Difference between private Christian vs Catholic School (Los Angeles: school district, college)

[mnnysocalmn]

We are considering a well-known prep school, a "Christian" School. It is non-denominational. They have an accelerated learning environment and seem to strike the right balance between strict academics but making learning fun.

However, recently we found out we may have to move out of state. The closest similar school in our new state is a private Catholic School. (They don't necessarily call themselves a "prep" school.) Their academics seem strong but maybe not quite as accelerated (which isn't a bad thing). They welcome non-Catholics.

I am wondering -- what is the difference, really, between the two in people's experiences?

I feel a bit more comfortable with Catholic Schools because I've heard of Catholic Schools and know people that have attended various ones. I didn't know about "Christian" Schools until I came to California and while I am spiritual/religious I am not yet comfortable with the idea of Jesus as a "savior" 100%. That said, the Christian school does not make you feel like you need to be 1000% down with that as a parent -- but they do teach that.

Due to a job changes and a possible relocation, I may have to let go of the dream of this Christian school... but maybe it's for the best. I don't know. I can only go by gut instinct and I loved the school. I am just thinking maybe that's okay considering everything and maybe the private Catholic School might be a better fit -- I've spoken to them on the phone but we haven't yet toured but they seem to have a good teacher-student ratio and similar environment.

Just curious what others experiences are to shed light on this.

[CA4Now]

We took our kids out of public school after 8th grade; one went to a Catholic high school and the other to a Christian high school. IMO, the Catholic school curriculum was much more rigorous, despite the fact that the Christian school was highly ranked (however, it was not considered a "prep school"). It's probably a personal preference.

[Taiko]

Wouldn't the "Christian" school depend upon the school, its not being part of the larger organization like the public and Catholic systems?

[ryanms3030]

Which is the one with the nuns that hit you with a ruler when you get an answer wrong?

And which has the priests that like little boys?

[mnnysocalmn]

Thanks CA4Now that is actually helpful!

[russlancea]

I think there's a big difference between Catholic and Christian schools only because the two faiths are different. Catholic schools will emphasize not just Jesus, but the Virgin Mary, Saints, the rosary, prayers, church traditions, the Pope, etc., etc.

My kids' Christian school teaches about the Bible, sin and that Jesus is as you mentioned, 100% the only Savior of mankind . There are no Virgin Marys, Saints, other mediators, prayers, good deeds, etc. that will get us into heaven. The school is open to everyone, so there are families of all faiths there.

Since you do not have any strong spiritual convictions, I would suggest you look at schools and base them on their staff/teachers (not all private school teachers are good), class size, facility, and academics.

Choosing a school can be a very hard decision. Hope you find a good fit for your family .

[SpaceMonkyPunks]

There are no non-religious prep schools to choose from? Just asking b/c IMHO realistically, both options will provide poor/little education regarding science/evolution/sex ed/biology/non-Western theology.

Source: grew up in a religious household/learning environment. My public schooling was alright, but church-related schooling was heavily screwed towards wacko-creationism.

They welcome all religions because it's a chance to convert impressionable kids...that's my honest opinion based on experience.

[JustMike77]

Since the Los Angeles Unified School District is one step short of child abuse, I put my son through private K-12. His middle and high schools were Chaminade College Preparatory, a Catholic school. We are not particularly religious and he was able to ignore the "Catholic" parts for the most part and he got an EXCELLENT education. Comparable secular private schools nearby run 20 grand or more per year and this was about half that.