Private HS's

You would find it best to have a conversation with someone at the school. I've found that most Catholic schools do not impose religious requirements on their non-Catholic students, but again, that is a generalization. Call the school.

quote:

Aside from the obvious financial obligations, what are the pros and cons of a private and/or specifically Jesuit HS?

If baseball is a part of this decision, I think you need to do some research about the various baseball levels for private vs public schools in your area. I've found there can be huge differences depending on the part of the country you live in. Research the power public and private schools to see how they do in district & state tournaments. In addition, find out where their players go after high school. That will tell lyou quite a bit. Good luck.

Good advice.

Also, compare the two program of study books at your local public HS vs the Jesuit HS. Have your son look at pros and cons of course options in general, not just the religious studies requirements. (They probably will require 4 years of RS, but wil include philosphy and ethics and other intersting classes, not just Catholic school stuff).

Another tip is to spend a day on the HS campus shadowing a student. That should help a lot.

My guy was on the fence between our local Jesuit HS and the public HS. He decided based on 1. course options more flexible at public HS 2. girls; and 3. better baseball.

Baseballmom, in that order? I'm afraid my son might have reversed the order. Or at least put #2 first.

I was wondering if anyone would catch that. Honestly it was baseball/girls (tied for 1st) then classes.

All in all a good decision for him. Saved us 15 grand a year, also, as he likes to remind us.

My son went to private school for a few years in elementary school. Later I used the possibility of sending him to private, all boys high school as a possibility if he didn't toe the line.

Nothing against private school, moving him to public school was both a philosophical and financial decision. When we put him in private school we thought he needed the extra attention, then we figured out that he didn't. I also noticed that many of his classmates did need that extra attention.

Very individual decision, however. Plus, value in the private schools (as well as public) can vary widely. Just wasn't worth it for us.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Bob:
Aside from the obvious financial obligations, what are the pros and cons of a private and/or specifically Jesuit HS? I assume he'd have to complete his confirmation?

I'd say the biggest "pro" is the alumni network he would be part of in ten years, or so.

"Need a good job? Let me make a few calls."

"Yo, I got a big project lining up. Who can hook me up with some banks?" No problem.

Yeah, he'll have to make Confirmation. And they may ask him to redshirt eighth grade.

If he wants to go, and you can swing it (they have aid), give it a lot of consideration. It can pay off well beyond high school.

And, I think the Jesuits do instill a sense of social responsibility. Nothing wrong with that.

high choll is only as good as the student wants it to be-----private or public

quote:

Originally posted by twotex:
My son went to private school for a few years in elementary school. Later I used the possibility of sending him to private, all boys high school as a possibility if he didn't toe the line.

Nothing against private school, moving him to public school was both a philosophical and financial decision. When we put him in private school we thought he needed the extra attention, then we figured out that he didn't. I also noticed that many of his classmates did need that extra attention.

Very individual decision, however. Plus, value in the private schools (as well as public) can vary widely. Just wasn't worth it for us.

Agree in our area there are several good private schools and some very good public schools.....when my son was being pursued by some of the local private school we gave serious consideration....after investigating both opportunities we decided that if your child was a real strong student or a weak student that need extra attention, the public schools had some very good programs but if you were kinda of the middle of the road student that the private school might be the right place for you.

But as you said HIGHLY personal decision.

My son is a freshman at a Jesuit high school and absolutely loves the experience so far. We are not a Catholic family but he had no problem fitting in and being accepted. He was concerned not knowing many other kids at the school but almost everyone was in the same boat. Playing sports or having other common interests helps create friendships. Many of the freshman baseball players quickly became good friends.

His school is very strict and the students must show proper respect for their teachers and other students. He has an hour or two of homework each night. He does not have much time to socialize with his public school friends and former teammates which can lead to some hard feelings between old friends. On the positive side, his new friends are more focused on school and performing their best in sports and other extracurricular activities. Many of the baseball players are practicing or lifting a couple of hours every day after school. This has made him more focused and determined to work hard. There are a couple of upperclassmen who have commitments to D1 schools who help lead and motivate the underclassmen.

If the school you are considering is like my son's school, I would first determine if he wants to be in that type of environment. If he is disciplined and goal oriented he will do great. I don't think the coach would make the suggestion unless he thought your son would succeed. In the end, your family will need to make the decision based on how well the school will fit into your son's goals after high school.

Thanks for the tips...

Looked at records and players going on to college for starters.

The public school has a upward trend for win/loss record and has put 3 kids in college/year for the last three years (since current coach started).

The private school has only had three total in the last three years and I can only find last years record and that they were State runners up in '06.

Looks like the edge is to public at this point but we'll keep our options open for a while yet.

Coach Bob,

One last thought regarding the educational part of this. Many years ago, we researched the public vs private schools in our area. We're very fortunate that the public schools are very good, as well as the private schools.

Many years ago, we noticed our son's ability to learn was way above average at a young age. Being first time parents, we had nothing to compare him to. So, we met with his teacher and the head guidance councelor. They acknowledged he was very bright, and suggested magnet schools (public k-12) in our county with smaller class sizes, faster pace, and more content. He tested into the program and stuck with it for 10 years. We had to provide transportation, but the education was exceptional and it was our tax dollars at work. My middle son opted to join the same program but he only took part in grades 9-12. The focus of the program for both my son's was pre-engineering and STEM, but there are other disciplines offered in the county. It wouldn't be a bad idea to touch base with the head guidance councelor at your son's school to see what the possibiities are. See what they have to say as there may be options that you don't know about. Best of luck!