Religious Schooling in America

The issue of deficient public education has been all over the news lately, but the decline of successful catholic schools hasn't been talked about much. According to a NY Times Op-Ed, "Catholic Education, in Need of Salvation," "enrollment has plunged despite strong demand from students and families." Catholic schools have been receiving less funding from churches, which causes the price of enrollment to skyrocket. And frankly, not many people are able to afford to attend these schools. This is causing Catholic schools to only survive in very affluent neighborhoods. While Catholic schools once thrived in providing a good education for children living in less than ideal situations, they are now becoming inaccessible for people who do not come from wealth.

The author of the Op-Ed argues that the failing of the Catholic schools is a very negative thing because without them there is a lack of options other than public schools. However, I think with all of the successful charter schools starting to emerge around the nation, we are loosing the need for the Catholic schools. You could read more about charter schools here. 

Many people would still argue that a major benefit of a Catholic school is that parents get to give their children a religious upbringing. However, more and more Americans are beginning to bring children up without a religious affiliation. It is becoming more popular to let children choose their own identity. A blogger for the New York Times, wrote about this issue. She argues that children should be able to find their own place in the community without a preset place from their parents. I honestly think that this is a great progression that our country is making. I think that every person has a right to choose their own faith and beliefs. A person's beliefs, in my opinion, is not hereditary, but a choice. And if a child is brought up in a Catholic school, they do not have as much room to develop their own individual identities. 

In what ways do you think Catholic or other religious schools still play an important role in America? Or is the need for religious schools no longer present? Will charter schools replace the need for private religious schools?