The Religion Decision: Parochial and Independent Religious Schools

Editor's Note: School Decisions returns this week after a two-week hiatus.

When parents begin the arduous process of searching for a school, they often have an ideal school in mind, one that provides a safe, fun, stimulating environment, but that might also offer a variety of programs and services beyond basic academics.  For some parents, that ideal school may also include a religious education that cannot be offered at a public school.  In such cases, a private school may be a better fit.

Although a parochial school refers to any school supported by a religious institution, in the United States the term is generally applied to schools affiliated with Catholic or Episcopalian parishes.  Those schools that are not parish-supported, although technically parochial, are usually referred to as independents.  All offer religious instruction, as well as the standard curriculum found in most public schools, and are generally funded by a combination of tuition and donations.

While formal religious instruction may be the main reason a family may choose such a school, these schools also hold many other attractions.  Other factors cited by parents include a perceived smaller class size, a variety of extracurricular offerings, the opportunity for greater parent involvement, a decentralized administration, and--for lack of a better term--the kindness factor.  In addition to religious classes and faith-based missions and philosophies, many schools organize community service projects, work days and other opportunities for volunteering in the local and greater community in an effort to further promote charity and concern for others among its students.

Like other parents interviewed for this article, Christina Puntel, whose son is a kindergartner at in Chestnut Hill, cited this emphasis on compassion and empathy as an important factor in her decision. 

“In very simple words, children are encouraged to be kind and to bring about a kinder, gentler world through their actions each day at this school,” Puntel said.

What these schools offer is quite attractive, particularly in comparison to the cash-strapped School District of Philadelphia, but it comes at a price.  Tuition varies greatly among the schools and can vary according to grade level within a school. 

Currently, a parishioner at Holy Cross Parish School may pay as little as $2,361 for one child annually.  For the 2011-2012 school year, the parent of a kindergartener at the Germantown Friends School will pay $18,000, while the parent of a high school student at the same school will pay between $26,000 and $27,500. 

In many cases, there are various fees in addition to the base tuition.  However, it should be noted that some schools offer considerable aid packages to those families who can demonstrate financial need, and there may be tuition discounts for siblings.  At parish-affiliated schools, parishioners generally receive substantial tuition subsidies.  Our Mother of Consolation also awards modest subsidies to non-parish Catholic families.

While there are many parish-affiliated and independent religious schools in the region, ten are located in Northwest Philadelphia.  For more information, please contact the schools directly.

Parish-affiliated Schools

De Paul Catholic (kindergarten through 8th grade)
44 West Logan Street, Germantown
(215) 842- 1266
http://depaulcatholic.schools.officelive.com

Holy Child Catholic School (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade)
242 Hermitage Street, Manayunk
(215) 487-2796
http://www.holychildmyk.org

Holy Cross Parish School (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade)
144 East Mt. Airy Avenue, Mt. Airy
(215) 242-0414
http://www.teacherweb.com/PA/HolyCrossParishSchool/Homepage/

Immaculate Heart of Mary (prekindergarten through 8th grade)
815 Cathedral Road, Roxborough
(215) 482-2029
http://www.ihmary.org

Our Mother of Consolation (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade)
17 East Chestnut Hill Avenue, Chestnut Hill
(215) 247-1060
http://www.omcparish.com/omcschool07/s-gi3.php

Independent Religious Schools

Blair Christian Academy (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade)
220 West Upsal Street
(215) 438-6557
http://www.blairchristianacademy.org/

Germantown Friends School (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade)
31 West Coulter Street, Germantown
(215) 951-2300
http://www.germantownfriends.org/

Greene Street Friends (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade)
5511 Greene Street, Germantown
(215) 438-7545
http://greenestreetfriends.org

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade)
8891 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill
(215) 247-8405
http://www.norfon.org

William Penn Charter School (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade)
3000 West School House Lane, East Falls
(215) 844-3460
http://www.penncharter.com