Anonymous wrote:I know in my own kid's school there is a lot of emphasis on public speaking and leadership.

This! My kids who did Catholic for at least part of their education are not naturally extroverted, but they had so many oral presentations that they are poised and fluid orators. Even my kid who stuttered had to present orally and was taught to remain calm and keep going.

I think it is the close connection between families and students. We were at one of the larger K8 schools. They were three classes per grade. However, when you were at the same school for nine or 10 years you get to know the kids and they get to know you. At our school we had @ 90 parents volunteering just as CYO basketball coaches. Every holiday there were 2-3 parents in the classrooms. So you great the parents at school, in Church and at games.

Catholic school made my son’s hair so nice and shiny, too

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's cultural. A lot of expressive gregarious cultures are commonly Catholic. Hispanics, Italians, Irish, Filipino, etc. These are typically not quiet people.

Oh good. Now we get to hear from the eugenics corner of the room.

Oh, so you don't think that there are different norms across cultures? Don't be daft.

Anonymous wrote:My son transferred from mainly upper middle class public school that had about 100 to 120 kids per grade to a Catholic school that had between 25-30 kids per grade in 4th grade.

One if the first things he noticed at the Catholic school was that everyone was friendlier. He has always been a sporty kid who had friends but he could be guarded. Later he said a lot of the boys cut each other down and laughed at each other. They did that at times too at the Catholic school too but since it was a smaller group it never went that far and they were there to support each other. They prayed for each other, their families, and teachers so it felt more like a community. It gave him more confidence to talk to people he didn’t know well.

I forgot to add that his best friend stayed at the public school. I think in k-3 both of them were equally social, had equal looks, verbal skills, etc. They are now in 8th and it has been interesting to see that my son has become more extroverted and has an easier time greeting people and approaching people. Even if my son has just met someone once he will acknowledge them but his friend won’t. The friend’s parents took my son and his friend on vacation and the parents commented that my son just seemed more at ease around people compared to their son. Maybe going to a big public elementary school and middle school you can’t be sure how other kids will react to what you say or you experience a negative reaction. At Catholic school you know the kids and their families so it isn’t so scary, so that becomes your worldview.

Booze. Big loud families. Lots of fun sports events. And not really caring about academics.

Heck, it sounds amazing!!!
-not kidding. Kind of wished we were Catholic.

My son transferred from mainly upper middle class public school that had about 100 to 120 kids per grade to a Catholic school that had between 25-30 kids per grade in 4th grade.

One if the first things he noticed at the Catholic school was that everyone was friendlier. He has always been a sporty kid who had friends but he could be guarded. Later he said a lot of the boys cut each other down and laughed at each other. They did that at times too at the Catholic school too but since it was a smaller group it never went that far and they were there to support each other. They prayed for each other, their families, and teachers so it felt more like a community. It gave him more confidence to talk to people he didn’t know well.

Anonymous wrote:This is a stupid thread. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through law school. There are all kinds of personalities in Catholic schools - just like public schools.

The OP didn't say that ALL Catholic school kids were outgoing and gregarious. OP was asking HOW Catholic school accomplishes this. Next time, read the thread title.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's cultural. A lot of expressive gregarious cultures are commonly Catholic. Hispanics, Italians, Irish, Filipino, etc. These are typically not quiet people.

Oh good. Now we get to hear from the eugenics corner of the room.

This is a stupid thread. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through law school. There are all kinds of personalities in Catholic schools - just like public schools.

Anonymous wrote:Big families. And single gender education.

We have a big family and I think this is true. Even my shy kid has no problems speaking in front of people or with adults.

Anonymous wrote:They’re allowed to expel the kids who crush your spirit.

Lol

Any school that teaches kids to shake hands and look people in the eye - which a lot of more traditional schools do - produces students who can do just that with adults. I have one at a progressive school and one at Catholic and that difference is very noticeable.

Unrelated to OP's generalization(s); can DCUM make a Catholic school forum? I ask that as a Catholic school parent.

Small schools where students feel comfortable and part of a community.