FOCUS SECTION THE HIDDEN CIVIC LESSONS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Curriculum theory has long acknowledged the presence of a hidden cur-riculum in schools. Whereas the formal curriculum is explicit and docu-mented, the hidden curriculum involves those attitudes, experiences, and learnings that are largely implicit and unintended. This article compares the hidden civic lessons found in public and private schools. Catholic and other private schools have measurable organizational strengths that social-ize students into participation in public institutions more effectively than public schools. Have schools lost their capacity to provide an effective civic educationfor youth? Do public schools today instill democratic virtues, including the value of active participation in America’s political institutions? Are schools able to solidify a long-lasting commitment to pursuing the common good in civic life? Some social commentators and public policy analysts have sounded the alarm about a rising tide of civic education mediocrity in America’s schools (National Commission on Civic Renewal, 1998). Of particular concern is th