catholic private vs. homeschooling

[kmag5707]

Hi brothers and sisters!

Our beloved priest is asking us why we don't use our local catholic school instead of homeschooling. What are some of the ways you have meekly and lovingly eduacated other well- intentioned people about your choice to H.S.?

[Katholish]

Here is an article written by a Christendom student that highlights some of the benefits of homeschooling compared with the ideal Catholic school.

Homeschooling vs. the Ideal Catholic School

You might be able to get some ideas from that.

[Cathhsmom]

Here is my answer based on what we have here.

1. We are military and have moved a lot. In fact, within 18 months one time, my kids would have been in 3 different schools if we weren't homeschooling.

2. With 4 kids, I can pay less to enroll all of them with Seton than I would pay to enroll just 1 of them in our local Catholic school. We just can't afford that.

3. I want a thoroughly Catholic curriculum. I want a curriculum that is tailored to my children. I don't know if I could get that at our local Catholic school. When you read about Catholic schools that have non-Catholics in them where they can't talk about what our church stands for for fear of hurting their feelings, then how good of a Catholic education will they get.

4. After having my kids in CCD and teaching it myself, I am not confident in the Catholic schools ability to teach about the faith. Sorry, but that is the truth. There are so many parents that are falling down on their responsibilities to instil the faith in their children. They expect CCD to do their job 1 hour a week for 30 weeks a year. These would be the same kinds of kids that my kids would end up with in class. It is hard enough explaining to them that they are an example to others through their love and knowledge of the faith. I don't want to be doing it every day.

5. And, my favorite when people ask the socialization question, "At what other time in your life do you only socialize with other people that are wthin 1 year of your age?" You don't in the real world, but do in school. By homeschooling, my kids are socialized by being with others of all ages. My 13 yo doesn't think that there is anything wrong with playing with an 8 yo. What regular school kid would willingly do that with someone that was not their sibling? None that I know of!

Those are my top reasons other than that I just love my kids and want to be there to see the light shine in their eyes when they figure out a new concept, watch and help as they struggle with learning something that doesn't come easily to them, cheer them on as they reach all of their milestones, and pick them up and push them when they just want to quit because it is too hard.