Are Catholic high schools rigid?

[Anonymous]

My kids have been at a K-8 independent school for the past few years. I’m curious if a catholic high school will feel unnecessarily rigid in teaching method or policies.

We are considering SJC and Bullis. How do they compare? Will my child get a 0 if he forgets to turn something in on time. Are the teachers supportive? Just curious.

[Anonymous]

My DS is not at SJC but at a different Catholic HS. It’s teacher-specific, but most will penalize some % for 1 day late. No credit beyond that, generally. There have to be consequences to create accountability.

[Anonymous]

It is both school and teacher-specific on the late assignment issue, but generally, yes, I would expect most Catholic schools actually expect you to do your work and do it on time absent a valid excuse like out sick with note from home.

[Anonymous]

Late work = 50% at most at SJC (some teachers will give a 0%). Current mom of a freshman. Trust me I know. Of course if you are out sick or have an excused absence that is different.

[Anonymous]

OP here - this is what I expected from the Catholic schools. Can someone weigh in about how the independents deal with late work at the high school level? Are they more nurturing or is high school the time to focus on accountability.

I'd love to hear from Bullis families too.

[Anonymous]

Kids entering Catholic high schools from the k-8 Catholic elementary schools fully understand that late work, even homework, is often not accepted (0 grade for that day) or marked down significantly (unless illness or major excuse). They are given ample warnings and sufficient time to complete projects. (Unlike our kids’ APS elementary school where some kids never turned in book reports or other assignments, with no consequences except a note home.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is what I expected from the Catholic schools. Can someone weigh in about how the independents deal with late work at the high school level? Are they more nurturing or is high school the time to focus on accountability.

I'd love to hear from Bullis families too.

Is there a reason your high schooler can’t be expected to turn assignments in on the date due? If you’re not looking for accountability by high school, then by college? Nurturing does not equal “rules and due dates don’t apply to me.” Otherwise, check out the high schools with strong centers for students with learning challenges or differences. Some of the Catholic diocesan high schools have excellent support.

[Anonymous]

I'm unclear if OP knows that Bullis isn't Catholic. Bullish parents unlikely to click on a thread about Catholic schools.

[Anonymous]

Even my child in public high school is harshly penalized if work is turned in late. Turning work in on time is a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Our Catholic k-12 is very kind when. Medical issues are the reason for late work. You need medical documentation.

Also several good Catholic schools have excellent learning specialists and will offer extended time for students with documented processing delays or other learning differences that impact ability of student to do rigorous work in timely manner.

However, they strive to help the students to manage their workloads effectively, be independent and self advocate. I am hearing good things from friends with DC at SJC.

I would use the term compassionate discipline rather than rigidity to describe good Catholic HSs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is what I expected from the Catholic schools. Can someone weigh in about how the independents deal with late work at the high school level? Are they more nurturing or is high school the time to focus on accountability.

I'd love to hear from Bullis families too.

Is there a reason your high schooler can’t be expected to turn assignments in on the date due? If you’re not looking for accountability by high school, then by college? Nurturing does not equal “rules and due dates don’t apply to me.” Otherwise, check out the high schools with strong centers for students with learning challenges or differences. Some of the Catholic diocesan high schools have excellent support.

Yeah, sounds like this kid is getting coddled and I would worry about integration into college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is what I expected from the Catholic schools. Can someone weigh in about how the independents deal with late work at the high school level? Are they more nurturing or is high school the time to focus on accountability.

I'd love to hear from Bullis families too.

Is there a reason your high schooler can’t be expected to turn assignments in on the date due? If you’re not looking for accountability by high school, then by college? Nurturing does not equal “rules and due dates don’t apply to me.” Otherwise, check out the high schools with strong centers for students with learning challenges or differences. Some of the Catholic diocesan high schools have excellent support.

I was coming to say something similar. Unless OP plans to support your child throughout life and have a job for him/her when he graduates college so being able to meet deadlines and be accountable is not a thing, then your should WANT your child at a college prep school that enforces deadlines.

Unless, your child has executive function issues then which case, explore support services at schools. We got independent assistant for him but it matters and could be a personal issue not necessarily related to school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - this is what I expected from the Catholic schools. Can someone weigh in about how the independents deal with late work at the high school level? Are they more nurturing or is high school the time to focus on accountability.

I'd love to hear from Bullis families too.

Why would you want the focus to be on nurturing as opposed to accountability in HS?!?! I’ll be damned if my DS grows up to be like the 20/30-somethings who I work with who can’t hit a deadline. Ever.

[Anonymous]

Our parochial K-8 has strong expectations for timely work in middle school. Things were a bit fuzzier in the lower grades. My ds really struggled in the fourth grade, but honesty that was a good time for him to work out the kinks and get better at organization and tracking his work.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the responses. They tell me exactly what I needed to know.

OP