Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Yes, but is it worth the extra $351K? That is the question most wonder.

I think so. I don't think Gonzaga and STA, to name just two, compare academically. Size of classes, range of student abilities, etc. are quite different. But if you are asking about comparing those, what about this - is it worth it to spend $200k on Catholic education when your DC could arguably receive a better education in local public schools (minus the religious Ed)?

It's unlikely that this poster will ever "get it" on the reasons Catholics send their children to Catholic schools. He or she sees the only difference being Religious Ed, when that is just one of the components that has kept Catholic schools in business since the mid-1800's.

Catholic schools are a key component in keeping the Catholic community connected. Community, family tradition, shared values and discipline all matter and they are willing to pay for them even though this represents a significant sacrifice for many, if not most, Catholic families.

At the same time, Catholics look at the public schools and don't like what they see.

Thank you. Catholics don't choose to send their kids to Catholic school based simply on test scores of the school. It is deeper than that. It goes to the essence of how we raise our children. Many, if not all of us, would choose to put our children into a Catholic high school over a "big 3" because that is what we want for our children. We know our children will receive an excellent education both academically and spiritually. In our case, even though my DH is an Ivy grad (went to small Catholic hs) and I am a top 10 University grad (went to large suburban public high school) our hope is that our kids soon will pick a Catholic university to attend. It is that important to our family.

And the boozy social scene for the parents at BS doesn't hurt either. Heaven knows I love a cocktail or two before and after the Bulldog 5K; heck some even grab a drink or tow during the race.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Yes, but is it worth the extra $351K? That is the question most wonder.

I think so. I don't think Gonzaga and STA, to name just two, compare academically. Size of classes, range of student abilities, etc. are quite different. But if you are asking about comparing those, what about this - is it worth it to spend $200k on Catholic education when your DC could arguably receive a better education in local public schools (minus the religious Ed)?

It's unlikely that this poster will ever "get it" on the reasons Catholics send their children to Catholic schools. He or she sees the only difference being Religious Ed, when that is just one of the components that has kept Catholic schools in business since the mid-1800's.

Catholic schools are a key component in keeping the Catholic community connected. Community, family tradition, shared values and discipline all matter and they are willing to pay for them even though this represents a significant sacrifice for many, if not most, Catholic families.

At the same time, Catholics look at the public schools and don't like what they see.

Thank you. Catholics don't choose to send their kids to Catholic school based simply on test scores of the school. It is deeper than that. It goes to the essence of how we raise our children. Many, if not all of us, would choose to put our children into a Catholic high school over a "big 3" because that is what we want for our children. We know our children will receive an excellent education both academically and spiritually. In our case, even though my DH is an Ivy grad (went to small Catholic hs) and I am a top 10 University grad (went to large suburban public high school) our hope is that our kids soon will pick a Catholic university to attend. It is that important to our family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could try Little Flower, although there is a definite cliquishness there as well mostly built around the cult of CYO.

CYO?

Someone considering Blessed Sacrament who doesn't know what the CYO is?

It boggles the mind.

Suffice it to say, you are looking in the wrong place.

You have never met crazier sports parents than the catholic school families around here. I assume you are not Catholic. Look elsewhere.

That's very true. It's nuts. And it has less to do with the kids and sports and more to do with the parents using it as a vehicle for their own social advancement (at least in their minds). Most of the parish schools offer little if anything in terms of extracurricular activities so CYO becomes the only outlet. Better make sure your child is into it and you buy into the scene--or say hello to general alienation.