<p>When selecting schools, I thought that you cannot attend a school that has an affiliation with a certain religion that you do not practice. Being an Atheist, I thought I lost out on the opportunity to apply to schools like St.Paul's, Groton and Portsmouth Abbey. </p>
<p>Just recently, did I find out you do not have to practice the religion the school is affiliated with. </p>
<p>I feel so stupid.</p>
<p>Now I come to think of it, why did I ever select thought that way in the first place. -.-||</p>
<p>Jerry-Even though I’m sure these schools would have welcomed your application they might have been a less than ideal match for you anyway. </p>
<p>Many schools with religious roots require students to attend services of some type and in many the nondenominational chapels have heavily Christian overtones. At one Episcopal school we visited the school was very clear that chapel was not about religion, yet when we looked at the list of the last year’s chapel speakers over a third had “Rev.” before their name. We heard “You can be of ANY faith here. We have Muslims, Jew, Christians, Hindus…” but at no time did anyone mention being of NO faith.* </p>
<p>Don’t feel dumb. There are a ton of great schools out there and you have to whittle down the list somehow!</p>
<p>You could have certainly applied to Groton- while it is an Episcopal school, and you are required to attend chapel, there are also ample provisions for Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic and all and any other affiliation of Christianity etc. Sacred tests is a required class, but it is more about comparitive morality than indoctrination ( they review sacred tests from all the major religions) There is room for all.
Console yourself with the thought that all happens for a reason- maybe your ultimate destination will be where you would have been most happy
Good luck!</p>
<p>I’d agree that jerryeps could have applied and would have been welcomed at Groton. I’m sure that his lack of faith would not have hurt his application. That said, and not to be condescending, but you kind of make my point in your post: “There are also amply provisions for Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic and all and any other affiliation of Christianity, etc.” Jerry, as an atheist, falls under none of these categories.</p>
<p>For me it’s a little like advising a non-athlete about schools where athletics are a central part of the school culture. Hearing that even if a school is soccer powerhouse a student can play any sport they want may not be of much comfort to a kid who’d really prefer not to play any sport.</p>
<p>On a personal note, I think every student should take a comparative religion and/or ethics course. I’m not sure I’d want my atheist kid to be required to take a full year of sacred texts.</p>
<p>I’m not an atheist, but I can’t imagine you having too much of a problem being an atheist. I currently go to a religiously affiliated school. there are a few kids in my class who are either atheist or agnostic. And even though my school’s more religious than Groton or SPS, it’s not that big of a deal. Teachers don’t tell them, “You’re going to burn in hell,” or anything like that. I wouldn’t be too worried if I were you.</p>
<p>I had a similar problem, Jerryeps. I’m an atheist, as well, but I applied to Groton and considered SPS (we ended up not applying, though). I liked Groton a lot, even though it’s religious.</p>
<p>Everyone has freedom of religion in America. I dislike it when others try to change my beliefs, though it also bothers me when atheists try to persuade other religions to become atheists. It’s your choice, whether your choice is to believe in a god or not, and don’t let anyone else affect it.</p>