St. John Bosco school will be holding a mission breakfast for interested parents to learn more about this alternative to diocesan Catholic schools. Below is a flyer promoting the event:
Though I’m personally unfamiliar with the school, I have heard nothing but great things about their program. If you’re considering a Catholic education for your son or daughter, please attend this event.
There will also be an open house on Tuesday, January 29th from 7-9 PM. This will be a great opportunity to tour the new school and meet teachers and parents of St. John Bosco students.
Tags: Events, News and Media, Orthodoxy at Work
|
Independent Catholic Schools are undoubtedly the way of the future. It is the parent’s job to educate their kids, not the Diocese. In the past century, when most of the Catholic population was illiterate and poor, the Diocese had to take an active role. Today, with the maturation of Catholicism this oversight is not necessary or desirable – except for the religious and sacramental aspect. Schools like St. John Bosco, Tyburn Academy of Mary Immaculate, Regina Chaeli Academy (not in NYS)thrive independently because they also are emblematic of subsidiarity – a Catholic philosophical point seemingly long forgotten.
I, too, have no personal involvement with the school. The course of studies are great; the only negative that I have heard is that the school board/administration favors the “children who’s parents are rich or somewhat rich.” I have heard this thrice. I would hope it’s not true. Again, I have no personal knowledge; only what parents have told me.
It’s critical authentic Catholic teachings be imparted to the youth. Unfortunately, the education imparted by diocesan schools has been lacking.
Choir, I’m not sure where you heard that the school board/administration of St. John Bosco Schools favors the “children who’s parents are rich or somewhat rich.” As someone with a connection to the school, I don’t think that is a fair statement and I’m not sure why anyone would say that. The tuition is extremely competitive, just look at the website. A new school building was just purchased so there are expenses that the school has but there is a hope to provide scholarship money in the future.
Regarding “independent ” Catholic schools: who is the guarantor of “orthodoxy” that these schools are faithful transmitters of the Catholic faith? Is it parents, the bishop, the principal…?
Re: Guarantor of Orthodoxy
Parents are responsible for the education of their children and are the CHIEF educators of their children.
Speaking from my own experiences at Tyburn and Regina Chaeli, the first indication of doctrinal soundness includes the use of sound classic texts like the Baltimore Catechism, the Bible and CCC. For older kids, solid works by Church doctors and saints. The second is routine celebration of the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist – weekly and on days of obligation. Third participation at the March for Life – in opposition of the sentinel social justice evil of our time. Fourth routine seasonal retreats – Advent & Lent. Fifth would include voluntary participation of upper class men in the formation of younger kids.
While there is no single formula for success the presence of the some or all of the above would strongly suggest that the school is sound. I also quiz my kids daily about their classes – never leaving out religion and thus far have been either lucky or successful.
Key – when they give you a tour of the school is the chapel first? Means a lot to me. Are they willing to dilute their “Catholicity” by letting non-Catholic skip Mass, religion classes or retreats? Are the teachers all or majority Catholic? Is it a “Catholic School” vertex to base or a Prep School with a theology program? Vocations in the last decade?
All are signs to a greater or lesser extent…
Thank you for sharing this. I have children and have been wanting to learn more about this school. This will be the perfect opportunity.
We believe in strong education at home, it will be so wonderful if it is reinforced in the classroom.
Where to begin? If you want to explore on your own, start here: http://www.johnboscoschools.org/
St. John Bosco is a fabulous school. It is so fabulous that I put hundreds of miles a week on my car driving my children to school and back. We are not a family of means, so it is most definitely a sacrifice of both money and time. (Where Choir heard that they favor rich families is beyond me. While there are some families that are well-off, let me assure you that there are many families of “normal” means at this school. Choir, come to the Mission Breakfast or Open House. You choose. You’ll like what you see. I’ll pick you up and drive you… I’ll contact you privately.)
How is it fabulous? Well, to address some of DanielKane’s and y2kscotty’s questions, students are required to memorize passages from the Bible, the Baltimore Catechism, and the CCC, and to understand the context. They attend Mass every Friday and on holy days of obligation. There are also Masses and special events to celebrate various Feast days. Confession is offered every week. They are holding a local March for Life next week. The middle school students are going to the March for Life in DC. All teachers at the school are actively practicing orthodox Catholics. They take an oath to uphold the teachings of the Magisterium. Students attending who are not Catholic would be/are expected to attend Mass and participate in religion classes. Oh, and tours of the school begin at Morning Prayer with the children.
St. John Bosco is Catholic first. The focus is on Christ and the dignity of the human person. The academics work in seamlessly. My children learn from primary documents. Last year my 6th-grader memorized parts of the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” (If you don’t have that part memorized, look it up and you’ll see what I mean about how it all fits together so well!)
When my children finish at St. John Bosco, they will be ready for high school, and more importantly, ready to be truly good citizens of the world. My older children are a little jealous that SJBS wasn’t around when they were going K-8!
(eyeondor: I have a feeling we live near each other. My children attended MoS until it closed.)
God bless you all,
Gretchen
For the record, my children have attended Regina Chaeli Academy in Atlanta and now attend Tyburn Academy of Mary Immaculate. I am quite certain that if the geography were different, my family would feel very much at home at St. John Bosco and hope that the ultimate plans for SJB include a high school curriculum in time. I have long been a proponent of the classical methodology academically and am thrilled that a knowledgeable person has highlighted their experiences at SJB, which mirrors my experience at Tyburn very closely.
Gretchen,
We did not have our children at MoS, but I’m sure we live near each other!
Which high school is most close to SJB’s teachings?
I have RSVP’d and will be attending the breakfast on the 24th. I am very happy to consider this as a viable Catholic school option.