Catholic schools for atheists

[Anonymous]

OP- I went through Catholic HS school in the late 80s and there were many non-Catholics. None of the students really cared. They had a good friend group. DC in Catholic HS now and still- no one cares. I don’t have any idea which parents are Catholic and who is not. Of course, I see some from K8 at Mass but that is it. HS is easier because students are through formation (communion, reconciliation, confirmation). Most of the religion classes are historical, bible study, ethics and philosophy.

Personally, I welcome others to the school. I recognize it is a great fit for many families and children for different reasons. However, I would not appreciate them taking issue with the Catholic teachings in a disrespectful way while they are there. In our home we certainly have discussions that may differ from some of the interpretations heard in school, but we discuss those things at home.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the Catholic school, and no, they are not all an extension of a parish. Many others answer to a religious order or are fully independent but receive support for sacraments from the archdiocese. You need to go to admissions events and talk to the parent hosts there to be able to read between the lines of what the school marketing materials say. Any schools with a relationship to the Archdiocese will have some rules about what they do/say, but there are progressive Catholic schools whose students and faculty are more aligned with Catholic social justice and other movements who do welcome and enroll families of all faiths. Our school is Catholic and independent so it does have ties to the archdiocese but not in the same way as a parish school- we have children who are Jewish, Muslim, evangelical, and definitely atheist, and faculty who are married LGBTQ+. People often choose our school over secular ones for its emphasis on ethics, service, and social justice education.

Where’s this?

[Anonymous]

Our parochial school has multiple Jewish families and a few Muslim. I only know because the families mentioned it, none of us are going around keeping tabs.

[Anonymous]

You'd be the vegan at the Outback Steakhouse.

Sure, you could get something out of it, but 90% of the menu was designed for the opposite of you.
Your child would be picking the bacon out of their iceberg lettuce-based salad for 8 years.

Catholic schools don't just "teach religion in school", but it is interwoven into every subject. They pray in PE class.
ALLLLLL of the teachers have to be trained as catechists, even the math teacher.
There is a way teachers are expected to answer faith-based questions.

I am a fan of Catholic education, personally, but I were truly a person who thought God did not exist, I'd feel like a hypocrite enrolling my child in an institution that was faith-based for 38 hours or more a week.

[Anonymous]

My son is an atheist and went to Catholic school. He had a great time and learned a lot.

[Anonymous]

It will depend on the Catholic school. Check and see what sect the school follows and look up that sects information, different sects emphasize different parts of the Catholic faith. Some are far more conservative then others. Also, check and see if the school is connected to a Parish or is an "independent" Catholic school. Parishes are tied more to the Dioceses and the more strict teachings of the Catholic faith. They have to follow Dioceses rulings. In my area of the country this meant that Gay Teachers were fired from the Dioceses run Catholic schools but not the non-Dioceses run schools.

There are many sects in the Catholic Church that are more focused on education and developing good people and less focused on the more Conservative teachings of the Church. Those sects are going to be more welcoming to non-Catholic families. But even those sects will have religion class and regular mass. Only you can decide if that is something that you are comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

In the city I'm from, the catholic private school was basically where everyone stuck their problem child so they could find Jesus and reform. One of my friends was on the run from police selling heroine by the time she was 16. Most the kids were potheads. Not sure you want to mix your kids up with that crowd

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a Christian I would be pretty annoyed if my kids’ Christian school that I specifically selected for being a Christian school was letting in atheist families.

You can't make this stuff up. This is directly contra to Jesus's teaching on many fronts-- Evangelism; love of neighbor; pretty much all of the beatitudes. If what you want is a place for people like you, you are using religion as a social club, not as a moral code or belief system. Honestly, maybe listen next Sunday.

Here's what I'd say; there are two kinds of non-believers. There are those that are tolerant, and those that are rabid. Rabid or "evangelical" atheists--those that seek to convert others to their nihilistic belief (sorry, couldn't help it)--will be miserable at a Catholic school... but I doubt that's what we're talking about here. Parents who are "softly irreligious" will find a home, but only if they are open to their children accepting Christ. By this I mean don't be upset if one day your child starts asking questions, wants to go to Mass outside of school, and ultimately chooses to go down the RCIA route (depending on age.)

Yeah, but be honest, you’re there with contempt in your heart towards the believers. Plus you’re looking for more affordable private education in comparison to secular schools. Be honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a Christian I would be pretty annoyed if my kids’ Christian school that I specifically selected for being a Christian school was letting in atheist families.

You can't make this stuff up. This is directly contra to Jesus's teaching on many fronts-- Evangelism; love of neighbor; pretty much all of the beatitudes. If what you want is a place for people like you, you are using religion as a social club, not as a moral code or belief system. Honestly, maybe listen next Sunday.

Here's what I'd say; there are two kinds of non-believers. There are those that are tolerant, and those that are rabid. Rabid or "evangelical" atheists--those that seek to convert others to their nihilistic belief (sorry, couldn't help it)--will be miserable at a Catholic school... but I doubt that's what we're talking about here. Parents who are "softly irreligious" will find a home, but only if they are open to their children accepting Christ. By this I mean don't be upset if one day your child starts asking questions, wants to go to Mass outside of school, and ultimately chooses to go down the RCIA route (depending on age.)

Yeah, but be honest, you’re there with contempt in your heart towards the believers. Plus you’re looking for more affordable private education in comparison to secular schools. Be honest.

This is OP. We have no contempt. We just are not religious. I don't care and am not bothered by religious teachings or if my kids want to pick a religion. And no, we aren't trying to save money, there are zero secular private high schools where we are located. It is either catholic or public.

[Anonymous]

I have a Jewish friend who is teaching at a Catholic ES and she very much enjoys it. She respects the beliefs of the school but isn't expected to teach anything to do with the Catholic faith. It really depends on the school.

I am not pretending that this is the norm but there are plenty of Catholic schools that are not dogmatic. You just need to look at the specific school and understand their position.

[Anonymous]

Just be prepared for other kids to tell your kids that they are going to hell when they die.

Not joking.

We live in a pretty religious neighborhood, and that happens even though we go to public school.

It's why we left boy scouts, too. A group of kids would not STFU about god, and how my kid would go to hell when he dies.

Of course, we burned bridges on the way out, with a big "god isnt real, Timmy." conversation. But still frustrating

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don't do it. You will be frustrated. Save the spot for a family that wants a Catholic education.

Would your kid be okay attending mass at school, studying Catholicism in religion class, saying the hail Mary, our father, sign of the cross, Catholic retreat, etc.? I doubt it. Just move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Catholic school is an extension of the parish, not a refuge from crappy public schools.

There are also independent Catholic schools.

And in many areas, the majority of parochial s hoop students are not even Catholic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our public schools are pretty terrible where we are currently. There isn’t a good option for secular private school past elementary. There is a good catholic private school, though we are not religious. Has anyone went or sent their children to catholic school if they are a different religion or no religion? If so, how was the experience?

Please don’t. And don’t lie when you apply either. That would be immoral. I don’t even understand why someone would consider this! You don’t believe in religion, you presumable do not want religion in public schools at all, but you will pay to have religion taught to your child in school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Catholic school is an extension of the parish, not a refuge from crappy public schools.

There are also independent Catholic schools.

And in many areas, the majority of parochial s hoop students are not even Catholic.

Can you name some?