"a rhetorical question, why would they spend all that money just for the same education they can get at a public school? It's not just the extra religion class. Every church offers Sunday school and religious training for all children for far less than the cost of attending the catholic grade and high schools. I believe there is an intangible "more" they seek."
Let me answer your question...I have put 3 boys through Catholic grade school, 2 through Aquinas and my youngest will be a freshman there next year. You obviously have no idea what happens at Catholic schools...the kids are immersed in the Faith. Prayer every morning, Mass at least once a week. Other Sacraments offered on a regular basis. 4 years of theology is required (sorry can't get that in CCD class). Our kids are free to celebrate CHRISTMAS and EASTER (not winter break). Mission trips, service hours (required) and opportunities to live the Faith are offered. This on top of very challenging academic standards (which are recognized by colleges).
My middle son was fortunate to be at Aquinas at a time when two State championships were won in wrestling. We can only be so lucky if that happens at least once when my youngest is there...but wrestling or sports in general is not the reason we are there...we are there because of the above mentioned opportunities in Faith and academics.
Every family has choices (for now) ... and our choice was to educate our kids in Catholic schools. This has come at a great sacrifice, we live in the same small house, drive cars until they basically die (last van had about 180,000 miles before we got something new), don't go on vacation except for sports and trust me when that monthly payment to Aquinas starts up again in June we will feel it.
From my perspective it is worth every penny.
Mom,
I apologize. My question was asked with a bit of sarcasm directed at those who think the reason we send our children to Catholic schools is for the sports programs. If my kids didn't play sports at all, I would still spend the money to send them to the Catholic schools for the very reasons you state and more. Most of us sending our children to private school sacrifice cars, vacations, nicer homes, eating out and new clothes for this opportunity. I don't whine about the expense or expect anyone to care. It is the choice we make. Other people don't want to spend their money that way. That's up to them. But they shouldn't be complaining because I did. I've been through the parking lot on a school day at Olathe East. I have never owned as nice of cars as I see 16 year olds getting for their first car. And there aren't that many nice cars in the lot at STA or SJA. Again, I don't begrudge them. Everyone makes choices. We are not rich people trying to buy a state champion. We are simply trying to give our kids the things they really need in life , like an education centered in faith, so they can succeed in life.
And you are right. It is and was worth every penny.
