I'm of the school of thought that morality should be taught at home.
As for academics, I can name a few public schools in NYC that outshine almost any other school, private, religious or public in the country.
Well, I have to agree, there's going to be exceptions. I should state in this in general terms.
And you are correct. Morality begins at home. Parents who send their children to such school simply want a continuation of what they are trying to teach their children. It's the reenforcement of those values they won't be able to get in a public school.
Yet there may be a few exceptions, and happily so at that.
Looks like that storm blew way South of us here in SoFlo. I hadn't checked since yesterday. I'm feeling pretty religious myself this morning.
Firstly, morality or false morality is inevitably taught, everywhere. Much better that it be authentic everywhere, especially in a school. So said America's founders.
Secondly, if a few public schools outshine almost any other private school, it is implied that the converse at least is also true.