True.

Though that is the idea of a religious school. They are unique from non-religious school in that they are founded on a specific faith - or on a specific set of beliefs.

It would not be a Catholic school if it was not founded on Catholic/Christian teachings.

I would guess most parents know what type of 'teaching' they're children will experience if they enroll them in a Catholic school.

The same can be said for Islamic schools, Jewish schools and any other religious schools as well.

I can't speak for other nations but I know in my home country of Australia students in Catholic schools will study world religions.

They will investigate the relationship between their Christian beliefs and science.

And they are encouraged to question and explore what they do believe, and what they don't

It is not a 'this way is the only way' experience at all.

Having worked in different education systems I often ask non-catholic parents why they might choose to send their children to a Catholic or Christian school and the answer is pretty much the same each time.

Values.

They feel that even though they are non-beleivers at least their kids will be exposed to certain values, and they like that.

In any case, faith is faith.

In Australia children are more likely to be taught 'this is what Catholics and Chrsitians believe.'

As opposed to 'this is what you have to believe.'

I am on neither side of this argument but the whole point of having a school founded on a religion is to ground it in a certain set of beliefs.

And I also know for a fact, there are many parents who, despite not sharing those beleifs, and despite not practising any religion choose to send their kids to Catholic schools.

So it would seem, even non-catholics find some use in keelping Catholic schools alive.

Great piece.

Good for discussion!

Thanks.

Tim