Switching parishes because of the parish school

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aedarrah

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We left a much beloved parish/school to attend our local parish/school. My son has some challenges and we(parents & doctors) felt our local parish school would provide more accommodations therefore making him more successful. After switching we found that he didn’t qualify for the accommodations. A disappointment for sure. But what has been more disappointing, and troubling, are the children. The language they use is very rough and way too mature for their age (8). My son tells me they routinely “flip each other off” under tables and desks, talk about body parts, use curse words, discuss beating up other kids, bully, tease and taunt smaller kids. He hasn’t had an issue, they like him as he is sporty and a follower. But he cries for his friends who get picked on. He also cries because he knows what they are doing isn’t right. I have brought it up with his teachers. They understand, and try to help, but have confided that they believe it all starts at home.
To contrast, the school we left was a very reverent school. He spent 2 years (KG & 1st) being lead by Dominicans and we had a Priory on campus. The brothers would come into the classrooms weekly to talk to the children about their journey. We also had an atrium where they practiced the Catechesis of the Good Shepard weekly. And an adoration chapel where they went monthly. Looking back I can see that being led by men and women who chose God as their vocation truly changes how they treat each other and the respect they have for people in general.
Here is my dilemma. Catholic teaching expects that you attend and support your local parish and school. I completely understand this. We really like the parish. But I also do not want my kiddos (also have a KG experiencing concerning things!) to think this is acceptable behavior or to start joining in with the other kids! I want to keep my bubble as long as I can. They grow up too fast and the temptations and dangers out there are frightening.
Is it selfish to switch back to where I feel my children will grow more deeply in their faith, surrounded by others who are after the same for their children?
 
I agree with 1ke. Our local Catholic school was four blocks away. It was terrible, they even had a non-Catholic teacher I knew personally that should not have been hired (questionable ethics/morals). I drove my daughter 20 minutes away to a Lutheran school. much better Christian atmosphere.
 
aedarrah said:
Catholic teaching expects that you attend and support your local parish and school. I completely understand this.
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I have never heard this. I’m not sure this is accurate. In any case, no, I can’t see any reason not to switch back to a school you loved and felt more comfortable having your children in.

But, I wonder, if your son needs specific accommodations, why not try to find a school (even if it is public) where he can be best accommodated?
 
1ke said:
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aedarrah:
Catholic teaching expects that you attend and support your local parish and school.
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No, it really doesn’t.
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^^^All of this. My wife and I are really starting to get annoyed by the constant solicitation of the parish school at Mass. They ended Christmas Eve Mass by trying to solicit kids to transfer to the parish school mid-year. Early on in the school year, one family was “outed” (basically said exactly where the family lives in town) and how sad it was that they send their child to a school 10-15 min away instead of the parish school.

Honestly…you couldn’t even compare the two schools. That was annoying, and honestly I feel crossed a line. The church school is just constantly pushed on parents…it gets old.
 
As someone in the education field, I would like to respectfully weigh in my thoughts. If parents/guardians are in a position to send their child to whichever school is best for them, then they should. That being said, we should strive to be good role models as parents and as educators. No matter if it is a public or private school. A good education that includes preparing a child to be a beneficial contributing member to our society, is essential.
 
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