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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name:
Mama
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Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
We are trying to decide if we will keep our kids in catholic school. Can I hear your opinions/experience with each. I think public school offers more but I love the close community, morale-setting of the Catholic schools, what d you think? TIA
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Posted 1/7/07 12:36 PM  |
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hazeleyes33
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Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name:
Ginger
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I have never had my kids in Catholic school so I might not be too good of a source. One of my good friends did go when we were in h.s. and the only difference was that she was doing more work than we were on the same subjects.
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:37 PM |
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Kate07
Feel better my little guy!
Member since 5/05 4476 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I went to Catholic school for kindergarten and then we moved and weren't close to a Catholic school so I went to Public until high school and then went to Catholic high school.
I can say a major benefit of Catholic School was for me was it was a more strict. They didn't put up with crap and they could just expell people pretty easily. I liked the people and the teachers were great. It was a really good environment.
On the train one day a woman was saying her daughter is in 7th or 8th grade (I can't remember) and she loves Catholic school because they are better with discipline and wear uniforms - so she doesn't have to worry about getting made fun of for not wearing this or that.
We will probably send our children to Catholic school - although I think we have some wonderful Public Schools around.
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:43 PM |
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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name:
Mama
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by Kate07
I went to Catholic school for kindergarten and then we moved and weren't close to a Catholic school so I went to Public until high school and then went to Catholic high school.
I can say a major benefit of Catholic School was for me was it was a more strict. They didn't put up with crap and they could just expell people pretty easily. I liked the people and the teachers were great. It was a really good environment.
On the train one day a woman was saying her daughter is in 7th or 8th grade (I can't remember) and she loves Catholic school because they are better with discipline and wear uniforms - so she doesn't have to worry about getting made fun of for not wearing this or that.
We will probably send our children to Catholic school - although I think we have some wonderful Public Schools around.
thanks for the input, the discipline is what scares me, they are "training" the kids to be "cookie-cutter" kids, to have the same thoughts, morales, and to not flourish in their own identity. The public schools offer ALOT more but we are torn between the benefits of each.
ETA- not to mention tuition for both of my kids is equal to what I paid for grad school, it will be a 2nd mortgage by the time all 3 of them are in school
Message edited 1/7/2007 12:53:47 PM.
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:53 PM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by Kate07
I can say a major benefit of Catholic School was for me was it was a more strict. They didn't put up with crap and they could just expell people pretty easily. I liked the people and the teachers were great. It was a really good environment.
i agree with this. I went to public school until HS, and then went to catholic. i did like the uniform thing because it jsut made it easier... but there will Always be something for kdis to be made fun of, or other things for them to have to 'keep up with the jones's'. Granted, it wasn't certain jeans or stuff like that, but there's always something.
i liked the community feel that it had... and the things that we could do as a school that bigger schools wouldn't have been able to do.. BUT, the reason i probably wouldn't send my children to catholic school is because of the limitation of programs. yes, we had great science labs- state of the art equipment- but, there was not a large variety of classes to choose from, compared to what my friends in public school had.
and, its very sheltered. maybe most public schools out here are sheltered too, but in brooklyn there was a HUGE difference in what you were exposed to in catholic vs. public. that can be good or bad- depending on how you look at it.
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:54 PM |
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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name:
Mama
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by neenie
Posted by Kate07
I can say a major benefit of Catholic School was for me was it was a more strict. They didn't put up with crap and they could just expell people pretty easily. I liked the people and the teachers were great. It was a really good environment.
i agree with this. I went to public school until HS, and then went to catholic. i did like the uniform thing because it jsut made it easier... but there will Always be something for kdis to be made fun of, or other things for them to have to 'keep up with the jones's'. Granted, it wasn't certain jeans or stuff like that, but there's always something.
i liked the community feel that it had... and the things that we could do as a school that bigger schools wouldn't have been able to do.. BUT, the reason i probably wouldn't send my children to catholic school is because of the limitation of programs. yes, we had great science labs- state of the art equipment- but, there was not a large variety of classes to choose from, compared to what my friends in public school had.
and, its very sheltered. maybe most public schools out here are sheltered too, but in brooklyn there was a HUGE difference in what you were exposed to in catholic vs. public. that can be good or bad- depending on how you look at it.
some great points, thanks neen
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:55 PM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by emilain
thanks for the input, the discipline is what scares me, they are "training" the kids to be "cookie-cutter" kids, to have the same thoughts, morales, and to not flourish in their own identity. The public schools offer ALOT more but we are torn between the benefits of each.
that, actually, wasn't my experience at all. Sure, there are certain morals and values that they try to teach, but a majority of teachers are lay people... its their job, not their life calling, as it is for nuns and priests... so i never really felt like it was crammed down my throat too much.
ETS- though, i'll admit, as a stubborn teenager, any mass they made me go to felt like TOO much, sometimes 
Message edited 1/7/2007 12:56:39 PM.
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:55 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I went to Catholic school from Pre-K to-3rd grade, Public school for the resxt of the time except for one year in a private independent school.
Out of all of them I liked public school best and felt I got the best education there.
Catholic School:
Pros: Smaller, more controlled environment, kids won't be just a number or get lost, more discipline, uniforms, education in the faith.
Cons: If your child has special needs, such as being behind in a subject or being gifted, they probably won't have the resources for it (this is ultimately why I had to leave), doesn't pay nearly as well as public school so doesn't necessarily attract top teachers, children will be limited in the race, religion and economic status of the kids they are exposed to, may be "sheltered"
Public School:
Pros: lots of resources, programs already in place for gifted students of students with special needs, paraprofessionals, etc, more advanced science labs, more resources in the arts, oppotunities to participate in more activities (for free) and goverment sponsored programs. For example in catholic school we went to the zoo, in public school went to the Joyce theater, MoMA, got to participate in programs with politicians, etc etc.
Cons: much larger setting, can get "lost" in the crowd, less discipline, can be affected by government cuts such as losing an afterschool program or glee club, etc.
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| Posted 1/7/07 12:58 PM |
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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name:
Mama
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by neenie
Posted by emilain
thanks for the input, the discipline is what scares me, they are "training" the kids to be "cookie-cutter" kids, to have the same thoughts, morales, and to not flourish in their own identity. The public schools offer ALOT more but we are torn between the benefits of each.
that, actually, wasn't my experience at all. Sure, there are certain morals and values that they try to teach, but a majority of teachers are lay people... its their job, not their life calling, as it is for nuns and priests... so i never really felt like it was crammed down my throat too much.
ETS- though, i'll admit, as a stubborn teenager, any mass they made me go to felt like TOO much, sometimes
in my kids' school the principal is a nun and she is an old school non, a real TOUGHY, most of the kids are so scared of her and so scared of their teachers because if they step out of line...forget it, there will be a huge price to pay. Maybe we are just sending them to the wrong catholic school The kids have to earn tickets to use if they have to use the bathroom, and if their uniform is incomplete they are sent home Even as 1st graders.
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:01 PM |
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Jessica
I'm a mommy :)
Member since 1/06 7322 total posts
Name:
~Jess~
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
i went to catholic from k-6 grade when i lived in queens. Then went to public when we moved to long island from 7-12.
All of my cousins that live in Queens went to Catholic all of their lives.
Catholic school- I HATED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!You cant express yourself at ALL. They taught what they wanted to teach. My teachers told me abortion was wrong, homosexuals will go to hell,etc....Half the teachers were regular, other half were nuns. Few sports, very few activities. No diversity in pupils. gave you a "we are better than anybody else" mentality
Public- i loved it. And my school wasnt lenient. I did go to the 2nd smallest school district in New yourk though. Excellent teachers. Many sports and activites.
JUST MY OPINION THOUGH!
My opinion only. I will not send my kids to catholic or private schools ever!
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:06 PM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
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Me
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by emilain
in my kids' school the principal is a nun and she is an old school non, a real TOUGHY, most of the kids are so scared of her and so scared of their teachers because if they step out of line...forget it, there will be a huge price to pay. Maybe we are just sending them to the wrong catholic school The kids have to earn tickets to use if they have to use the bathroom, and if their uniform is incomplete they are sent home Even as 1st graders.
I can't believe they won't even let them go to the bathroom without earning a ticket to go. That is to me teaching them the wrong things...This is not the military where people are taught to do whatever they are told with no question...To me children SHOULD be taught to question, so if someone older tells them to get in the car or whatever they can think enough for themselves to say no.
Anyway, I went to private (non-parochial) school, episcopalian, and public school growing up. My favorite was private with no religious aspects. There were entrance requirements to get in, so all of the students were qualified and much higher than average, so the school centered on more intensive, higher-level programs. I did not like the religious school I went to. To me it was so limited in terms of the students there...All catholic means that kids are not growing up with only one type of student at a time when I'd like them to know all different backgrounds. My episcopalian high school was a bit close-minded...And it cost more per year than my ivy league college tuition, so I doubt that I would send my kids there.
If I lived in a good public district that would be my first choice, followed by private, non-religious, with a religious school as my last choice.
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:13 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I had a teacher in 3rd grade who wouldn't let me go to the bathroom all day from 9am, I kept asking, and finally at around 2pm I told her "i have to go to the bathroom. I'm going now" and on the way I wet my pants.
And then she made ME go get someone to clean it and wouldn't let me call my mom to go home.
It's just cruel to not let a kid go to the bathroom!
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:15 PM |
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MsG
Should be working
Member since 5/05 2824 total posts
Name:
G
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I went to Catholic 1-8. I think the small class size (20-25 students) and small overall school size (one class per grade) made it feel like a 2nd home. It was a very special place, and was soooo sad to hear it closed last year (it wasn't a diocese school connected to a church or parish or area, it was like a private/Catholic school if that makes sense).
I was offered a scholarship to a Catholic high school that was very tempting but I wanted more choice of classes and to meet people outside of my social group. My parents let me decide. In some ways I'm glad I chose public school b/c I never would have made friends of different faiths and economic backgrounds. But in some ways I think I would have done better academically in a smaller, more structured environment. So it's a toss up - I can see the benefits of both.
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:37 PM |
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MsG
Should be working
Member since 5/05 2824 total posts
Name:
G
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I just wanted to add I'm horrified to read about children not being allowed to use the restroom! My Catholic school was nothing like that - all the nuns and lay teachers were firm but kind. Nuns can be nutcases just like the rest of the population - I hope there is consensus to get remove her from her position.
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:41 PM |
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MsG
Should be working
Member since 5/05 2824 total posts
Name:
G
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Neenie, where did you go? My brother's GF went to Kearney, as did many of my elementary school friends (but I'm sure I'm much older than you). I got a scholarship to Fontbonne  . I loved St. Saviors but lots of my neighbors went there and I wanted to be different - more
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| Posted 1/7/07 1:43 PM |
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Kate07
Feel better my little guy!
Member since 5/05 4476 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by neenie
there will Always be something for kdis to be made fun of, or other things for them to have to 'keep up with the jones's'. Granted, it wasn't certain jeans or stuff like that, but there's always something.
VERY TRUE Neenie !!!
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| Posted 1/7/07 3:43 PM |
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Kate07
Feel better my little guy!
Member since 5/05 4476 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by emilain
Maybe we are just sending them to the wrong catholic school The kids have to earn tickets to use if they have to use the bathroom, and if their uniform is incomplete they are sent home Even as 1st graders.
WHAT?! OMG that was not my experience at all. The poor kids!!
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| Posted 1/7/07 3:46 PM |
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MrsPowers
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Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
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Ivelysse
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I went to public school from 1st - 12th grade. I loved every minute of it. I had tons of friends from all walks of life, plenty of opportunities for clubs and etc. I loved it.
I currently teach in a public school. I may be a little biased but I prefer public schools. I think that like someone else said, there are a lot of great school districts on Long Island. The children have a lot of opportunites for sports, music, the arts, and other extra-curricular activities. I think that we pay a great deal in taxes for those school districts and I couldn't imagine paying for tuition for a Catholic school on top of it. Don't get me wrong, I was raised Catholic, went to church every Sunday and went to religion classes from 1st - 7th grade.
My other concern with Catholic schools is that there aren't many services for students with special needs. Whether you have a child who is gifted and talented, needs speech services, or is classified as a student with disabilities, a Catholic school does not have the staff or the funding to provide those support services. I know no of us want to think about our children having special needs but the reality is that it is possible.
HTH
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:00 PM |
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MsMitcia
27 dresses.?.ha..TY everyone
Member since 8/06 1527 total posts
Name:
Tina
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I went to Catholic school for 12 years. I actually loved it. My parents wanted to take me out and put me in a public hs and I refused to go. I had a great experience, felt it was very close knit and nuturing. My brother on the other hand went to public school and there was a noticable differences b/w his schooling and mine. My husband also went to an all boys school and has said he liked it alot too. The only downside we both experienced is when you go to a Catholic HS people come from all over. Your friends don't live near you all the time and you have to depend on your parents to drive you around to hang out. that was annoying, so none of my friends lived on my block or in my neighborhood, my brother had friends all on our block, so for me, if nobody could drive me anywhere, I was lonely. Also, I was alittle sheltered I guess. I didn't experience alot of things being in Catholic School. I learned about French kissing from my younger brother and in college i went alittle nuts shopping b/c I never had to have clothes for everyday since I wore a uniform for 12 years.
ETA: I see alot of people saying if you are gifted Catholic Schools don't have enough services. I dont think that is true, my senior year, I took all St. John's accredited classes and ended up having enough credits from HS to put towards my first semester of college at Binghamton. Also, i received my teaching cert. to teach religious ed.
Message edited 1/7/2007 4:06:14 PM.
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:04 PM |
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Moehick
Ready for the sun!
Member since 5/05 30339 total posts
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Properly perfect™
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by MsG
I just wanted to add I'm horrified to read about children not being allowed to use the restroom! My Catholic school was nothing like that - all the nuns and lay teachers were firm but kind. Nuns can be nutcases just like the rest of the population - I hope there is consensus to get remove her from her position.
I am horrified as well...I went to Catholic school 1-12 grade and never experienced that 
That being said I have worked in public schools so I am able to compare the two and I have to say that I think children flourish in both environments. I went to an all girl HS and that school had some of the most stron willed, forward thinking, determined girls I have ever seen....not cookie cutter at all.
Socially I think public schools have the edge but in other areas I would say they are equal
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:16 PM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by MsMitcia
ETA: I see alot of people saying if you are gifted Catholic Schools don't have enough services. I dont think that is true, my senior year, I took all St. John's accredited classes and ended up having enough credits from HS to put towards my first semester of college at Binghamton. Also, i received my teaching cert. to teach religious ed.
i thought they were talking about if you had special needs (more so in elementary school- if you're behind in reading, math, etc...). Most catholic HS have AP courses from what i've seen- it helps them to attract more students (parents love this)... but not as much help in remedial areas. 
Message edited 9/6/2008 12:22:46 PM.
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:29 PM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by emilain
The kids have to earn tickets to use if they have to use the bathroom
That is absolutely ridiculous. I would have had MANY meetings with them about this. no teacher is going to tell my child that they cannot fulfill their basic elimination needs. Its one thing if they're playing around, but now way in hell would i stand for that.
I actually had a teacher in elementary school that wouldn't let us go to the bathroom, so my father told me to just get up and walk out if i needed to go. So, i did.
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:31 PM |
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rose825
Best Friends
Member since 6/05 10228 total posts
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
I went to Catholic scool from Pre-K thorugh high school. I loved my HS experience but as for grammar school my son will be going to public school.
Like someone else said they pay less so they dont get the best teachers,and they have much fewer resources for the children. And while they are more disciplined, the things the teachers do they would never be able to get away with in public school.
Sending kids home for stupid reasons (like incomplete uniform) what does that teach them. Not being able to go to the bathroom.
I witnessed and was subject to alot in school. Having to scrub my nailpolish off with brillo, kids had erasers thrown at them, boys were picked up by their ties, made to hold their gum against the blackboard with their nose.
Yes the uniform makes it easier to avoid the keeping up with the jones' but kids still found something to make fun of, socks, hair clips etc
I plan on teaching my son morals and responsibility at home. I want him to learn knowledge at school and I think he will get the same(if not better) education at a public school.
And then I can save that money for whatever HS or college he chooses.
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:37 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by neenie
Posted by emilain
The kids have to earn tickets to use if they have to use the bathroom
That is absolutely ridiculous. I would have had MANY meetings with them about this. no teacher is going to tell my child that they cannot fulfill their basic elimination needs. Its one thing if they're playing around, but now way in hell would i stand for that.
I actually had a teacher in elementary school that wouldn't let us go to the bathroom, so my father told me to just get up and walk out if i needed to go. So, i did.
Not Catholic, but I never keep my students from using the bathroom. That is simply cruel.
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:37 PM |
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rose825
Best Friends
Member since 6/05 10228 total posts
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Re: Public VS. Catholic School, what are the benefits of each?
Posted by MsMitcia
ETA: I see alot of people saying if you are gifted Catholic Schools don't have enough services. I dont think that is true, my senior year, I took all St. John's accredited classes and ended up having enough credits from HS to put towards my first semester of college at Binghamton. Also, i received my teaching cert. to teach religious ed.
I think HS is a completely different ball game.
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| Posted 1/7/07 4:39 PM |
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