The Disadvantages of Parochial Schools

[DGS49]

I went to parochial schools from first grade to 12th, and by every academic measure, the schools were superior to the public schools in Pittsburgh, where I lived (possible exception of Alderdice High School).

But watching this video and hearing about Rick Beato's schooling in Upstate NY brings out an aspect of the parochial schools where we might have been short-changed. We had a band in HS and it wasn't bad, but we had nowhere near the exposure to music that he had, and that might have been a significant benefit to all of those kids.

In parochial schools we didn't have swimming pools, had very limited sports programs, didn't do much in the Arts, didn't do many student trips, and on those peripheral things maybe we were not getting the best education.

Anyone else have a parochial school education?

 

[Hellokitty]

Many of the things you list are limited in many public schools. IMO schools main focus needs to be on reading, writing and arithmetic. There are plenty sports and art/music programs available outside pubic/private school.

 

[80zephyr]

I went to Catholic school. I was in my mid twenties when I was elected as a village board trustee. The state and local pols had a function at a local restaurant, and our assemblyman from our area was in attendance.

Probably 15 or so of us gathered in sort of a circle. And the assemblyman asks the group which of us had parochial school education. About 2/3's of the hands went up.

Now mind you, maybe 15% of the local population went to parochial schools. The assemblyman said he asked that same
question in his travels across the state, and he gets pretty much the same response every time.

Make of this what you will.

By the way DGS49, I should have guessed you went to parochial school based on you posts on this board.
You are one of the better posters here.

 

[Manonthestreet]

'Weed smelling everywhere': Student, coach confront Hopkins board with ongoing 'safety concerns' | AlphaNews.org

Parents and students are raising concerns about drug use at Hopkins High while questions mount over a planned drag karaoke event.

alphanews.org

Public Education today in MN

 

[Manonthestreet]

I went t

I went to parochial schools from first grade to 12th, and by every academic measure, the schools were superior to the public schools in Pittsburgh, where I lived (possible exception of Alderdice High School).

But watching this video and hearing about Rick Beato's schooling in Upstate NY brings out an aspect of the parochial schools where we might have been short-changed. We had a band in HS and it wasn't bad, but we had nowhere near the exposure to music that he had, and that might have been a significant benefit to all of those kids.

In parochial schools we didn't have swimming pools, had very limited sports programs, didn't do much in the Arts, didn't do many student trips, and on those peripheral things maybe we were not getting the best education.

Anyone else have a parochial school education?

I did, starting in 4th grade. Initially it was very good, probably better than public Ed, but then they went to a learn at your pace scheme which was terrible. Advanced math, forget it. We did have couple of good track coaches and made it to nationals in the 880 relay. SR yr we moved and I went to a private school downtown St Paul.