Why we favor state funding of a Catholic charter school | Opinion
Caroline MolloyOn Wednesday, April 30, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School v. Drummond. This case is of significant importance to families across Oklahoma who are seeking an education that best meets their children’s needs.
Much of the rhetoric surrounding this case misunderstands what is really at stake. Despite what you may have heard, this is not about what the state of Oklahoma may teach in schools it actually runs. It is also not about whether children in Oklahoma can be required to attend schools that profess religious beliefs with which they disagree. Instead, it’s about allowing private educators to help address a growing need for educational choice in Oklahoma, particularly for families in underserved communities or children with unique learning needs.
As shepherds of our wonderful state-wide flock, it has always been our desire for families to be able to decide what is best for their children’s needs. Parents and family members are the first and most important teachers of their children. But they can’t do it alone, and more choices — not fewer — help everyone. We believe that a wide variety of schools may help a child reach her God-given potential, depending on her own needs.
It is this belief that led us to create St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, a privately operated K-12 charter school rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. We formed it as a joint endeavor of our two dioceses, with the support of Oklahoma’s state Charter School Board. And it is our mission to bring, through St. Isidore, a new learning option to all interested children across the state.
There are many reasons that allowing this new learning opportunity will benefit Oklahomans, including its virtual curriculum. This means that underserved families in rural areas or with limited educational opportunities will have another high-quality, affordable school of choice. St. Isidore will uniquely prepare students to flourish in the 21st century — combining modern technology with the Catholic Church’s centuries of exemplary educational experience. The school will provide Oklahoma students with the tools necessary to thrive, to succeed, and to serve their communities in a way that wasn’t available even a short time ago.
There is an obvious need for schools like this in our home state. In our largely rural state, 5% of students in Oklahoma are enrolled virtually, far exceeding the national average of 1%. Data shows that Oklahomans have an overall positive experience attending virtual schools, with enrollment ranking sixth out of the 36 states that offer virtual schools. Virtual education serves many Oklahoma families well, and families across the state deserve to see these opportunities grow.
Currently, there are over 30 brick-and-mortar and virtual charter schools in Oklahoma, many of which have seen great success. The decision to create St. Isidore stemmed from a desire to join these schools to bring an additional option, especially for families who desire Catholic education but lacked the resources or access to one. The mission of Catholic education is to form students as whole people, guiding them in spiritual and intellectual growth in order to serve their neighbors and build strong communities. St. Isidore’s would fulfill this same calling.
