Anonymous wrote:I am out of the DC area now but highly recommend seeking out independent Catholic schools. I don’t know how the philosophies compare, but in terms of governance and size our school is most similar to Woods Academg.

My DD’s school has a formal relationship with the archdiocese but is not a parish school, so they are free to set their own curriculum and hiring standards. This means that there are many non-Catholic and LGBTQ-identifying faculty and staff and a curriculum closer to the post-Vatican II modern theology I grew up with and sought out. We have multiple same-sex and single parent families and a curriculum that acknowledges and respects all kinds of children and families.

I would look for mission statements that say “inclusive Catholic”- conservative and liberal Catholics know what this means and are drawn to or away from schools that dare to use the word “inclusive”.

OP, ignore the judgey Catholics that will come out of the woodwork for this thread as well as the haters. There are plenty of us who believe that being Catholic doesn’t mean you pick and choose who god loves and welcomes.

+1. Go to Woods Academy in Bethesda. It’s independent Catholic and inclusive. Basically Catholic-lite.

Most Catholic families would accept a same sex couple if that’s what you’re asking. The school administration—maybe not.

Check out Episcopal schools if this is a priority for you.

Strange thread.

Anonymous wrote:No need to judge others criteria.

Some families do choose catholic schools because tuition is less. The concern of catholic schools being respectful of all, including lgbtq individuals, is probably an issue for many non-Catholic families with kids attending these schools.

Still a primary purpose of the schools beyond providing an academic foundation is to provide children with a spiritual foundation, according to the precepts of Catholicism. My understandings is that Non-acceptance of LGBTQ people/relationships is part of the Catholic faith but, like in anything else, it’s reasonable to assume some communities adhere less to certain guidelines than others.

My point is that OPs question is not weird or unreasonable.

THANK YOU. OP here. You explained it much better (and patiently) than I would have. English isn’t my first language and sometimes I still have a hard time putting my thoughts into words adequately 😆. But this is exactly the why of my post. Obviously academics are important to us, but NOT everything and likely not even an “only” priority. We value so much more beyond academics as we raise our children. This area is already competitive enough academically.. so most places will be fine.

No need to judge others criteria.

Some families do choose catholic schools because tuition is less. The concern of catholic schools being respectful of all, including lgbtq individuals, is probably an issue for many non-Catholic families with kids attending these schools.

Still a primary purpose of the schools beyond providing an academic foundation is to provide children with a spiritual foundation, according to the precepts of Catholicism. My understandings is that Non-acceptance of LGBTQ people/relationships is part of the Catholic faith but, like in anything else, it’s reasonable to assume some communities adhere less to certain guidelines than others.

My point is that OPs question is not weird or unreasonable.

Anonymous wrote:Weird thread

I know, right?

I keep re-reading it and saying, huh? OP’s top priority for picking a school is not academics, but rather the school’s attitude toward same sex couples, even though OP is not part of a same sex couple? And it’s unclear whether OP is actually Catholic, but is instead seeking a Catholic education for her child only because it is cheaper?

Weird.

There should be a Catholic school forum.

I am out of the DC area now but highly recommend seeking out independent Catholic schools. I don’t know how the philosophies compare, but in terms of governance and size our school is most similar to Woods Academg.

My DD’s school has a formal relationship with the archdiocese but is not a parish school, so they are free to set their own curriculum and hiring standards. This means that there are many non-Catholic and LGBTQ-identifying faculty and staff and a curriculum closer to the post-Vatican II modern theology I grew up with and sought out. We have multiple same-sex and single parent families and a curriculum that acknowledges and respects all kinds of children and families.

I would look for mission statements that say “inclusive Catholic”- conservative and liberal Catholics know what this means and are drawn to or away from schools that dare to use the word “inclusive”.

OP, ignore the judgey Catholics that will come out of the woodwork for this thread as well as the haters. There are plenty of us who believe that being Catholic doesn’t mean you pick and choose who god loves and welcomes.

Anonymous wrote:Grace Episcopal does not sound very Catholic.

That’s why it’s perfect for OP!

Grace Episcopal does not sound very Catholic.

I think you’d be happy at Grace Episcopal.
Holy Cross is very liberal in student body and parent group for a Catholic school but it’s still a parish school and a few of the teachers are very Catholic and conservative.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Odd that you’re not choosing a school based on academics or what would be the best fit for your child.

Clearly, openness to LGBTQ families would be the best fit for this family. Weird comment.

Yes! Thanks

Weird thread

You might have some luck at Holy Trinity in Georgetown. Also, St Bart’s in Bethesda. Honestly though, have you looked at Grace Episcopal in Kensington? I am Catholic and I teach my child that marriage is between a man and a woman. Even Pope Francis’s recent announcement about blessings for couples not married in the Catholic Church (both same sex and opposite sex) does not condone blessings of their actual relationships.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have toured a few Catholic schools in MOCO and have been pleasantly surprised how lovely and supportive the schools and parents have been towards (the few) same sex parents that are part of the schools. Any input on Holy Cross in Kensington, Pk-8? We are aware of the Catholic Church’s view on same sex couples so don’t expect complete “open” support for those families at Catholic schools but would be nice to send our kiddos to a place that values respect towards these families. Thanks!

I’m sorry this is absurd

Catholics a cross thi# country are literally screaming hate towards you4 family and you want your kid learning that

Bad parenting

OP,
I recognize this poster. This person just posts anti-Catholic nonsense, always without any evidence to back up the posted bigotry.

I work in a Catholic high school. We have services to support our LGBTQ students, including a club. I send my own children to a Catholic K-8 which has been very supportive. A couple of their friends are LGBTQ or have parents who are. They are very active members of our community.

I’m sure there are some schools where this won’t be the case. (That’s true for publics, too.) Just don’t listen to whatever nonsense the PP decides to spew.

OP here. Thank you so much for your kind comment. This is what I am looking for.. what an awesome high school you are in. Are you able to name a few pk-8 Catholic schools that are supportive?