Help me Father . . . The growing concerns of Catholic Schools
The Catholic Church is undergoing grueling changes. Catholic schools have been hit the hardest the crisis at hand. The scandals that have struck the Roman Catholic Church and its clergy have a great impression on the enrollment of catholic schools. According to a New York Times article written by Paul Vitello and Winnie Hu “For Catholic Schools, Crisis and Catharsis” in early January the Archdiocese of Brooklyn announced the closing of fourteen of their schools. With this the New York Archdiocese, which is home to some of the most elite schools, has a drop of 5,000 students in the last year. Catholic schools were one a safe haven for students and parents who did not want to put their children into local public schools. Partly to do with the economic standings of the United States as well as the sandals that have arisen parochial education as we once knew it is changing. The closeness of parents, school staff, and the clergy that was once the foundation of parochial education as become extinct. Researchers at catholic universities such as Marymount and Loyola Maryland have stated alternatives to catholic education, such as the education only the poor, only the affluent, or only the disabled.
The archdioceses have been working on restructuring the catholic education system. Some have turned to lay people to help voice and advertise the parochial education. But often times desperate times call for desperate measures. The Archdiocese of Washington took Catholics by storm when they announced their big news. They had taken down all their crucifixes, statues, and religious items and converted it into a “charter school.” This leads to the question “Are charter schools the new catholic school?” The tuition at a catholic school is current $3,600. Most parents work two jobs to put their children through a catholic education. With this said charter schools are now offering some of the same educational principle disregarding education. Latino’s who make up about twenty percent of the catholic community once sent their students to only catholic schools. The turn of events that have occurred have forced these parents to send their students to charter school which are free unlike catholic schools (Vitello & Hu, 2009).
Since many parochial schools are becoming charter schools, what is happening to the religious component? In many cases, religious education in schools is being terminated. Is really fair to parents who are working two jobs to send their children to Catholic school to receive a catholic education? Religious education outside of school is offered to the public, however, with after school activities and parents who work long hours, many people opt out of this feature. Perhaps we should really be discussing lowering the prices of parochial schools and maybe more people would enroll.
The National Catholic Education Association released a report, “Who Will Save America’s Urban Catholic Schools?” stating that United States taxpayers have been spending over $20 billion more to educate children because Catholic schools are closing (Labbe, 2008). In an article titled “Catholic School Trend: Some Are Closing, Some Becoming Charters” Barbara Pytel states that tax payers are actually saving money when children go to parochial schools. This was reported because public schools receive funding for each child that attends and the price ranges from $5,000 to over $12,000 for every child. Whereas, for every child in a parochial school, the taxpayers are actually saving money because the local church and parents is paying for the education of the children enrolled in the school, not the taxpayers (Pytel, 2008).
Knowing this, is it really worth closing Catholic schools around the nation? And what about the teachers who are working in the Catholic schools in jeopardy of closing? There are a lot of factors to think about when discussing money and schooling because as educators we do not want the quality of schools to decrease. And would that occur if charter schools become the new Catholic schools?
References -
Labbe, T. (2008, April 11). “Who Will Save America’s Urban Catholic Schools?” Washington Post.
Pytel, B. (2008). Catholic School Trend: Some Are Closing, Some Becoming Charters. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from Suit101.com. Web site: http://educationalissues.suite101.com/article.cfm/catholic_school_trend#ixzz0DpmAQAUK&A
Vitello, P., & Hu, W. (2009, January 17, 2009). For Catholic Schools, Crisis and Catharsis. New York Times, A29
24 responses so far ↓
jenjohnson1861 // April 28, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
This is an issue that has to be looked into further. I send my child to a religous school for several reasons, the main one is for the smaller class size & the sense of community that is at the school. However, due to the economic crisis many families will not be sending their children there next year. I know it is a controversal issue, but may giving families vouchers so that they can send their children to catholic school.
amebec23 // April 28, 2009 at 6:38 pm |
myself as an example for my students to eliminate bullying of any kind in the classroom.
Considering I work at a religious school, I find this article to have great points. Lowering prices for private or charter school is important considering the economy we are currently in. Every family has the right to the specific education they choose for their children but often money can stand in the way of that choice. I believe the bottom line is parents must make a monetarily appropriate choice concerning the price of these schools. It is the families responsibility to education their children about religion. If a school that offers this is out of the question, then parents must take it upon themselves to instill their beliefs in their children. Religious schools are fantastic facilities, but if they are too expensive choices must be made for the benefit of the entire family. Even if parents work on the weekdays, there are many religious meetings that are healed of the weekends.
mtg103 // April 29, 2009 at 2:40 am |
This article is very interesting to me. I didn’t realize the Catholic schools were in such a crisis. I have attended catholic schools and I believe that is where I got some of my best education. I would hate to see them close, and have teachers lose their jobs.I think maybe if the Catholic schools lowered their price in tution maybe people would send there kids to these schools. Especially with the economy these days parents can’t afford to send their child to these schools.
voonya // April 29, 2009 at 8:35 am |
It’s a shame to see a lot of the Catholic schools close, due to the lack of enrollment. Times are changing. Religion is not as strong of a group as it used to be. Religion used to have a huge impact. However with the lack of followers and those who practice the religion but don’t necessarily fully commit to it, it makes less enrollment in schools. Plus with the cost in this economy, many parents are just making enough to provide the basic needs.
mot86 // April 29, 2009 at 12:32 pm |
This article was written by: Christine Marie Blake and Megan O’Toole
ecyoung // April 29, 2009 at 3:34 pm |
I believe that the enrollment problems in Catholic schools definitely comes down to cost more than it does religion. I have known many people who have sent there children to catholic schools that were not catholic. It is the quality that the private catholic schools provide that the parents want. Charter schools do seem to be sprouting up these days, especially in the urban areas. However, I think that if the charter schools can offer the same quality of education that the expensive private schools can than we can’t blame parents for not enrolling their children in catholic school. Although there are many other issues that go along with charter schools, such as security that the school wont close down. Although these days I guess you don’t have that security with catholic schools either.
ecyoung // April 29, 2009 at 3:34 pm |
I believe that the enrollment problems in Catholic schools definitely comes down to cost more than it does religion. I have known many people who have sent there children to catholic schools that were not catholic. It is the quality that the private catholic schools provide that the parents want. Charter schools do seem to be sprouting up these days, especially in the urban areas. However, I think that if the charter schools can offer the same quality of education that the expensive private schools can than we can’t blame parents for not enrolling their children in catholic school. Although there are many other issues that go along with charter schools, such as security that the school wont close down. Although these days I guess you don’t have that security with catholic schools either.
pbssteno // April 29, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
In the United States, children are entitled to a free taxpayer-funded education. If some parents wish to send their children to private school, they need to have the funds to do so on their own. In my view, private schools, whether they be charter or religiously based, should exist according to capitalistic principles. If the schools are satisfactory to the people that “purchase” that education, they will continue to receive their funding. If they are deficient in some way, then they should be allowed to go out of business. I view religion as a personal choice. As such, it should be funded by the individuals whose needs are served by it rather than taxpayer dollars. I see nothing wrong with it, just don’t give me the bill.
irish44cb // May 3, 2009 at 5:48 pm |
So many factors play a role in what’s going on with the so-called “demise” of Catholic schools. However, what I find truly disturbing is the fact that some Catholic schools have begun to eliminate any signs of religious artifacts and symbols. This, to me, is preposterous. What’s the point then? This also ties into the whole politically correctness issue. It infuriates me when I hear how oversensitive schools have become in order not offend people’s beliefs. The fact that some schools have eliminated the phrase “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance is flat out sickening to me. Here we have a historical oath created by our forefathers for the purposes of our country… and somehow it needs to be altered because of the risk of offending someone’s beliefs.
A very good point made in this blog would be to lower the prices of tuition. However, price is just one of several problems facing catholic schools. The reputation alone of the Catholic Church has suffered greatly in recent years due to many transgressions such as: an outdated outlook, sex scandals with priests and an unwavering defiance for change. In many instances, a family can be swayed in a different direction because of the “guilt by association” issue. The school might be a fine institution, by the mere problems of the Church can overshadow the positives.
flaviama // May 4, 2009 at 12:32 am |
I believe lowering the price of parochial or catholic schools is not the answer to this issue. Catholic schools already have a difficult time keeping up financially with public education; lowering the price of tuition for these schools would lead to greater problems. It is my understanding that many catholic schools have overcrowded classroom, unexperienced teachers or teachers who are not certified due to low pay, and many other problems that stem from financial reasons. With the economy the way it is, parents can either afford to pay extra for these schools or not.
grlsofn1 // May 4, 2009 at 1:12 am |
This article is really sad to read. I went to Catholic school my whole life, and I loved it. I am currently a substitute teacher and it’s very different being in the public school system. I feel like it’s a completely different world.
However, in this economic crisis it becomes very difficult for many parents to continue to pay these extremely high tuitions for Catholic schools. Therefore, the schools can no longer stay opened because they don’t receive public funding. However, their would still be other problems for the Catholic schools. Many teachers already don’t have their certifications and the salaries they make are very low. So it is a difficult to find any kind of solution for the Catholic schools.
lbeach // May 4, 2009 at 2:03 am |
Catholic schools for may parents have been a beacon of hope. While they may not be able to find the best environment for their children to live in there was always the possibililty for a proper Catholic upbringing. This is how they grew up and it up be great for their children to be raised the same way. I agree. Not neccessarily about having to raise them on strict guide lines of a particular religion but rather a school with set ideals. I have attended Catholic schooling in college and I found it very enlighting because they didn’t force any particular religion down my throat. I was free to explore my different religion classes and I found this very beneficial. Personaly getting rid of catholic schools for a charter school would be a loss for the education system. It is just one less avenue for adults but more importantly Children to travel.
hsiax // May 4, 2009 at 5:38 pm |
It is a shame that Catholic schools are shutting down by the dozens because they establish great morals among our young in todays society and we need that. Catholic schools establish a sense of faith in children and also a sense of hope. The problem with Catholic schools obviously is the tuition prices and our economy today. People just cannot afford to send their chldren to a catholic school anymore and it is a shame because they can offer many great things to one. It has just become too hard for people today and I can see why they would rather choose to send their chldren to public schools instead.
mitchsteinberg // May 4, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
I never actually thought about how closing catholic schools would effect the public schools in a taxpayer sense. The student who is leaving the catholic school for the public school is aded to the taxpayers bill. Basically adding the 5,000 students that was talked about in the article adds up to a lot of money. That is an issue that needs to be figured out along with the amount of room that is needed to fit these students. I know in my school they are cutting teachers and raising class sizes. But now with X amount of students added to the roster because of catholic school closings, where will they all go? If their is no room in the budget as is, where is it all going to come from? The budget already is predicted not to pass in my district, this seems like a huge domino affect that no one will like.
tkpowers // September 17, 2009 at 2:46 am |
reading this article is fascinating to me because i was unaware of the crisis of the closing of catholic schools. have graduated from a catholic high school not only do i feel i received the best education but i also feel it is where my morals were instilled in me. I dream of sending my children to catholic school but i also see where the economy can put a hold on that. However, if parents are unable to afford these schools then they should be making a conscious effort to get their children into some form of religious education. It is a shame to see these schools closing rapidly because it was a last resort for parents who wanted to see and help their children succeed the best way they could if their community was not up to par with education.
gioannou // September 23, 2009 at 3:06 pm |
It is not only the Catholic schools that are experiencing a drop in attendance. All private schools are seeing a downturn in attendance lately, whether they are parochial or just private in nature. The questions raised in this article explore some of of the reasons and dynamics but miss others. For example, is this downturn symptomatic of a downturning economy, a jaded opinion of religion, or an increase in the quality of public schools. Many other parochial schools have taken the “charter school pill” and have become public schools, thus losing their religious education abilities. This should be a concern to those of faith and a question for the leadership of all major faiths. Should the parochial schools not be subsidized by their faith, and not by the state?
jplavi // September 23, 2009 at 7:04 pm |
This article was personally interesting to me. I attended catholic school k-8. And have recently begun doing part of my fieldwork hours for an m.s. in edu at the very same private school I once attended. This particular school seems to be very much as I had left it…classes are full of students, teachers are outgoing and caring, the morning begins with a prayer, a Cross hangs in the classroom, even the uniforms are the same. However, this and similar catholic schools have made several significant and important advances. The use of technology is now strongly encouraged, far more so than when I was a youngster. And most importantly in my opinion, more catholic schools are now able to accommodate special needs students;albeit with the help of local districts. Although I would rather send my fictitious non-existent child to a public school one day, the basic values and character that I developed while attending catholic school remain with me still. I think that the drive to send children to private catholic schools on the part of parents will unlikely diminish.. sluggish economy or not.
vgill19 // September 26, 2009 at 3:58 pm |
The closing of many Parochial schools is of great concern to me. I feel that it is essential that parents have a choice of education for their children as I am a strong proponent of private schools. I greatly understand the financial strain and reduced enrollment that these parochial schools are experiencing. My three children all attended parochial schools, two still attending. Their school offers a close , family atmosphere where strong academics, social consciousness , respect and discipline are expected. Curriculum is greatly expanded as NO WASTED time is set aside for state testing. Students, parents, administration and teachers all actively participate in mission work, fund raising and community outreach. Religion is taught and weekly chapel services are held. Only thirty percent of the student body is of the religious affiliation of the school. This is a school where student want to be and know what is expected of them. They are concerned for their fellow classmates and support them.In these difficult economic times, fiscal responsibility is essential and budgets must be closely monitored. Endowments could be set aside for financial aid. These parochial schools offer choices and an atmosphere that large public schools could never offer and I feel that it is essential that they continue to exist.
difi74 // September 30, 2009 at 3:26 am |
As someone who had both a public and a Catholic school education growing up, I found this article very interesting. Over the past few years, many Catholic schools have closed due to the causes stated in this article – the economy and the scandals. As a result, many of these teachers have been put out of jobs and many families who prefer the close, safe community environment Catholic school has to offer will have to make other decisions as to where to send their children. Growing up in the city, I attended public elementary and junior high school, but when it was time for me to go off the high school, I was terrified; the public HS that I was zoned for had a terrible reputation, not only academically, but with student behavior, as well. As a result, my parents decided to send me to a Catholic HS and the small, personal environment was much more pleasing to me and my family than if I had gone to a school where my safety would have been in question.
The idea of changing Catholic schools to Charter schools is completely new to me. In my opinion, I do not believe that there should be a switch, but I do feel that both settings are very important and that parents and students should have the option of which one of these types of schools would be more preferable to them. I think many families also want the Catholic education that the parochial schools offer and I don’t think this should be taken from them. I do agree that these schools are rather costly and if tuition were less expensive, then enrollment would most likely increase. However, these Catholic schools rely soley on the tuition for school funding, as opposed to public schools who have funding from the taxpayers, as stated in the article.
In conclusion, I am in agreement with the authors of the article, that Catholic schools do offer an atmosphere that the larger public schools do not and that these Catholic schools should remain and not all be switched to Charter schools.
plopez317 // October 7, 2009 at 1:01 am |
This is a very controversial and touchy subject to some people. I attended Catholic school in my younger elementary years when I lived in Queens. Once my parents moved to Long Island, the public school system was much more advanced, and that’s when I began to attend public school. I have experienced both public and Catholic schools and I do not think that there is a major difference in academics in my experience. The religious portion can be taught at home or at Sunday School, and ultimately in public school you learn a little about all religious beliefs and I believe that is beneficial and informative for the students.
teacherjustin // October 9, 2009 at 1:42 am |
Help Me Father The Growing Concerns of Catholic Schools
By: Christine Marie Blake and Megan O’Toole
The closing of the Catholic schools is the fault of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church should have thought twice about their children and schools before their scandals occurred. With the United States lagging behind educationally in the world, as well as trying desperately to raise student performance, do we have them time to teach religion to children in school? Turning Catholics schools into Charter schools isn’t that big of a deal. The only difference is that religious instruction will be removed. Lets face it, if religion is that important then the parents should enroll the child in the after school religious program offered by the church. Schools today should focus on educating the students in the necessary courses (Math, Science, English etc.) that are needed so that the student can contribute to society when they are older. Religion should be left at home and in the church where it belongs. It has no place in schools when we are trying to improve the academic success of this country.
jbeans324 // October 10, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
I agree and disagree with this article in a many ways. I have been a teacher in a Catholic high school on Long Island, New York for a few years now. The past two years our enrollment has increased drastically. (From 1,800-2,500 Students) We have 200 more freshman in this incoming class. This school even had to raise the standards and put children on a waiting list for the school to be accepted because of the amount of applicants. I feel that the reason for such a demand for this school is due to it’s reputation and how well this school is operated. This school is one of the top sports High Schools in the nation. With a 45 million dollar new building “Student Center” including a physical training center, indoor track and turf field, new locker rooms, music, dance, chorus, band, and weight rooms, sports and the arts are becoming a major role in student development.
Besides sports, academics are extremely important here. Students from this school are accepted into some of the best colleges in the United States. There is a 100% graduation rate, and being a member of the Foreign Language Department I know that we have a 100% passing regents rate. I feel that private schools have students that are very educated due to the fact that parents are paying for education for them. The students appreciate it and they do not take it for granted. The students that do take it for granted are usually ones that transfer back to their public school in their community. Also setting the standards for students higher cause them to want to go do well and be the best at what they can. A grade of a 75 is considered a failing grade. Here students’ strive for As not As and Bs like in public school. This goes for the same with sports. When there are 130 girls trying out for one sports team that can only have 25 you have to be the best at what you do and you have to be extremely motivated. Having such high standards and challenges cause students to do better in their classes and in their lives.
Although it is sad that many other Long Island Catholic Schools are closing, I feel that it brings together a smaller knit community. All students and parents that attend this school are treated as family and there is a different atmosphere as to in a public school. (Which I attended for High School).
One concern that I do have is the money that tax payers spend on busses. Students that attend public schools use busses from the districts of their local public school. This is money that is being spent on students that do not even attend the communities school districts. Problems occur when one district closes for a snow day but the rest stay open. Students are constantly late or absent. This is also a problem when a few districts have an early closing due to the weather. Then some students are leaving mid day to return home while other students in different districts have a full day of school.
tsaul07 // October 12, 2009 at 3:05 pm |
I have never really thought about the growing problem with Catholic Schools. Living in the 21st century times are changing and with the Catholic Schools closing, it has become a concern. A parochial education is an institution with its own written curriculum. Their curriculum focuses on teaching required skills while instilling faith and demanding respect from authority. The class sizes are smaller than in a public school classroom and of course religion plays a big role. It is a religious upbringing with other students who share similar values and morals.
I can definitely understand Catholic School closings due to the economic downturn and recent scandals publicized in the media. Due to the current economy, parents cannot afford to send their children to Catholic Schools. As enrollment each year decreases, tuition is raised because there are not enough seats filled and eventually they are forced to close its doors. The scandals in the media threaten parochial schools as well. The sex abuse scandals in the media continue to make it difficult for churches to raise money and ask for donations. Converting Catholic Schools into Charter Schools is one solution to the ongoing problems. Because Charter Schools are free, the enrollment would increase and different needs would be met that otherwise were not in a parochial education. Charter Schools would hire more people due to various positions needed and certificate requirements from teachers. It would even bring about more funding, which can help with the new costs of the Charter Schools. Yes, more taxes would be taken out but the money is going towards our children’s education and in the long term help rebuild our economy.
bendollo // October 14, 2009 at 2:49 am |
I have thought about this topic often because I send my two boys to catholic school and I question my decision all the time. Our school is one that has had many concerns and has come close to having to close recently because of lack of enrollment. I think it’s a natural progression that these schools are becoming less popular. The obvious factors were mentioned which are the economy and recent scandals in the catholic church. That’s enough reason but in addition, I believe the demographics are changing in NY and many immigrants are not members of this religion. Many recent immigrants are from Asia and the Middle East and therefore, they opt for a public education and I believe this new influx of immigrants has made the public school system stronger. If charter schools are taking over the spaces of the closed parochial schools, I feel this is a good change for the future.
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