Hindu private/charter schools?

[StarryNightshade]

I'm currently going for a degree in teaching and I want my focus to be on the humanities (primarily theology and philsoophy). My dorm is next to a Catholic school, which, from my understanding, doesn't require that its students be Catholic (even though there are masses and it's teaching philsoophy is based on Catholicism) and they have a history of providing a good education.

So my mind wondered:

Do you all think it's possible for there to be fully functional Hinduism-based private or charter schools in America? Where the teaching philosophy and foundation is based on Hindu principles, all kinds of subjects are taught (science, math, humanities, etc.), lunches are vegetarian & vegan, and there's a completely optional daily puja and prasadam for students and teachers.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

I'm currently going for a degree in teaching and I want my focus to be on the humanities (primarily theology and philsoophy). My dorm is next to a Catholic school, which, from my understanding, doesn't require that its students be Catholic (even though there are masses and it's teaching philsoophy is based on Catholicism) and they have a history of providing a good education.

So my mind wondered:

Do you all think it's possible for there to be fully functional Hinduism-based private or charter schools in America? Where the teaching philosophy and foundation is based on Hindu principles, all kinds of subjects are taught (science, math, humanities, etc.), lunches are vegetarian & vegan, and there's a completely optional daily puja and prasadam for students and teachers.

I don't see why it couldn't be possible, but I think the relatively low numbers of Hindus in American compared to other groups are a factor. Still, Florida (of all places) has a College of Hindu Philosophy and Theology. Not quite what you mean, as it doesn't cover other degrees, but cool nonetheless: Hindu University of America – A Unique Dimension of Hindu Thought and Traditions

 

[Vinayaka]

I'm currently going for a degree in teaching and I want my focus to be on the humanities (primarily theology and philsoophy). My dorm is next to a Catholic school, which, from my understanding, doesn't require that its students be Catholic (even though there are masses and it's teaching philsoophy is based on Catholicism) and they have a history of providing a good education.

Tough to organise it, Starry, but I think it would be a great idea. Money, for one, will be a problem. But if the changing demographic regarding diversity world wide continues, it is only a matter of time.

 

[StarryNightshade]

I don't see why it couldn't be possible, but I think the relatively low numbers of Hindus in American compared to other groups are a factor. Still, Florida (of all places) has a College of Hindu Philosophy and Theology. Not quite what you mean, as it doesn't cover other degrees, but cool nonetheless: Hindu University of America – A Unique Dimension of Hindu Thought and Traditions

Unfortunately, low numbers of Hindus is a factor. I suppose that's why it would be ideal that non-Hindus could attend as well. It's just that the foundation and core of the teaching philsoophy is in Hinduism.

I've heard of that school, but since it's unaccredited, I have mixed feelings about it.

 

[StarryNightshade]

Tough to organise it, Starry, but I think it would be a great idea. Money, for one, will be a problem. But if the changing demographic regarding diversity world wide continues, it is only a matter of time.

That's another thing to consider: being tough to organize. I guess making it as generalized as possible (not adhering to a specific samparadaya or tradition) would be ideal.

 

[Vinayaka]

That's another thing to consider: being tough to organize. I guess making it as generalized as possible (not adhering to a specific samparadaya or tradition) would be ideal.

Certainly a university would be nice ... one where the teachers of Hinduism were actually all Hindu, and not anti-Hindu.

 

[Kirran]

I kind of prefer not to have any faith schools I think, but if there are to be Christian and Muslim and Jewish schools then I'd be happy for there to be Hindu schools too. Not strong feelings on the former point though.

 

[Vinayaka]

I kind of prefer not to have any faith schools I think, but if there are to be Christian and Muslim and Jewish schools then I'd be happy for there to be Hindu schools too. Not strong feelings on the former point though.

I prefer that too. I've been to (coaching, teaching seminars) private schools for the earlier ages. They are breeding grounds for much of what is wrong with our planet ... teaching misconceptions about other faiths, exclusivity, self-righteousness, hypocracy, etc. I like the idea for universities, maybe even high schools, where people can think for themselves rather than just sit there to be programmed.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Do you all think it's possible for there to be fully functional Hinduism-based private or charter schools in America?

संस्कृतशाला-प्रस्तावः - संस्कृतम्-sfo (Samskritam SF)

Also check Arya Samaj, Hare-Krishna, Maharshi Mahesh, Chinmayananda, Ramakrishna Mission, Divine Life Society of Swami Shivananda.

But the school should be strong on science education, otherwise Hindus would shun it. Just Hindu philosophy will not do.