"Fue lo Mejor que Pude Haber Hecho”: A Comparison of Latino Subgroups’ Motivations to Enroll in Urban Catholic Schools

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 10:50 am
  In Roundtable Session: Studies in Equity in K–12 Catholic Schools (Table 5)

Abstract

Numerous factors influence Latino parents’ decision-making about school choice. Often, Catholic schools are assumed to be Latino parents’ first choice. This is not always the case, as the Latino population is heterogeneous and decision-making may vary by sub-group. For this study, we seek to understand why Latino families in the West choose to enroll their children in Catholic schools and determine if these factors are similar for Latino parents in the Northeast. Was faith or faith formation the most important factor? Are there consistent differences across Latino sub-groups (Mexican, Dominican, etc…)? Analysis from interviews with 20 Latino parents in the West about factors that influenced their decision to enroll students in Catholic schools and compare with 9 in the Northeast.

Authors

• Cristina Joan Hunter, Boston College

• Myra Rosen-Reynoso, Boston College

• Audrey A. Friedman, Boston College

• Maria A. Moreno Vera, Boston College

• Charles T Cownie, Boston College