Private HS on Macom land?

[doctorwho]

dpc said:

doctorwho said:

While I am a CPS alumni - my wife was raised in a very strict Irish Catholic family - and attended all Catholic schools ( Queen of Peace HS) for her education, including college ( St Xavier) - and has a loyalty and strong feeling about the education she received. Her parents really could not 'afford' to send her there either, but they made the sacrifices - so it's not about the money ( taxes and tuition), it's about what is viewed as the total package of education. Many of my wifes relatives live in the Lisle area and all their kids go and have gone to Benet.

I agree. Unless you have gone to a private, religious based school, it's difficult to fully appreciate what they have to offer. Again, it's the "total package" where it's not just academics that is emphasized but the religious and moral character as well. It's also comforting to parents to know that their kids will be hanging out with kids whose parents have similar values and religion.

Also, a friend of mine who works at Benet indicated that both Benet and Saint Francis are at full capacity with long wait lists. The see an increase coming from all areas of 204 as well.

I can also confirm the wait list at least at Benet where I know an administrator. If a parent is even considering the option, ensure the 8th grader takes the entrance exam in January ( Benet ), ensure you are on the mailing list etc. - as if you pass taking the exam, the end of the list is where you end up.

I firmly believe if another 'Benet' opened on that property, it would fill to capacity without any issue. Consider the fact that St Peter & Paul and St Rafael and All Saints are all located in Naperville alone. That's a good amount of students.

Now if MACOM donated the land to a private school but would not do so for 204 - there'd be some explaining to do to the citizens here - I don't see that happening.

[sam2]

archwinsome said:

I know of 3 in our immediate neighborhood that do it and their reasonings just make me shake my head at their ignorance. But, as much as it is their ignorance, it's more of their own money they are shelling out in tuition and transportation costs to get them there each day.

As one of those parents, I will tell you that we moved here, in part, for the schools, but pulled both of our students in favor of private schools where the education is every bit as good, or better, the standards are higher and the moral atmosphere is a plus. Once we were in a small elementary school we felt it would an impossible adjustment to go to WVHS with 980 freshman.

At St. Francis and at Benet, , there are students that attended elementary and middle school in 204, but switched for high school for academics and no other reason.

I know many students that got an excellent education in 204 and don't dispute that it is a good district, but for us, the extra cost of a private school was ( and is ) definitely worth it. While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

The fact that there are waiting lists at most of the private schools suggests to me that many parents share our viewpoint --

It is not from ignorance, believe me.

[lacy]

I am concerned not only about how much the BB land will cost the district, but also whether they will be able to open the school in a completed form (with gyms, all amenities, etc.). If they are not able to do that, I have already planned to look at Benet - my child is in PA and they should be able to do well on the entrance exam and we're Catholic.

A private school closer to us would make it all the more appealing. And yes, I would pay the taxes and the private tuiton. I don't want to compromise my kid's high school experience or education because the school was not ready to go or lacked the opportunites that the other schools have. It would be worth the extra money to me.

[Arch]

sam2 said:

archwinsome said:

I know of 3 in our immediate neighborhood that do it and their reasonings just make me shake my head at their ignorance. But, as much as it is their ignorance, it's more of their own money they are shelling out in tuition and transportation costs to get them there each day.

As one of those parents, I will tell you that we moved here, in part, for the schools, but pulled both of our students in favor of private schools where the education is every bit as good, or better, the standards are higher and the moral atmosphere is a plus. Once we were in a small elementary school we felt it would an impossible adjustment to go to WVHS with 980 freshman.

At St. Francis and at Benet, , there are students that attended elementary and middle school in 204, but switched for high school for academics and no other reason.

I know many students that got an excellent education in 204 and don't dispute that it is a good district, but for us, the extra cost of a private school was ( and is ) definitely worth it. While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

The fact that there are waiting lists at most of the private schools suggests to me that many parents share our viewpoint --

It is not from ignorance, believe me.

The specific ignorance I referenced were specifically stated as racial reasons.

[bob]

While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

Considering that the SD has to teach over 20x as many students as Benet, a $3000 difference isn't that much.

[warriorpride]

archwinsome said:

sam2 said:

As one of those parents, I will tell you that we moved here, in part, for the schools, but pulled both of our students in favor of private schools where the education is every bit as good, or better, the standards are higher and the moral atmosphere is a plus. Once we were in a small elementary school we felt it would an impossible adjustment to go to WVHS with 980 freshman.

At St. Francis and at Benet, , there are students that attended elementary and middle school in 204, but switched for high school for academics and no other reason.

I know many students that got an excellent education in 204 and don't dispute that it is a good district, but for us, the extra cost of a private school was ( and is ) definitely worth it. While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

The fact that there are waiting lists at most of the private schools suggests to me that many parents share our viewpoint --

It is not from ignorance, believe me.

The specific ignorance I referenced were specifically stated as racial reasons.

yeah - that's pretty ignorant

[Arch]

bob said:

While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

Considering that the SD has to teach over 20x as many students as Benet, a $3000 difference isn't that much.

Not to mention more facilities and infrastructure costs that need to be spread around too. Add in state and federal mandates, transportation costs, etc.. it's even closer.

[doctorwho]

bob said:

While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

Considering that the SD has to teach over 20x as many students as Benet, a $3000 difference isn't that much.

also that is not the issue that should be debated - as other reasons include : private donations, church funding. lower teacher salaries and at HS level - providing ones own transportation.

The reason to make the choice is because that is the education one wants - and all that goes with it, that is what makes it a right choice.

I can fully understand how someone sends their child to Benet or St Francis etc. but this is based on what they view as best for their child, not how much it costs per student.

I am Catholic, and knowing many others who send their kids to Catholic schools, let's not assume these are all wonderfully upstanding people beyond reproach either - look at the ones Arch references. Yes, the atmosphere at the school is modified with a religious overtone, and that can be a very good thing, if that is what one is seeking from school.

[EagleDad]

You don't need to be Catholic to go to a Catholic high school. About 5-10% of my Catholic high school's class were Jewish. I was a practicing "Cheaster" Catholic. A large number of people chose to go there for the academics (in my case, the gap was huge compared to Benet vs D204).

I wouldn't assume Catholic schools would have all of the amenities. My high school, for example had no swimming pool, which really put a damper on my swimming career.

[doctorwho]

eagledad said:

You don't need to be Catholic to go to a Catholic high school. About 5-10% of my Catholic high school's class were Jewish. I was a practicing "Cheaster" Catholic. A large number of people chose to go there for the academics (in my case, the gap was huge compared to Benet vs D204).

I wouldn't assume Catholic schools would have all of the amenities. My high school, for example had no swimming pool, which really put a damper on my swimming career.

My guess based on feedback from parents at Benet now is that the 5%-10% non Catholic is definitely a little higher today, it would be interesting to see the exact number. Like you said, a lot of people choose it for the academics - and being a restricted entry school, the curve is not as sharp as other schools.

My wife who attended all Catholic schools as an education did not have gym class until high school as they had no gyms.

Attend the open house ( for 7th and 8th graders ) to get a good feel for the school - we went last year. Everyone needs to investigate on their own for such an important choice, all the pros and cons. Nowhere is perfect.

[momto4]

sam2 said:

At St. Francis and at Benet, , there are students that attended elementary and middle school in 204, but switched for high school for academics and no other reason.

I know many students that got an excellent education in 204 and don't dispute that it is a good district, but for us, the extra cost of a private school was ( and is ) definitely worth it. While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

In what areas do St. Francis or Benet offer stronger academics than IPSD? I've been very impressed with what we have and it seems like it would be difficult to even match at most private schools.

Also I thought our cost per student was just under $8K? Or are there different numbers by ES, MS, and HS? If there are, my apologies as I wasn't aware of that.

[doctorwho]

Admissions Info- Benet:

Admission to Benet Academy for prospective freshmen students begins with a required Entrance Exam offered every January at Benet. Students who are sisters and brothers of current or graduated Benet students or alumni are accepted first if they test at 60%. Catholic students from first time Benet families are then accepted on the basis of their performance on the entrance exam. Non-legacy students usually need to test at least above a 80% in order to be offered admission. However this changes from year to year depending on how many students apply.

Open House: October 14, 2007 Benet Academy Open House | 3:00 pm

The Entrance Exam for the Class of 2012 will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2008


I found this about St Francis - and it is telling as to why there are waiting lists - for the academics and the fact that they only had a graduating class of 181 ! Total population 750


100% were enrolled in colleges or universities upon graduation
181graduates in the Class of 2006
$8.1million in college scholarships
56were members of the National Honor Society
52were members of the Suburban Catholic Conference “All Academic Team”
18%became Illinois State Scholars
7%were Illinois Merit Recognition Scholars
1was a National MeritScholar Finalist
3were National Merit Commended Students
98%participated inco-curricular activities at St. Francis

This is quite the small community - but for those intereted:

Sunday, October 14, 2007 beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

As you know, in making an important decision like choosing a school, the more information you have the more informed decision your family will be able to make. At St. Francis we offer a variety of different formats for students and parents to get to know who we are and what we do. For starters, we offer an Open House on Sunday, October 14, 2007 beginning at 1:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Open House is geared toward middle school students of all faiths, particularly those currently enrolled in 7th or 8th grade. Faculty members will be present during the Open House. All are invited to come! St. Francis is located at 2130 West Roosevelt Road in Wheaton

Class of 2012

The Entrance Exam for the Class of 2012 will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2008

An entrance exam is required for all eighth grade students interested in applying for admission to St. Francis High School. If you do not take the entrance exam on-site at St. Francis, but would like to apply for admission, you may send us the results of your entrance exam.

Please note that most high schools within the Joliet Diocese hold their annual entrance exam on the same date. There is a $30.00 testing fee and we would like you to please register by January 7, 2008. The registration form can be found in the 2007-2008 recruiting brochure.

[jenrik2714]

They don't want their children to go to school with low income kids
Same morals..what does that mean?

[doctorwho]

momto4 said:

sam2 said:

At St. Francis and at Benet, , there are students that attended elementary and middle school in 204, but switched for high school for academics and no other reason.

I know many students that got an excellent education in 204 and don't dispute that it is a good district, but for us, the extra cost of a private school was ( and is ) definitely worth it. While we're on the subject of cost, it's about $8K/year plus books -- that's nearly $3K less than the 204 high school cost/student.

In what areas do St. Francis or Benet offer stronger academics than IPSD? I've been very impressed with what we have and it seems like it would be difficult to even match at most private schools.

Also I thought our cost per student was just under $8K? Or are there different numbers by ES, MS, and HS? If there are, my apologies as I wasn't aware of that.

Now understanding that Benet or St Francis etc do not take all the same tests we do - so apples to apples can only be done on things like ACT -- the last ACT score I saw for Benet I believe was slightly over 28.

Now of course one can argue the chicken-egg theory here. Are they getting better education or is it strictly because you have to 'test in' so the lower scoring students are already out of the mix.


And the cost per student in 204 is $8616 - not $11000

I used to have a link to a Sun Times breakout of by school etc - but it expired...it was from 2005

[title1parent]

One other thing that should be mentioned, and I do not know if things have changed, but private schools do not provide special education for students with special needs. When I was in HS, our Catholic school welcomed an entire family into it, many of which were good athletes, however one sibling had cerebral palsy and they did not take her. She ended up at the public HS. Another friend, who's son went to Holy Angels, had to take her son out of school and have him transported to the public ES for Speech. The Catholic school in my hometown also did not have Driver's ED, and the public HS had to provide that for the private school.

Like I said, has been a while, but private schools can pick and choose who they want to attend.