Most, if not all, parents know the importance of a good education these days. We go to great lengths to determine what kind of education is the best for our kids, and explore all the options before finally making a choice. For our family, homeschooling is the best choice for us for now.
Having said that though, I know for a fact that not every family is called to homeschool. And not every homeschooling family is called to do it for all grade levels. Just as each family is unique, so is each family’s educational path for each of their kids.
Before discerning and deciding on homeschooling, my husband and I explored the different educational options available these days — one of which was going the “progressive” route, rather than the “traditional” route. We liked the thought of “learner-centered” education, as defined below:
Learning is a collaboration among students, teachers, the school, family and community. Learning aims for deep understanding of subject matter and its applicability. Learning is active and leads to further learning to find answers and satisfy curious minds. Learning is doing, is playing, is interacting. Learning is integral to personal development as well as social justice. The learner is the center of his education where emphasis is placed on his individual and total development. It is age-appropriate, considering the learner’s own pace, his interests, his strengths and challenges, but the learner is aware that his education is also for the good of his society. (Source.)
However, after much prayer and thought, God led us to the homeschool path. Still, if ever we were to place the kids in a brick-and-mortar school, we would still prefer one that provides a solid Catholic progressive education; specifically a school with the following qualities:
1. Emphasis is placed on the importance of prayer.
To cite a real-life example, Child’s Space, a Catholic progressive school located in Pasig City, makes sure that their students begin their day and “circle time” with a prayer. This is in addition to their general prayer. The teachers teach students to use Pope Francis’ 5-Finger Prayer in class starting in the Nursery level.
They also pray The Lord’s Prayer consistently, and encourage regular visits to the prayer room located on campus. Preschool students go to the prayer room as a class once a week, while Grade School students each have their own schedules. They are also welcome to go to the prayer room anytime, and the prayer room is also open to parents, caregivers and guests.
The school also holds an annual pilgrimage in honor of Mama Mary in September. Every October, the Grade School students pray the Rosary regularly, and soon will also pray the Angelus daily. Every school event also begins with a prayer.
2. Importance is given to the Sacraments.
Most progressive schools (at least here in Manila) are non-sectarian and so do not place much importance on the Sacraments (this is understandable, of course). A Catholic progressive school like Child’s Space though, would be expected to have an active Sacrament-related life.
For example: Hold First Friday Masses in school, and have Confession if a priest is available. (This is actually what happens at Child’s Space. The whole school is invited, and the students in the morning classes join in. Non-Catholic students may choose to come into school at a later time though, and are not required to join the Masses).
The preparation period for receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is also important. At Child’s Space, the six month-long preparation period ends with the Recollection for First Communicants (for both students and parents). Students receive First Holy Communion on the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus every January.
3. Children are encouraged to know, love and serve God.
Besides the usual activities like daily prayer, Sacramental preparation, and recollections (not just for First Communicants, but for other grades and for the teachers too), a good Catholic progressive school would also incorporate learning about God within their lessons, especially their Catechism classes.
At Child’s Space, this is done via a “Weekly Jesus Discovery” from Nursery to Grade School. The Grade 2 students, in particular, have Catechism for First Communion with Sr. Aline Barde, aci of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The goals of the Jesus Discovery program/ Catechism classes are to help the children realize that:
- God is our creator: all that we are, all that we see is from God.
- Jesus is very real today. The Gospel is shared to the children early on – that He became man, suffered and died for us, resurrected and ascended and it is only through Him that we can go to heaven.
- God loves us so much and cares for us in the here and now.
- Through our Church, we experience the fullness of life.
Grade School students also learn about the people in the Bible and the saints in a deeper way. The main goal for ALL students though, is a deeper relationship with Jesus.
4. Daily routines include Jesus in everything.
A good Catholic progressive school would ideally be equipped with the following (in each room): the Bible and other stories about Jesus, Mary, and the saints; a crucifix, prayer posters, toys (Noah’s Ark, Creation and other Bible-related toys and felt materials, etc.). Other materials can also be included depending on the theme. (Such is the case at Child’s Space.)
At Child’s Space, too, instead of a “Jesus Discovery area,” they have faith-related materials in all areas and centers of the room. “After all, we want Jesus to be a part of everything,” shares Teacher Cecilia Bautista, the school directress. (And I totally agree with her!)
Teacher Cecilia continues, “As a progressive school, everything is integrated, and hands-on as much as possible. Learning aims for deep understanding but we take in consideration the pace of the child.” (Sounds a bit like homeschooling to me!)
So, if you’re considering exploring a Catholic progressive education for your child at a brick-and-mortar school, do keep the aforementioned qualities in mind. At least you can be assured that your child will be learning what matters most, i.e. that having a strong relationship with Jesus far outweighs high test scores and academic awards.
*If you want to see a Catholic progressive school with your own two eyes, I encourage you to visit Child’s Space at 304 Yakal Street, F. Agapito Subdivision, Marcos Highway, Santolan, Pasig City. Contact the school administration beforehand via or , or email . You can also visit their website here for more details.
