This topic has been researched and analyzed by many scholars, both ancient and contemporary. The research was based on major determinant factors, which include the religion of the school, the location, and the denomination of the religious school under study. Thus, it becomes difficult to gain a comprehensive view and a conclusive result on the debate because there are many denominations or sects in a particular religion. That not withstanding, the argument is between religious and non religious schools, irrespective of these concomitant factors.
The question is, do pupils in religious (or faith-based) schools achieve a higher level of academics than those in non religious schools? Aside academics, are there other advantages that religious schools have over secular, non religious schools (both private and public)? Are there significant differences between these sectors of schools? What are the parameters used in measuring these differences? Based on the differences, is one rated higher than the other?
Statistically, there are more proponents and supporters of religious schools than their opponents. Proponents of religious schools submit that it offers a wider range of benefits that yield superior educational outcomes and the promotion of moral values, amongst others. They argue that religious schools have a better school atmosphere, more racial harmony, the best in school discipline, have lower rates of school violence, and are more committed to their academic work. The outcome of the research confirms that religious schools relatively outperform non-religious schools in the above categories.
Catholic schools, for instance, provide a very supportive environment that is mission based, doctrine focused, faith oriented and academically inclined, all geared towards a high academic standard, deep moral values, and strict disciplinary measures.
Again, it is opined that pupils in religious schools attain higher scores on standardized mathematics and reading tests than those students who reported no religious commitment. It is also believed that religious schools foster cultural harmony and reduced school assault.
To the opponents of religious schools, these factors are merely part of the many other factors that make religious schools outweigh non religious schools in academic standards. However, critics strongly oppose this and opine that non religious schools are impeded by lots of factors, which makes religious schools seem to achieve a higher level of academics than non religious schools. They argue that religious schools admit fewer pupils from poor backgrounds and lower proportion of disadvantaged pupils like pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and enrol a higher proportion of rich and high attaining students. They also argue that religious schools have chances of increased social segregation and risk of lower social mobility because they often give priority to pupils of the same religion and faith than others. Basically, they argue that judgement should be made based on the type of pupils, the background, and the social status of both the religious and non religious schools. To the opponents, religious schools are more effective in academic performance because they admit more affluent and high attaining pupils than non religious schools.
Generally, research has based this comparison on five sections;
- Social Cohesion
It is observed that non religious schools are more social and less segregative. Religious schools segregate pupils based on faith, which causes exclusivity and social division. - Performance and Selection
Based on educational outcomes, most religious schools produce better grades than non religious schools, especially in basic academic subjects. However, non religious schools are more secular and inclusive in their academic outline. - Choice and admission
Religious schools are mainly the parents’ choice. Parents believe that religious schools have higher academic and moral standards. This explains why the admission procedures of religious schools are higher and more limited than other schools. - Values and Morals Religious schools promote more moral values and advance the interest of religious institutions. This strong moral compass they give in a world of distractions and unruly behaviours make them highly attractive to parents. However, these religious interests undermine pupils’ autonomy and intellectual freedom and sometimes run contrary to the ideals of social equality.
- Discipline and Ethics
Religious schools are known for high disciplinary standards. Sometimes, they have missionaries as teachers or counsellors who employ discipline and instil high moral values to pupils. This is not to say that non religious schools have loose values, but their disciplinary measures are often more lenient than that of religious school. As a matter of fact, some parents enrol their children to religious schools solely for disciplinary reasons.
In conclusion, every school is governed by a standard set by the government. All schools operate basic national curriculum with slight differences based on the schools vision and core values and there is no obligation for any school to incline to any religious ethos.The curriculum, the teachers, and the standard of the school determine the academic achievements of a school. Therefore, whether a religious or non religious school, pupils have the same fundamental rights as regards education, irrespective of the type of school they attend. Thus, any school that has set a high academic standard should be considered a good school. The factors that make a school religious or not are based on the preference and choice of parents, beliefs, systems, and their religious character.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
