Whatever the reason for the secular studies in Yeshiva, elementary or high school, the fact remains that the yeshivos provide these classes and the boys are required to attend those classes. This decision was made by the gedolim of the previous generation and continues to be implemented by todays gedolim.
Similar to the story cited by Dr. Pepper, I know someone who was an “english” teacher in the Satmar Yeshiva (elementary school) in Williamsburg in the early to mid 70s. He told me that at the beginning of the school year and every so often during the school year, one of the menahlim of the yeshiva would come into the class and say the following speech to the boys (this is not verbatim, but a general idea of the message said to the boys). You are here in english class because the Rebbe shlita wants you to have these classes. It is fully expected that you behave with derech eretz to the teacher whether he is a yid or not, or whether he is a frum yid or frei and to participate in the class and do all assigned work.
I found a book in the library titled “Teacha” written by a non jew who was an english teacher in a Satmar elementary school in Williamsburg for a few years in the early 80s. In it the author also mentions the fact that the hanhala always stressed to the boys the importance of taking their secular classes seriously and acting respectfully to all teachers.
I’m curious what the subject of this topic means. “Yeshivish Secular Studies”? As opposed to non Yeshivish Secular Studies? Is Yeshivish a typo?