The Process of Mexican American Catholic School Selection

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 50
  In Roundtable Session: Tensions and Realities in Catholic Education

Abstract

This qualitative multiple case study explores the process Mexican American parents use in selecting Catholic schools for their children. The questions became, why do Hispanic parents make the choice to attend Catholic schools and what are their navigation strategies? This presentation explores the process of six Mexican American parents as they select Catholic schools for their children. This study suggests that Mexican American mothers are predisposed to sending their children to Catholic schools, even before they are married; grandmothers are also often involved in the process of school selection; parents consider schools in close proximity to their homes; and parents identify school visits and conversation with the school principal as primary and most important in their decision making process.

Authors

• Rona M. Frederick, The Catholic University of America

• Gilbert Saenz, Institute for Hispanic Catholic Education