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Alicia's avatar

👏👏👏 💯

Yes to all of this! My husband and I currently homeschool our 5 kids, using a Catholic classical curriculum (Mother of Divine Grace), and the reasons include so much of what Mr. Curtin identifies as the problems with most Catholic schools. Our primary goal, even above a strong academic formation, is to form our children in the truth of the Catholic worldview- that our Catholic faith isn’t simply a religion class we take but the reality through which we approach the world. Along with all the excellent points made by Mr. Curtin, I would suggest Catholic schools and communities spend some time reimagining the accepted school schedule of our country. If we believe that the family is the building block for society and that parents are meant to be the primary formators of their children, it seems contradictory to then expect children to spend such a majority of their time away from the life and work of their family. I know this is a larger societal problem built upon the dual income family, but I think having children in school for 7-8 hours a day, plus multiple after school activities, plus homework, plus other school events, all starting at the age of 5 (or younger) doesn’t necessarily reflect the Catholic insistence on the importance of the family. I’m not saying this should swing to full time homeschool (Living this life we see it’s drawbacks!) but I also don’t think the current norms are perfect either. I know this is a challenge, but I do think faithful and sincere Catholic schools and communities should at least consider questioning the societal norms regarding school hours/schedules as well. I also would put in a plug for same-sex classes for certain ages. I went to a Christian middle-school/high-school that separated most classes by sexes and it was such a benefit to my education.

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Eugene Francisco's Mini's avatar

A very interesting article. As a Catholic school educator of nearly 58 years, I would like to say an ideal “Catholic” school would be one which pays its educators a just salary based on years of education and the expenses incurred to receive that education. It would also not be influenced by enrollment pushed by the diocese. Enrollment means money. Proper example of a Christian culture should be manifest by behavior of administration and staff. It is foolish to assume that this just happens. Modeling and enforcement are critical. Basics, teaching reading and math skills should be paramount in grades one through three. Keep the classics until basic skills are mastered. Institute an apprentice situation for new teachers. Every day instruction in the ways and behaviors of Jesus. Just my 90 cents worth after many years of loving every day I went to work- mostly the kids who taught me more than I ever taught them!

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