Questions on Catholic School for a non-Catholic

[Quid est Veritas?]

My little son is four and we have been looking for schools for him. Government schools are mostly quite poor here.

On the private side, I have applied to a venerable local Anglican foundation, and a good secular school. We aren't legacies or such, so I am unlikely to get placed there though. I would prefer a school with at least a religious basis, as I don't like all this 'Comprehensive Sexual Education' and liberal policies that some schools foster nowadays. My church itself is unaffiliated with any schools.

Consequently I have been looking at Catholic Schools, too. There is a Marist Brothers school nearby, which seems a good option. I am not too familiar with them though. I have also heard that some Jesuitical schools can be fairly liberal as well.
I am Protestant, but they seem to teach children of all religious traditions. Their Academics and extra-curriculars seem fine.

I know Catholic schools have been implicated in paedophile scandals recently, but secular schools also harbour predators on occasion. As such, I would probably take the same precautions there as any other institution in this regard.

So what do people think that attended Catholic Schools? Are the Marist Brothers, in particular, a good bet? What are general impressions (as I am sure particulars may vary).

If you are non-Catholic, did they treat you differently or such? How overt is the Catholicism in Marist schools (outside of the obvious ubiquitous statuary)? I don't mind Catholicism per se, so that if my son came out a Catholic after 12 years, it wouldn't bother me overly much; but I don't want indoctrination, but reasoned teaching. Religious instruction is anyway mostly the parents' responsibility, in my opinion. How strongly do they wear Rome on the sleave, though?

 

[Paidiske]

I went to a Catholic school for a while (as a non-Catholic) and I looked seriously at Catholic schools for my daughter.

I was never treated differently as such, but I do remember it being obvious that, for example, I had never learned the rosary and all my classmates had. Participation was expected. (Mind you, this was - ahem - some decades ago). I also remember not understanding things like my classmates having their first communion. On reflection, perhaps my parents could have explained some things to me better, too!

My experience of looking at different schools recently suggests that mileage will vary, from school to school and indeed from diocese to diocese. Your best bet in working out the approach of the school is to talk to them about it. My experience was that they were delighted that a parent actually cared about the spiritual aspect of their child's education, and very willing to talk me through their curriculum. (I was, for the record, very impressed).

I don't know how things are where you are, but here, depending on the area, it can be difficult to get in as a non-Catholic. The Catholic schools prioritise taking Catholic children, and in some areas (where the state schools are bad) the demand is high.

 

[mama2one]

the elementary Catholic school where we live is not very full, probably cause it is so expensive plus our public school district is rated excellent

 

[Albion]

Catholic schools used to be strong on the indoctrination side of things, but in more recent times they have tended to de-emphasize that style in favor of teaching comparative religion and not too much of it. Surprising in a way, but that is what I know to be true in the schools I have had some contact with.

Maybe it is because they need students in order to stay open, and most Catholic families are sending their children to public schools these days. But because the school you are thinking of is staffed with members of a religious order, it may be different. I could imagine it going either way.

 

[Phil 1:21]

When I attended RCC school non-Catholics were not treated very well. I have no doubt that has changed.

 

[Quid est Veritas?]

When I attended RCC school non-Catholics were not treated very well. I have no doubt that has changed.

Was that from the majority Catholic pupils, or staff-wise?

 

[Albion]

Staff-wise

 

[Phil 1:21]

Was that from the majority Catholic pupils, or staff-wise?

Staff. I don't recall any of the students caring about the denominations of one another.

 

[LoricaLady]

It depends on the Catholic school. Ask them about their policies. Can the child opt out of religious instruction, for example? Sometimes Catholic schools can be way better than public schools as for one reason they can permanently expel children who are serious trouble makers.

 

[Tolworth John]

Can you visit the school on an open day and see the teachers, facilities etc?
What does the facebook pages for the school say?
Checkout the local papers back editions for any problems at the school and talk to the headmaster about your anxieties.

 

[Joined2krist]

In most Catholic schools, Catholics are prioritized so it might be difficult getting your in. Where I live, many parents prefer their children in Catholic schools than public ones, there must be valid reasons for this

 

[Quid est Veritas?]

Can you visit the school on an open day and see the teachers, facilities etc?
What does the facebook pages for the school say?
Checkout the local papers back editions for any problems at the school and talk to the headmaster about your anxieties.

I've already arranged to have a look on Monday. I don't think it helps much to discuss it with the school itself though, for no institution would tell you the truth if such concerns are valid. I don't think that is the case here, but such as it is.

 

[Quid est Veritas?]

In most Catholic schools, Catholics are prioritized so it might be difficult getting your in. Where I live, many parents prefer their children in Catholic schools than public ones, there must be valid reasons for this

No, they mentioned this. Part of the application process asks for a Catholic baptism certificate and a report from the child's parish. So they do seem to take Catholicism as an important part of their acceptance criteria.

From what I can see, Catholic schools seem to be quite good schools, for the most part. They also have a more traditional feel, which I certainly approve of. There seems to be sufficient discipline and at least a nod to upholding religious values. That is at least why I am considering them.

 

[mama2one]

you could ask if your child will be required to attend weekly Mass or not depending if you want them to or not

 

[Sketcher]

My Catholic cousin was pulled out of the Catholic school affiliated with his parish because he was being bullied there. Just because it says it's somewhat religious doesn't automatically mean the environment is a good one.