To the editor:

We live and work in Brunswick, and we know that the strength of a community comes from many areas. Schools are the most important.

We support high quality schools and stand in solidarity with other like-minded parents. We want these blessings extended to all children in Brunswick.

Our values led us to enroll our children in the St. John’s Catholic School, a decision we feel better about all the time. We increasingly recognize the blessings of smaller class size, a nimble school board and a skilled and dedicated faculty.

Academic requirements at St. John’s exceed the routine standards of the local schools, and the expectation that everyone will discover and use their gifts raises the bar even further.

Though we are Catholic, it is not a requirement for enrollment and we would send our children even if we were not Catholic.

The cost per pupil is budgeted at $6,000. Tuition for 2012-13 is $4,400 per student for grades 1 through 8. In addition to a dedicated effort to maintain affordable rates, the school awarded more than $100,000 in need-based assistance last year to qualified families.

Our first-grader does have religion as part of her curriculum. She also has required Spanish twice per week, computer technology once per week, art once per week and physical education twice per week.

After-school programs are available for enrichment and for working parents. Our daughter belongs to the Mandarin Chinese club and participates in the Girl Scouts.

We have heard rumors that families are considering moving away from Brunswick as a result of the recent public school funding issues. While we understand the frustration and fear about the future of the public schools, we hope that families will stay in this community and continue fighting to improve the public schools.

In the meantime, consider enrolling your children at St. John’s. It’s an amazing neighborhood school right in your own back yard.

Jeffrey and Jessica Maher,
Brunswick

[email protected]