Religion in education

[Deleted]

Some weeks ago, @allyllyra asked me a question about our school system and religion, and I think it might make for an interesting discussion so I decide to give it its own thread. 

The dutch school system is weird with respect to religion, which goes back to the 1910s. The political groups trying to get universal voting made a deal with the religious parties which resulted in universal voting and equal government funds for public and religious schools. This means that both are funded by municipalities, get the same state inspections and are held to the same standards. For primary and secondary education this means there are not significant schoolfees, just a small voluntary contribution from parents. I will pay something like 40-60 Euros a year when DD goes to school. This would be a similar amount if she went to a religiously inspired school. Schools can ask for more, so they can do more outings, get more materials, but it's always a voluntary contribution. Some outings are paid for separately. Only difference is that the non-public schools are run by foundation instead of the city council, and they can refuse pupils that do not match their religious identity. They still have to teach about other religions in a neutral and respectful manner, but can otherwise immerse the pupils in theire own religion. 

For a long time in the 19th and 20th century several subcultures co-existed, with their own schools, papers, clubs. Now that less people are religious and go to church this system of 'pillars' or 'columns' has eroded. Our school system seems obsolete now, a remnant of the past when people were surrounded by their own flock from cradle to grave. 

I know things are different in the US and Canada, and maybe there are some people from elswhere too. How does this compare to what you're used to? And what are the pros and cons of the system you have. 

[expatmama]

This is very similar to the way things are in Sweden, but there has been a crack down on religious schools that don't comply and meet basic national curriculum. But it is the same standard for all private schools. My kids go to a private school, but I don't pay anything extra for it, they get money from the state just like a public school. In order to get the money they need to follow national curriculum and not have special selection rules, so they may be more similar to charter schools in the states.

They will have religion as a subject starting in 6th grade, but then it is about different religions and what people believe, it isn't teaching children to be religious.

[Deleted]

I did not know that about Sweden, expatmama, I thought the Dutch were one of a kind with this. Religious schools are under extra scrutiny here as well, and there is a bit of talk to have public education only, and have people deal with their religious education at home/church/mosque/synagogue. Not sure if that's all that desirable. It seems it would be more transparent if at school.

[namastebiotches]

To my knowledge, religious schools are private with hefty tuition costs.
Not sure if public schools go into religious studies now but if they do I wanna say that would start in high school. If I remember correctly that's when they lightly touched the subject when I was in school.