COMMENTARY
A recent article in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser entitled “Worth the Cost?” caught my eye. In short, the author suggests that, when the variables of family income and background are considered, there is no difference in a private school education and a public school education.
The author of the study on which she bases this premise simply states “What the study indicates really clearly is that if kids go to public school or private school, they end up in the same place …”
To be fair, research does indicate that those children who are exposed to more educational resources and experiences than their peers have an educational leg up that positively affects their success in school and beyond. Also, there is no disagreement that the first, primary and most important educator in a child’s life are his or her parents. That being said, there are many studies which indicate that, even factoring in family income and background, Catholic schools make a measurable educational difference.
However, in my mind, the biggest error in the researcher’s statement and the author’s premise is based on a short-sided and narrow worldview alluded to by the use of the term “end up.” A Catholic school education is based on a worldview that is sensitive to the temporal but focused on the eternal. Yes, students who attend Catholic schools make great citizens who positively contribute to society. In fact, many are leaders who are noted for being deeply committed to social justice, the care of the poor and the planet, proud volunteers in the church and in the community.
But, with a worldview that is focused on the eternal, where our students “end up” for eternity is THE critical concern. The primary goal is that our students “end up” as people of Faith, integrity and scholarship who live holy and joyful lives on earth and “end up” in heaven.
Researchers have documented and my own personal and professional experience attests to the fact that attendance in Catholic schools is a positive factor in graduating students who contribute greatly to society, but more importantly, live now and eternally as Children of God.
Michael Rockers is the Superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools
