If you have ever talked with one of the (many) Christian teachers in public schools, you know what a joy it is for them to have Christians students who will support them in classroom discussions, and elevate the attitude and behavior of the other kids.
It is not that children are being forced to be 'missionaries,' it is the LOVE and POWER of God, through Jesus Christ that makes the difference, and it would be tragic should that influence be removed.
My kids all went to public school and were some of the students that teachers raved and bragged about becuase of their positive Catholic attitude.
If I had it to do over again, I would put them in private parochial schools.
i still stick by that always wise yet seemingly mundane statement--Follow the money, honey.