by Daryl Branscombe
Recently, a few members of the Community of Creative Citizens (CCC) Education team visited Divine Mercy private Catholic School in Saint John. The school has been in operation for 25 years and has a proud heritage, including being in a building over a century old. It was the former rectory of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, which was recently torn down. For me it was deja vu, for the interior was akin to the early school I attended in Chipman.
The CCC guests were warmly greeted by the principal and a Board Member who spent a generous amount of time explaining how the school operates. The school prides itself not only in its heritage, but also in its present academic success. Students who attend Divine Mercy score higher than public school students on provincial standardized assessments. Students wear uniforms and the Principal said it made a big difference in their attitude and motivation as they realize they are part of a team and work more cohesively. There are many international students attending school.
The school not only demonstrates academic rigor but also high behavioral expectations. Students are taught to be kind and respectful to each other, as good citizens should. They have no tolerance for bad or disruptive behavior and if it persists the student is removed from the classroom. They must learn, not to fool around or be disrespectful to teachers. This action is supported by the parents. On their report card there are scores for academic studies, but also ratings for homework, attentiveness, general attitude, relationship with others and days absent.
Tuition is in the range of $5,000 per student, with a discount for siblings. Funding is broken down by tuition, benefactors, and fund-raising events. Compare that number to the public schools where the cost is approximately $17,000 per student. Teachers are paid a paltry amount compared to teachers in the public school system, but teachers want to be there for the ambiance of school morale and atmosphere.
They have a long waitlist, and interest is growing to expand to high school. This is made possible by the abundance of land adjacent to their property.
The significant success of independent schools, such as Divine Mercy, show we need to find ways for more families to attend the independent schools that exist throughout New Brunswick: some religious, others not. According to a report written by the Frasier Institute, reading scores in New Brunswick have declined, with approximately four in 10 students, “below appropriate achievement” while approximately half of the students did not meet the standard in math. We ranked the lowest in Canada in Literacy.
So, what’s to be done. Three words – expand school choice. School choice is the ability for families to affordably choose different schooling options including independent schools, autonomous charter schools and homeschooling. While high-income families can choose any school for their child, lower and middle-income families often cannot afford school tuition so their child must attend their local government-run public school, regardless of whether it’s a good fit or not. That’s where government comes in. Governments should assist with paying a portion of tuition for independent schools, private schools, charter schools and home schooling. Apart from the value and importance of independent schools, it would free up the stress and congestion in the public schools. In summary, the money would follow the student.
Great school choice leads to improved outcomes in all school types. Half of the provinces in Canada—including Quebec and all four western provinces—allow parents to direct some of their education tax dollars to independent schools.
CCC believes we should follow their lead and government should create a structure where this can happen in New Brunswick.
Daryl Branscombe, President
Community of Creative Citizens