Alexandria Catholic School— why so little instructional time?

[Anonymous]

It’s really out of control. For example, this week, students are off on Monday, have mass on Tuesday, have mass yet again on Friday morning, and then have stations of the cross Friday afternoon (which is an hour-long event). And this week is not unusual — last week was similar, PLUS they had random “inclusion” assemblies and movies during classroom time.

We’re new to the school and perhaps should have done better due diligence before enrolling. But isn’t this a bit much? Why so little emphasis on ACADEMICS? I’m all for spiritual development, but there should be a balance. It’s a school, not a monastery.

It breaks my heart to watch the children miss out on academic development.

Is this typical in DMV? (and yes, I know it’s Lent, but that doesn’t mean learning should cease).

[Anonymous]

You really can't complain about mass and stations of the cross- you signed up for a catholic school. These are things they do! Sounds like you'd be happier homeschooling where you can choose to do all academics all the time.

[Anonymous]

Mass twice a week isn’t typical in the Arlington Diocese, but Mass and Stations during Lent is.

[Anonymous]

Where did you come from?

[Anonymous]

Have your mentioned your concerns to the school or other school parents?

[Anonymous]

If it’s you again, you really need to go somewhere else.

The Arlington diocese is known for being orthodox so I would expect an emphasis on worship and religion.

[Anonymous]

We are at an Arlington diocese school. Mass is only ever 1x per week (as Friday is removed if there is a holy day during the week) and yes stations are normal during lent.

We have a lot of days off it seems but no more than others it just isn’t always split the same. We don’t not have many assemblies.

I know the school you are talking about — you need to track are they getting through the diocesan standards as there are requirements that must be taught. And again to the PP are other parents as annoyed as you? If not pull your kids for public and ask better questions in Catholic tours.

[Anonymous]

Tuesday is the Annunciation, an important day in the Catholic Church, so most of the schools will have Mass that day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tuesday is the Annunciation, an important day in the Catholic Church, so most of the schools will have Mass that day.

Crazy thought: let children celebrate these days with their FAMILIES after school.

Kids at this school must be absolutely brilliant — they somehow “learn” the required material/curriculum even though they spend a good chunk of the year in mass and assemblies. Or maybe they don’t? No way to tell bc the students don’t take SOL tests and their learning isn’t rigorously tracked (no, MAP tears don’t do that).

[Anonymous]

Is this St Mary's?

[Anonymous]

Please just move on, op. This is not the school for you. It’s not going to change. You need to find a non-religious school for your children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuesday is the Annunciation, an important day in the Catholic Church, so most of the schools will have Mass that day.

Crazy thought: let children celebrate these days with their FAMILIES after school.

Kids at this school must be absolutely brilliant — they somehow “learn” the required material/curriculum even though they spend a good chunk of the year in mass and assemblies. Or maybe they don’t? No way to tell bc the students don’t take SOL tests and their learning isn’t rigorously tracked (no, MAP tears don’t do that).

Crazy thought: you are choosing Catholic school. You can choose something else.

Why are you still there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuesday is the Annunciation, an important day in the Catholic Church, so most of the schools will have Mass that day.

Crazy thought: let children celebrate these days with their FAMILIES after school.

Kids at this school must be absolutely brilliant — they somehow “learn” the required material/curriculum even though they spend a good chunk of the year in mass and assemblies. Or maybe they don’t? No way to tell bc the students don’t take SOL tests and their learning isn’t rigorously tracked (no, MAP tears don’t do that).

The primary focus of a Catholic school is to teach Catholic education. Academics are also important but the primary focus is going to be the Catholic education. In my experience, the kids leave Catholic schools beyond prepared for high school and college, even with all the religious requirements. I do not get the parents who choose a Catholic education then complain about the Catholic part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuesday is the Annunciation, an important day in the Catholic Church, so most of the schools will have Mass that day.

Crazy thought: let children celebrate these days with their FAMILIES after school.

Kids at this school must be absolutely brilliant — they somehow “learn” the required material/curriculum even though they spend a good chunk of the year in mass and assemblies. Or maybe they don’t? No way to tell bc the students don’t take SOL tests and their learning isn’t rigorously tracked (no, MAP tears don’t do that).

The primary focus of a Catholic school is to teach Catholic education. Academics are also important but the primary focus is going to be the Catholic education. In my experience, the kids leave Catholic schools beyond prepared for high school and college, even with all the religious requirements. I do not get the parents who choose a Catholic education then complain about the Catholic part.

Nonsense. MOST Catholic schools in the country are not like this. This is an arlington/DMV thing. Quasi monasteries.

Most Catholic schools have a healthy balance. They prioritize academics (bc it’s a school, after all) while integrating Catholic teaching and character development into the curriculum. Must Catholic schools do NOT ever go to mass or church 3x a week, even during Lent. It’s absurd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuesday is the Annunciation, an important day in the Catholic Church, so most of the schools will have Mass that day.

Crazy thought: let children celebrate these days with their FAMILIES after school.

Kids at this school must be absolutely brilliant — they somehow “learn” the required material/curriculum even though they spend a good chunk of the year in mass and assemblies. Or maybe they don’t? No way to tell bc the students don’t take SOL tests and their learning isn’t rigorously tracked (no, MAP tears don’t do that).

The primary focus of a Catholic school is to teach Catholic education. Academics are also important but the primary focus is going to be the Catholic education. In my experience, the kids leave Catholic schools beyond prepared for high school and college, even with all the religious requirements. I do not get the parents who choose a Catholic education then complain about the Catholic part.

Nonsense. MOST Catholic schools in the country are not like this. This is an arlington/DMV thing. Quasi monasteries.

Most Catholic schools have a healthy balance. They prioritize academics (bc it’s a school, after all) while integrating Catholic teaching and character development into the curriculum. Must Catholic schools do NOT ever go to mass or church 3x a week, even during Lent. It’s absurd.

Op, they are not going to change for you. You have to decide if this is something you are willing to accept. If not, go find another school. Complaining about it on DCUM every couple of months does nothing for you or the school.