Catholic school?

Message edited 4/14/2010 12:15:27 PM.

Re: For those who have their child/children in, planning on putting their child/children in or themselves went to Catholic school, some questions.

I went to Catholic school for grades 6-11 and worked in a Catholic high school that had an elementary school attached.

In my opinion, unless the district you live in is really terrible, or if you feel very strongly about the religion part of school, it's a waste to send your kids to Catholic school for elementary. This might sound harsh, but I even heard elementary teachers I worked with say the same thing. There are just SO many more resources, services, and extras available in the public schools for elementary. In Catholic school, even specials like gym, art, music, etc, are usually taught by high school teachers who don't really know how to teach the little ones.

I might get flamed for this opinion, but like I said, I have heard many, many teachers give the same opinion.

However, I think Catholic high school is definitely worth it, if you can afford it There is so much more discipline and I think it is often a better education.

Re: For those who have their child/children in, planning on putting their child/children in or themselves went to Catholic school, some questions.

I think your best bet would be to do the charter school until 6th grade for all the PP's reasons.

I went to Public elementary school (K-5)

Then my parents put me in catholic school from 6-8 because they did not like the middle school i was zoned for

and I went to an all girls catholic high school in brooklyn

I truly feel i got the best of both worlds, the public elementary school had great after school, breakfast program etc and i got the public school experience and from 6th on i was in a smaller, more disciplined environment, which is what i needed at that age.

I plan on doing the same scenario for my DD and any future DC

HTH

Re: For those who have their child/children in, planning on putting their child/children in or themselves went to Catholic school, some questions.

I went to Catholic school from 1-8 then public 9-12. I had a very hard time adjusting socially. I was also behind academically. I will send my DC to public school.