St. Jerome for the Concerned Catholic-Bad Idea or Still Consider?

[Anonymous]

Considering St. Jerome in Hyattsville. Lifelong Catholic, appreciate moral structure and guidance but struggle with idea of original sin, creationism, etc. We are considering the school because our local school is not an option and because parents who send their children to St. Jerome speak highly of it. We like that St. Jerome practices Socratic method, doesn't seem to teach to the test, allows for more physical activity and creative outlets, encourages children to explore their ideas. But what if that idea runs counter to the idea of Creationism, for example? Unlike the Catholic schools of our youth, where prayer was taught, you went to mass on the holy days, were guided on right and wrong and where religion was a class you took, St. Jerome seems to weave religion into EVERYTHING.

What do the not-highly-religious parents who send their kids there think of the school and of the education provided to your child? Is this a no-brainer? Among other things, I don't want my child being taught that homosexuality is an abomination. Is the answer simple? Should we walk away?

[Anonymous]

I think the biggest question is how old is your child- if you are considering this for Preschool-about 3rd grade or so, the issues you bring up aren't even really considerations. They won't really be teaching evolution to your child during preschool, or talking about homosexuality at all until family life courses. So if you are talking about a young child, I think you are over thinking some of this. They will be learning about Jesus, the Holy Mother, how to pray, etc.

[Anonymous]

I don't think Catholics believe in creationism.

[Anonymous]

op is a "lifelong Catholic" yet thinks the Church believes/teaches creationism?????

[Anonymous]

As the others have said, Catholicism doesn't teach creationism.

Catholicism does teach original sin, as do almost all Protestant denominations. But the Catechism of the Catholic Church "explicitly acknowledges that the account of the fall in Genesis 2 and 3 uses figurative language." So there's no Adam, Eve, snake, or apple. But all humans can sin.

[Anonymous]

I'm confused as to why you'd expect a Catholic school to teach creationism. Maybe you were sleeping the last several centuries?

Kidding, mostly -

Seriously though - I attended one of the "parent cafes" where the middle school science teacher presented. He was excellent. PhD candidate in physics if I recall correctly at UM - College Park. Very enthusiastic about science. Big lover of faith and God's mystery.

On science and literature I have absolutely zero reservations with how SJA's approaches the curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Creationism was specifically mentioned as being one of the topics they covered in the earlier grades. Also noticed that there was a big timeline in the 1st grade class that started with God creating the Earth in 7 days…then Adam and Eve…then Noah…then the Patriarchs that started in 2000 BC.

It really does seem like a great school. Just asking questions because I want to make sure it would be an OK fit for my child, who does not come from a religious family. I'd like for my daughter to learn about the saints, the Trinity, about good and bad through the parables. I just hesitate because I also want her to be in an environment where it would be OK to question, to doubt, OK to believe in God but not be exclusive of other faiths/ideas.

PP, can you talk more about how SJA approaches science and literature?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Science & lit fan PP here -

The classical curriculum has a strong emphasis on ancient civilization (including pre-Christian) and its literature curriculum focuses on great classical pieces. Even from the earliest grades, there's an emphasis on great stories, great literature. We're encouraged to read the original Winnie the Pooh with our children instead of the abbreviated Disney edition, with the understanding that the original version has the fantastic theme of loyalty and friendship, which is very appropriate for an early reader. That's just one example I remember from another parent cafe I attended. You should be able to see the recommended reading list on the SJA website.

On science, I recall the teacher describing his goal to get students excited about the scientific method - observing and wondering about the world around us and having a method for searching out answers to why things work they way they do. There's a deep appreciation for God's creation in his approach, and out of that a deep respect for scientific inquiry, truth, and natural beauty. He gave several examples of how he got his student hooked on scientific subjects - really a great instructor, IMO.

I recall the scientific method being a big part of my middle school science education as well, but this appreciation for beauty and bringing a sense of wonder to our scientific exploration is unique. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in his class now.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure they didn't say that they teach the creation story? That part is true. They cover that and much of the Bible. For the preschoolers, the story of emphasis is the Good Shepard.

If that's what they said, that's not the same as creationism.

[Anonymous]

Catholics are not creationists. But, yeah, most Catholic schools will teach the Biblical story of creation. Catholics are very big into viewing the Old Testament as teaching metaphoric and moral, but not literal, truths.

[Anonymous]

The Catholic Church does not teach creationism. The "creation story" is not "creationism."

-Former MS science teacher at a Catholic school, who most definitely taught evolution.

[Anonymous]

SJA parent here. I can understand why OP drew her conclusion from the 1st grade timeline.

The curriculum is based on an historical framework, and 1st grade is the Ancient Greek year. The top of the timeline shows major events in Greek history, and the bottom shows corresponding events from the Bible -- in order to integrate students' understanding of history and other disciplines.

The Bible begins with the story of creation, so it is first on the Bible timeline. There's no way to correlate that with actual history, so it is put where the ancient Hebrews themselves put it, based on their scriptures. That is not to imply that the school is teaching that creation actually occurred at that time, or in seven days, but simply to place it within the context of the Hebrew scriptures themselves.

I can assure you that none of my children have been taught, or believe, that creation occurred in 4000 B.C. or that it occurred in a seven-day span or in the order presented in the creation story. They understand that the point of the story is that God created everything, that creation is good, and that He created human beings in His own divine image.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, all, for the helpful feedback - though thank you, especially to both PP, for taking the time to reply. That's exactly where I was coming from. Your feedback is immensely reassuring, makes total sense and also makes me feel good about the education she will be receiving.

And thank you, very much, to the poster who spoke of the science and lit classes. All very helpful, reassuring feedback that will help us make some pretty weighty decisions. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

We have friends there who are Catholic but not fundamentalist Catholic and they are very happy with the education and community.