I'm still not wholly convinced that the decline of k-12 Catholic schools in this country merits the sort of "save them!" mobilization that many are calling for (see Mike's post, below). If urban Catholic schools can't compete with charter schools, why do they deserve special help? One response: Catholic schools instill in their students not only numbers and letters but discipline and respect for authority, too. Yet, don't the best charter schools do exactly the same thing--and for free?
From a religious and personal perspective, I'm sorry to see Catholic schools go. From an educational one, I'm not so sure.