Catholic high schools and LGBTQ+ students?

[Anonymous]

We’re thinking about applying to some of the Catholic high schools in NOVA (maybe DC?) next year? We are equidistant between DJO and BI. We aren’t Catholic, but we were and left in the church part because of the Church’s stance on acceptance of LGBTQ+ members. We are still practicing Christians and want the sense of community, but we’re curious about attitudes/treatment/acceptance of LBGTQ+ kids by a) students b) teachers/admin. I’d love to hear from parents whose kids go there now.

[Anonymous]

We are Catholic with a LGBTQ teen who didn’t apply to most Catholic schools because of their stance on LGBTQ. Non snarky question- why would you apply to these schools? It is NOT the best place for your child. I wasn’t about to risk that it wasn’t a good environment for my child knowing how the church feels about LGBT teens (in particular after our experience with CCD in Arlington). Stone Ridge for a girl is great - they have a gay HOS and a nice faith based community. But I spoke to a parent at Bishop O’Connell who said she wouldn’t send her gay teen there (if she had one). Why aren’t you looking at Episcopal schools which are so welcoming. I assume it is money? St. Andrew’s and SSSAS would be much more institutionally welcoming.

[Anonymous]

OP here—child does not identify as LGBTQ+ (at least as far as we know). We value inclusion and acceptance as a family, and we also value Christian education, community, small classes etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here—child does not identify as LGBTQ+ (at least as far as we know). We value inclusion and acceptance as a family, and we also value Christian education, community, small classes etc.

Sounds like you want an episcopal school.

[Anonymous]

OP again—interesting re: DJO comment. Yes, money and many of the episcopal schools are quite light in the religious education from what I’ve heard. I do appreciate their forthright communication on inclusiveness though.

[Anonymous]

Same sex couple family here with one former Catholic parent. +1 on the Episcopal church and schools in this area. I know you are in VA, but what about SAES? It is on our list of high schools our child will apply to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same sex couple family here with one former Catholic parent. +1 on the Episcopal church and schools in this area. I know you are in VA, but what about SAES? It is on our list of high schools our child will apply to.

This is what I would suggest, but will depend on where in VA you are commuting from.

[Anonymous]

I’d really like to hear from parents of kids Catholic High schools in this area. I graduated from a Catholic high school and so curious what the culture is like these days and in this area. The high school in my predominantly very conservative part of the country I am from was not at all open to any sort of diversity of thought/lifestyle though I know many students who came out in college and after. It must have been a miserable existence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re thinking about applying to some of the Catholic high schools in NOVA (maybe DC?) next year? We are equidistant between DJO and BI. We aren’t Catholic, but we were and left in the church part because of the Church’s stance on acceptance of LGBTQ+ members. We are still practicing Christians and want the sense of community, but we’re curious about attitudes/treatment/acceptance of LBGTQ+ kids by a) students b) teachers/admin. I’d love to hear from parents whose kids go there now.

OP it would help to know if your child is a boy or girl, because many of the Catholic HS are single sex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d really like to hear from parents of kids Catholic High schools in this area. I graduated from a Catholic high school and so curious what the culture is like these days and in this area. The high school in my predominantly very conservative part of the country I am from was not at all open to any sort of diversity of thought/lifestyle though I know many students who came out in college and after. It must have been a miserable existence.

My son attended Gonzaga and there were several gay students he knew (several years ago). They were out and accepted. Many were in the theater program, which is excellent.

[Anonymous]

BI’s student body is welcoming to all. There are many LGBTQ students at most if not all of the local high schools (I can’t speak to the Heights nor Oakcrest). Teens are welcoming and don’t judge, it is lovely to see support for all.

[Anonymous]

OP here: boy. We’re less interested in DC schools because of the commute, but if the culture at VA schools wasn’t a fit, we’d make it work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BI’s student body is welcoming to all. There are many LGBTQ students at most if not all of the local high schools (I can’t speak to the Heights nor Oakcrest). Teens are welcoming and don’t judge, it is lovely to see support for all.

OP here: so great to hear! BI is definitely on our list!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d really like to hear from parents of kids Catholic High schools in this area. I graduated from a Catholic high school and so curious what the culture is like these days and in this area. The high school in my predominantly very conservative part of the country I am from was not at all open to any sort of diversity of thought/lifestyle though I know many students who came out in college and after. It must have been a miserable existence.

My son attended Gonzaga and there were several gay students he knew (several years ago). They were out and accepted. Many were in the theater program, which is excellent.

OP: also good to hear!

[Anonymous]

I went to a Catholic Jesuit high school, Pius, it had all the affinity clubs and everyone got along fine. Its mantra was to approach others with compassion, grace and seek understanding and commonality of mankind.
It also had fantastic science classes.

I don’t know if Op is serious or a troll or just trying to get people to slam up their negative mass media Catholic stereotypes. Most people in this country didn’t even take a Great Religions class in high school or college.