Not being Catholic at SMHS
Hi:
I am wondering how not being a religious, involved Catholic affects SM's students. One the of most prestigious clubs on campus is the LaSallian club, several students are chosen each year as the LaSallian students of the year. It appears to me that not being an involved Catholic could negatively impact a student's ability to achieve some of the highest recognition the school offers. I know the school is Catholic and respect that, but I don't want to put my child in a situation where she is at a disadvantage because of religious or non-religious beliefs.
Also several freshmen left the school this year (I believe appox. 8). I think this is more than have left in prior years, does anyone know if something out of the ordinary occurred this year in the freshman class to result in this many transfers.
I know all the great things about SM's, but despite this am trying to decide if this is the right place for my non-religious child.
Also what are people's thoughts about transferring to BHS as a Jr......bad idea?
Thanks.
Parent Replies
BHS is not the same school that I graduated from. Nonetheless, it still has a lot to offer. My oldest, a rising senior, has grown a lot during her time there.
If money isn't an issue, why not ask your child? It's tough to transition from one school to another. What do they want to do?
Hello,
not sure I can answer fully, but I have had 2 non-religious kids there through the past five years (rising sophomores St M. and in college) (and I am non religious Jewish and their dad is raised Catholic and non religious)
Older daughter says Lasallian students of the year are peer-voted from the pool of the entire class. Younger daughter was/is involved in Lasallian Leadership club and it is among the most visible and active clubs on campus, as it encompasses elected student government as well as event planning. She participated in the non-government aspects of the club and did not feel the club had any hierarchy of religious involvement. I'm sure there's more but basically she created a lot flyers and documents for events and was required to attend most of them (and behave upstandingly.)
I have no idea how many transfers are usual, I think religious aspect would be one reason in the mix of moving, lack of affordability, changing circumstances, and fewer academic choices due to laid out curriculum whereby required religion classes take up some of the flexibility in elective choices.
To your questions of prestige and who receives recognition, I'm really too out of that loop to say about recognition. My impression though, is that the school is very good in many aspects and not easy to get in, but doesn't really fall into the label of "prestigious" They have taken the stand of refusing to rank students; very advanced kids could eventually be taking more classes elsewhere. To me their biggest strength that draws and unites religious and non religious families is a focus on social justice /awareness and global perspectives. And things like caring about sleep studies for the sake of teens development and mental health. Very good but not necessarily prestigious. If you are concerned about college acceptance, you can look at UC's published acceptances from St. Marys and other schools you're looking at and compare the acceptances as a percentage of how many applied. St Mary's kids are very well prepared for college. However if Ivy Leagues and prestigious colleges are the goal, other schools may be more likely to help maximize the chances.
Our non-religious daughter just left after freshman year, but I can only speak to our family's decision. I am not aware of anything out of the ordinary that occurred this year. Our daughter agonized about her decision for months, but ultimately decided not to continue at SMCHS for two reasons: (1) an activity/program offered at our public HS that she can't get at St. Mary's, and (2) yes, religion. She felt that too much time (more than she had anticipated) was spent on religion clasess and religious events, at the expense of other interests and opportunities. As a non-religious parent (but raised as a Catholic), I did feel more of a sense of not belonging there than I thought I would, and also wondered if it would be difficult for her to fully participate over the next few years. I think it will not be an easy transition to another school, and we will miss so many great things about SMCHS. If your daughter decides to make the switch, there are lots of opportunities she can take advantage of at BHS. Always the trade-offs! Best of luck with your decision.