I'm from a Muslim background but don't want to send my kid to a Muslim school

"I've found a place of a different faith where I think my child would thrive, but my husband is doubting it."

Making a decision about which school to send your child to is one of the big choices in parenting.

Public or private? Non-religious or a certain religion?

It can be even harder when two of you are trying to agree - which is a situation one mum has found herself in.

She recently asked a Facebook parenting group for advice about disagreeing with her husband on whether to send their child to a school catered for their Muslim background, or if a Catholic school would be suitable.

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"We come from a diverse background"

The mum anonymously explains in her post: 

"Hello, I come from a Muslim background. Do you think it's unacceptable or what are your thoughts on sending a Muslim child to a Catholic school?

"If you come from a Muslim background and send your child to a Catholic school, I'd love to hear your feedback. There is a bit of a disagreement with the hubby. Thank you!"

She adds later in the comments section: "We come from a diverse background being half Italian/half Lebanese. We are not strict, and we still attend family gatherings for Christmas/Easter/Confirmations etc, even though we don't celebrate it.

"I definitely want my child growing up knowing their religion but at the same time I don't agree with some Islamic school rules."

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"I grew up very open-minded"

Dozens of commenters expressed their differing thoughts to help the mum out.

One of the most-liked comments was: "I'm a Muslim, and my husband is half Greek half Italian and he was baptised in Greek Orthodox. But he went to Catholic school all his life because his mum is Italian.

"I don't mind sending my son to a Catholic school because what I've heard is that Catholic schools are good academically. I grew up in a very open-minded family. As long as our boy grows up to be a good person that's all matters to me."

Another mum shared that not aligning religion and school proved to be a positive experience for her.

"I'm Jewish and went to Catholic school. It was no problem. We did have to take theology courses and go to mass but it didn’t feel like a big deal to me. Nothing was pushed down my throat. We learned a lot about community service and generally being a good human."

This commenter agreed, writing, "Knowing of other religions and beliefs makes you grow up less judgemental and more open minded and understanding each other better."

Most people thought this was a common experience.

"My kids go to a Catholic School and we are Catholic," said one mum. "But there are Muslim children there. It's not an issue. That's the beauty about Catholic schools; they accept anyone, from any culture / religion. Our school is very multicultural."

"I don't see the point"

There was also some discussion about school zones and whether being of the same religion as the school could be challenges, but the general consensus was that it depends on the school.

One mum did express confusion about the poster's question - but respectfully.

"I don't see the point of you putting your child in Catholic school unless you want to convert. You should look into Muslim schools, there are plenty. I'm not against any religion but I did not need to go to other religions school to learn to respect them.

"If you want them to be Muslims send the kids to Muslim schools if not, they'll be so confused in what to believe and celebrate everything. I won't argue if people are judging me, it's simply my opinion like everyone else's."

Finally, the discussion was balanced out by this sage perspective: "Think which school is the best for your child and where he will get the best education.

"All schools have students from different religions and cultures, and they respect each other's beliefs.

"This is how Australia is built on diversity and respect."

Originally published as I'm from a Muslim background but don't want to send my kid to a Muslim school