Doesn't he deserve the BEST education?
Private School vs Public?
I think one of the things I underestimated before becoming a parent was how much a really good education for my children meant to me. Oh sure, I wanted them to be brilliant. I wanted them to do their homework without nagging and of course they would be honor roll students!
I never gave too much thought to how that would happen though. I went to public school and just assumed the same for my own children.
Now, my husband and I still intend to send our children to public school.
However, with our oldest headed off to Kindergarten next year…we’re pausing and wondering if we’re really ready for our son to attend all day public school Kindergarten?
I’ve been a stay at home mom since my son was born. I’ve always worked a bit though. For the first few years it was outside the home two days a week at a local Mother’s Day Out. My son (and eventually my daughter) came with me though and was always just a few classrooms away.
I’ve since left Mother’s Day Out, and now I work from home (on this blog and a few other freelancing projects). My kids do attend preschool outside of the home 5 days a week for about 4 hours a day. It’s truly a blessing.
I can get work done while they are at school, and really devote quality time to them when they come home. It’s really helped with that burnt out feeling I had this past summer.
Next year though, the plan was for my son to attend our neighborhood public school for Kindergarten and my daughter would continue on at our church preschool.
Until I realized that they don’t offer half day Kindergarten any longer.
Until I did a bit of digging and found out that in our state, a Kindergarten teacher (ONE teacher) can have up to 22 5-year olds in his/her class.
Until I fell in love with the preschool my children are currently attending.
Until I realized their preschool offers a half day Kindergarten program.
This year, the Kindergarten program at our church (where their preschool is) has a ratio of 1 teacher to 4 children. That’s right, there’s a classroom with 8 children and TWO teachers. Sounds a LOT better than 22:1 right?
I recently was told by my son’s current teacher that the max ratio at (let’s just call it…)Church Kindergarten is 1 teacher to 6 children. (They always have 2 teachers in each classroom as well)
Not to mention, we’re Christian. One more year of Jesus in school vs No Jesus Allowed in public school?
It sounds like a no brainer, but we really are a bit conflicted.
Here are our Pros and Cons of going with Private School vs Public for Kindergarten:
Pros
- Half day program
- Low student/teacher ratio
- It’s own home church
- Both kids stay in the same school a year longer
- Jesus!
- We have been SO impressed with what our children have learned this year. I know that they get a great education there
Cons
- Public school is free. Obviously private is not.
- I worry about him missing out on making friends in his school district
- Even though I’ve been reassured, I worry about the curriculum not matching up. He will attend 1st grade in public school, so it’s important he doesn’t end up behind.
Private school vs public school for Kindergarten is NOT an easy decision! But it is one we need to settle on soon. Registration comes up in the spring and I want to feel comfortable and confident in our decision (whatever it might be) by that time.
I’m not going to lie, my little guy has been shielded thus far in life. He has an innocent wonder in his eyes and the sweetest, kindest heart. He has a love for Jesus that is pure and child like and beautiful. I’m not claiming public school will take that away from him. I wonder though if sticking with private kindergarten will be a gentler way to ease him into the world he’s going to find himself in for the next 12 (at least…add 4 to that for college and even more if he goes to grad school!) years?
I’d love for y’all to weigh in with your thoughts/experiences? I know education can be a HOT topic, so let’s be sure we stay respectful and understand that everyone has different beliefs and makes different choices.
I want to hear from the public schoolers, the private schoolers and yes, the homeschoolers! Chime in and let me know your thoughts!
With that list, I think I would go to with the private school. I think in your heart you are leaning toward that also. ;-) I honestly have been torn between private and public also. My son attends a public preschool now in our school district and while I love it, I do wonder how a private Christian school would be. On the other hand, I attended a private school from Kindergarten to 5th grade and let me tell you, I was so naive. There was so much stuff I just didn’t know about the world that I think private schools shield you from. And from my perspective, that reason is why I would want my son to go to public school. I don’t want him to grow up not being exposed to different people, religions, etc.
But reading your pros and cons list, I would go with the private! Now you have me torn!
;-)
Sorry to have you torn as well! LOL
Colin actually did attend a private school as well and really enjoyed it.
That said, I was in public school from day 1 and was VERY naive. (Still am! LOL)
Just to add into this, Most chrisitan schools these days do expose their students to other religions, especially as they get into High School so that if and when the time comes they are able to deffend thier beliefs and provide logical reasons as to why they believe what they do. I went to private HS and was sheltered but not to the point that I didn’t know anything. then again you must do your research on all private schools too. Also there are so many different people that attend private schools that they should be exposed to almost every culture around your area.
Wow.. I think there can be 30 kids where we live…
Oh that makes my stomach hurt!
I am not sure what state you are in, I am in Louisiana and here our public school system is awful. I would home school before putting my children in public school. All 3 of my children are in private school and yes it is costly but I wouldn’t change a thing. I love that the children in their classes have the same family values and beliefs that we have. We have become close friends with lots of the families in our school and in the end you get what you pay for. Some will argue that its only Kindergarten but to me it is the age where a good foundation for school is being formed. If you can afford it go for the private school. However I would be prepared for more fundraisers, class obligations etc. private school are very hands on and family involvement is a must at most
We are in Texas. Our public school system isn’t that bad, and our district is quite good…but definitely not perfect. I don’t think we could afford a true private school. But since Kindergarten is not required in the state of Texas, our church school is able to offer it. It’s not much more expensive then what we pay now for preschool.
I hate to give up hope on the public schools…but maybe delaying for one year will be good for our family? I think it will, and I’m leaning that way, but it’s still a tough decision!
Thanks so much for your input!
I hated the idea of full day kinder for my son who is never away from me except for 4 hours, 3 days a week for preschool. Half way through kinder now and he and I love it. He has 20 kids in his class and his teacher never seems overwhelmed. I was truly against the public school full day system, but we didn’t really have any other options. Now I have no problems with it and look forward to he day my second son starts.
I’m so glad that full day Kindergarten was great for your family. It sounds like even though it was your only real option, it was the right one for y’all.
Thank you so much for commenting!
I’m so glad that full day Kindergarten was great for your family. It sounds like even though it was your only real option, it was the right one for y’all.
Thank you so much for commenting!
I have no kids but I can tell you that with me I never attended any school till 1st grade. No preschool, no kindergarten, in fact I didn’t even know they existed till I attended first grade (at a private school) and the other kids asked me where I attended kindergarten. I can also tell you that I remember on my first day of school the teacher asked the kids to raise their hand if they knew the numbers 1-10, I and a handful of others raised our hands. Then the teacher asked the kids to raise their hands if they knew the whole alphabet, I raised my hand, no one else did (and we had about 25 or so kids in the class). My mom just taught me things throughout the day as they came up, no formal home school plan and I was ahead of the kids who had attended kindergarten and/or preschool.
I also noticed that for me the “school dread” happened later then it did for most who attended a school earlier in life.
If done right home school can far exceed the quality of any other school, however if that doesn’t work well for your kids you are hindering them. If the church school where they are now is working for them, they are learning, I’d stick with it while you still can.
Kindergarten actually isn’t a requirement here in Texas, which surprised me!
It sounds like you did great just starting public school in 1st grade!
Kindergarten actually isn’t a requirement here in Texas, which surprised me!
It sounds like you did great just starting public school in 1st grade!
Take into account how old your son is. My daughter had an October bday so an all day class was PERFECT. Don’t worry about making friends in kindergarten. If he is the new kid in 1st grade that is cool. My girls ALWAYs talked about the new kid and everyone wants to be the new kids friend. What kids learn in kindergarten can be taught at home, so if you want the half day and feel there is a lack then fill the void. Both sound great. Go meet the public teacher and trust your gut. If he is comfortable and secure w/ the private then go that way. Either way you love him and both situations will be perfect.
“If he is the new kid in 1st grade that is cool.”
I remember LOVING new kids too. Fresh meat! LOL
“Either way you love him and both situations will be perfect.”
This was perfect. Thank you for saying that. No matter what, our decision will be made with love and that means it is the right one!
I think you have the right idea!
Thank you Amy!
My daughter attends a private Christian school. I really think it was a great decision for her. She will hopefully stay there through sixth grade. I am a teacher and I honestly believe that all day Kindergarten is the demise of a child. I know there are plenty of people who disagree with that. With the ratio being as small as you said your son will probably be ahead and not behind.
I tend to agree Aj
You sound like me last year! I’ve had your exact dilemna and it is not easy. I have a 6 yr old and 5 yr old who are 17 months apart. My 6 yr old attended a Catholic preschool when he was 4. We then had a 3rd child and could not afford to continue with private so I homeschooled him for kindergarten, along with his sister (5 yr old). His sister begged to go to a school where he had no desire. I did notice though that we was not learning well with me and needed more professional help to basically learn how to learn. They built a new eco-friendly public school close by and we were lucky to get them both in. We ultimately decided to have our oldest repeat kindergarten so he could learn the social part of school and be at the top of his school (he wasn’t reading yet). So they are both in kindergarten this year, separate classes. There have been pros and cons with the biggest con being that they do lose some of their innocense. My kids didn’t know who Sponge Bob was or Twinkle Toe shoes but now they do. They never ate candy for rewards but now they do. They never called each other names or had anyone be mean to them and now they have. We are not certain we made the best decision but I do know that they have learned an incredible amount in a short period of time. The number of kids is overwhelming but they do break them into groups. I too hated the full day part but its really not too horrible for them. I would say either way he will do fine but he might learn more in the private sector. I think he will make friends either way when changing schools. Go with what your gut tells you. It is right!
Stacey, it’s interesting you say that he needed to learn how to learn. I see that in my son as well. I think I could home school my daughter easily, but my son needs someone a bit more skilled in teaching the basic skills of HOW to learn.
That always came pretty easily for me, and it seems to come pretty easily for my daughter, but my son does struggle with it a bit. He’s smart as a whip, but he learns by doing…not by being taught, if that makes sense?
Thank you so much for commenting!
As a teacher, who has and now refuses to ever work in the public schools again, I say go private. More and more, the schools are out for themselves then the students. I find that the teachers at private schools care more about the kids and the kids needs than anything else, and that’s what’s important!
Are you currently teaching in private school?
I completely understand where you are coming from! I attended our church school from k-4th grade then went to public in 5th. You are right by being “sheltered” to me it hindered me socially/acedemically by the time I got to 5th grade. With that being said I had to make the choice for my daughter this past year after keeping her home with me as a stay at home mom for 4 years. We live in NC where Kindergarten is a full day as well AND year round! She is doing so well has met so many friends and LOVES LOVES LOVES going to school everyday! She has a large class 21 kids with a teacher and assistant but they do split them into groups. She has experienced some kids that are not very kind but with the right communication with the teachers and your child you can keep tabs on what is going on daily. It was very bittersweet for me to send my child to school she is the youngest in her class. She was still 4yr olds when she started Kindergarten (barley made the cutoff) and had never attended preschool/daycare. My issue biggest issue was putting full trust and faith in the teachers that I didn’t know from Adam. I know we made the right decision in the long run and she has blossomed so much since August and is learning so much!
Also, public schools ask for parent volunteers (room moms) that come in weekly…it could help ease your worries and create a relationship with the teacher. :) Best luck to you and your family!!
Jana
That’s wonderful. I’m so glad that your daughter’s teacher has an assistant as well. I wonder how common that is down here? Something to put on my list to ask when I go talk to the public school.
Noah will be a bit in the middle age wise since he is a March birthday. I was young like your little girl though (started in September and turned 5 in late August) and did fine. I do know it’s a bit rougher for boys though at that age.
Thank you so much for commenting!
Heather,
I was very torn about the exact same thing. My son never went to preschool and I was SO worried about him not making friends, being behind or not learning enough due to the language barrier the other children would have. Right before school started I talked to his teacher and principal and addressed all of these issues. They answered all of my questions and make me feel at ease. My son is doing awesome at school and I’m so proud of him. I never thought public school would be the right choice for us but I’m happy we choose it. I know we would not have chosen the private route for his whole 12 years of school and I didn’t want him to be ripped away from all of his new friends and put into a completely new environment for him to adjust to.
That worries me too! I worry about him missing out on those early relationships, because I know that private for 12 years for 2 kids is NOT going to be feasible so they will have to attend public school.
We’re in the very same boat this year, too. Next year our son will attend Kindergarten and our district also has an all-day program.
As someone who attended public school herself, the idea never crossed my mind that I’d even consider private school for my kids. But you’re right… with student-teacher ratios rising in public schools… all of a sudden, private is starting to look attractive.
You bring up very good points on either side. I think the reality is that he’ll do well in whichever environment you choose for him. It’s just arriving at a decision that you’re all comfortable with that’s the biggest challenge.
And like others said, the time he spends in school (public or private) is only a small piece of the equation. Wherever he goes, you’ll likely end up supplementing his education with “field trips” to museums, “researching” topics he loves with wonderful books and so much more.
And that’s what I try to keep reminding myself of as we make our own decision as well. I’ll be interested to hear what you decide!
YES! Regardless of what we choose, we definitely (as parents) are still the greatest teachers our kids have. That really comforts me when I worry about making a bad decision about where to place him!
Thank you sweet friend for commenting!
I have started this year doing On-line school. I have two in elementary and one in middle school. I won’t lie it has been a great deal of work on my part BUT the rewards when I get to help my children learn and be so hands on is priceless.
We also pray in the morning and some of our lessons do include God.
Two of my kids were bullied and treated not so nice from K-3 and I could not take it anymore with the “No bully” rules . Kids can be mean and they can get a lot of social interaction with on-line schools also and they are State funded. Needless to say my kids love it and I do too…They only are young for such a short time. Thanks
Tracie, online school?
I would LOVE to hear more about this! If you don’t want to comment here about it, could you email me? Heather @ familyfriendlyfrugality . com (w/o the spaces).
Intriguing!
My daughter attended preschool 2 days a week for 2.5 hours for 2 years. When we lived in Illinois, Kindergarten was full day. We were also concerned how she would adjust socially and academically. I wouldn’t worry about either of those issues. She learned so much in full day Kindergarten, made great friends, and became very social and independent.
In August we moved to Nevada (most schools have half day Kindergarten), she knows so much more than the students that attended half day Kindergarten. She, along with one other student in her class, are doing 2nd grade math and reading. Her principal let us know we could have her skip 1st grade (we chose not to).
My son is in his first year of preschool. I am already hoping the principal at the elementary pushes for full day Kindergarten. I’m a stay at home mom and I do miss the extra time that I had with my daughter, but I feel she gained so much by attending full day.
Good luck with your decision!
Thank you for offering that perspective. I do worry that there isn’t enough time in half day to teach all they need to learn for sure! I guess I hope I can supplement at home as well?
Sounds like you have found a great school for your family!
I don’t chime in much into these discussions but since I follow yor blog and you’ve helped me a ton I decided to write in a few things. My daughter attends a private Christian school and has since kindergarten. Let me tell you that when it was time for her to start school I went EVERYWHERE and looked at every school around us both public and private. Let me also add that I work for the public schools in an area in California that is knows for great education. My husband and I both attended Christians school from jr high to high school. I always thought I would let my kids attend public school during elementary and then move them into private for the rest of their schooling until I sat in a public school kinder classroom and looked over the California Kinder Standards. Yes I was that crazy parent who asked a ton of questions at oritentation. I then compared those to what the curriculum in private school. In public school the standard was to only know 10 sight words (this was 5 years ago so prob diff now) by the end of the year! are you kidding me?!? In the private school we choose my daugher knew over 100 sight words and was reading. Here in CA kids learn how to read in frist grade, at the end of kinder if they have the skills. So those were 2 huge things. Then there was the whole thing of what is my child going to learn about creation, and no mention of God at any time! Did you know that here in CA there was a law passed that will make it so teachers have to teach about homosexuality, this just doesn’t seem like a topic my kindergartner needs to know.
I suggest you go hang out with older kids at your home school and see what they are talking about and discussing. Some of the conversations I overheard shocked me! I am not saying kids can’t find quality friends in public school but it makes it a lot harder. However I know that private education isn’t an option for many people and that is when you have to really be involved in your kids life and raise them to know the difference between right and wrong and to make the right choices -in reality this is the same thing in private as well-I have just found that most families have the same beliefs and stanadars as our family. I guess we can all keep going on about this subject on and on….make sure you do your research and not just for kinder but for all the grades and then consider the jr high and high school your kids will attend. It’s crazy the things we have to consider these days.
So far for our family chrisitan school has been the best choice for us! We are happy with the education and sprititual growth my daughter has gotten by attending there and not to mention the friendships she had made and the family friends we have made as well. We do talk with our daughter about what the public schools offer and things that go on in the words, so yes she is somewhat sheltered but we don’t have her in a bubble. To this day she doesn’t understand how they don’t talk about God at other school, its just crazy she says when he’s so important to us! Very well said!
If we couldn’t afford private school i think I would homeschool before sending her to public school so there you go! :)
Best of Luck!!
” To this day she doesn’t understand how they don’t talk about God at other school, its just crazy she says when he’s so important to us! Very well said! ”
Your daughter is wise beyond her years!
Thank you so much for your response. I know that I was able to grow up as a strong Christian in the public school, but prayer wasn’t restricted back then (well it was, but we did it anyways LOL).
I went to private and public school.
I went to private and public school. When my kids were going to be going to school, I thought we’d go private, but when I met the local (small) public school my kids would be attending and met a Mom that I went to private school with, I instantly asked her all of my questions. Immediately I was sold on our local (free) school because we have constant parent involvement. I am able to be, and I am, VERY involved at the school, so we have that private school feeling in our public school. It’s refreshing. As far as curriculum, it’s very challenging for my kids and they always have homework. As far as social skills, I love the fact that my kids couldn’t imagine why anyone would ever be prejudiced. The kids are completely allowed to discuss their religions. The pledge of allegiance still says “one nation, under God”, and they pledge their allegiance every morning. They can wear crosses or wear a turban, and they feel very comfortable expressing themselves. Our world has more than one religion in it, and unfortunately, the private school I attended didn’t acknowledge that. Understanding and respecting other religions definitely should have been taught at some point.
Overall, my kids get a great education and I supplement their education at home with educational trips on subjects they are covering in school. I think the more involved you are in your child’s education (whether it’s private or public), the better off your child will be. If we chose private school, I would have to go back to work and I don’t know that I would be able to have the same quality experience with my kids during my “off time” from work, and be able to find time for me. Certainly, I’d miss out on Summer’s to explore our local museums, missions, parks, and zoos and I know they’d really miss my research and ability to expose them to all these experiences. You only get to make these decisions one time in life, so make sure you can stand proud and think you did the best for them.
“You only get to make these decisions one time in life, so make sure you can stand proud and think you did the best for them.”
That’s what makes them so frightening! LOL
I didn’t understand prejudice or hate either growing up because I was exposed to a wide range of beliefs and cultures. I LOVE that I was so naive to those things for so long. I don’t want my children to be sheltered from other religions or cultures, and in a way, at the church school, they will be.
You make a great point though. That is one of the main reasons I am such a champion of public school. It gives everyone a level playing field for success.
My oldest daughter went to private school for Kindergarten in KS. Our area wasn’t well known for its education, and we knew she was already well ahead of what the kindergarten in our public school system was doing. Now, we reside in AL and she attends a public school for 1st grade. There is only one private school here and its not only not our faith, but way out of our budget. I miss her old school so much, so does she. She is bored at her school now, and when I say anything at all to her school about challening her a little more, all they tell me is to do it at home. I am fine doing it at home, we have always read lots of books and played educational games… but I know at her old school they had less students and therefore more time with each child to challenge them. I say, it depends on the school in your area. There are great public schools out there. And if you are lucky enough to be near one, then don’t worry about it. I still stay involved in her school now, I am a very active parent, and tend to be there twice a week doing something! She has only one teacher in her class and there are 22 kids in her class! There are 3 full 1st grade classes in her school. Her teacher is a wonderful teacher, and I know if she was given the ability and had extra time… our daughter would be more challenged at school. But her class is full and there are children in her class who are way behind, so any time the teacher does have, she has to spend with those children getting them up to speed. I have actually been in her classroom helping children on the computer taking tests while the teacher spends time getting other children up to speed on their reading skills. I guess… her school is not necessarily a bad school, its just full. And theres a lot to be said about that. They care so much about their state tests for funding, etc that theres not a lot of educational development time left for the students who are high achievers.
Texas is BIG about our state test. Teachers have to teach for the test and other learning is pushed aside. It’s a shame. It’s good that you are so hands on with your daughter’s school!
I posted earlier about my daughter who is in first grade also. Would your daughter’s teacher be able to give your daughter any second grade/harder homework? At my daughter’s school, they have a homework packet that is due on Friday. Her homework is much tougher and she also had second grade spelling words. I would talk to the principal about having her either work with a second grade teacher so she is challenged or seeing if she can skip a grade (it might be too late for this year). Maybe also suggest the teachers make a parent volunteer schedule. A mom gives the students their spelling test and works on sight words with the kids. Good luck!
I say go private if financially able. We decided to do Charter school for my Kindergardener. We couldnt afford the 6 thousand for private but I wasnt willing to give up our morals and high expectations of education and send her to public just so I could have a break. So she now does Charter school which is technically public school but is done from home, is free, and she is still meeting all of the requirements of the school district.
Charter school, from home, for free. I am intrigued.
I’m so glad I asked this question, there are so many other options out there that I knew nothing about!
Does she do this online?
yes it is online. I have all of the text books, I have all of the work books, they help me with lesson plans, they have a teacher assigned to your child that you can call with ANY questions on any subject or to help you with any issues you may encounter. The school she goes to is Connections Academy. She is in love, its tons of fun, they even have field trips that you can take them on. Not only is it free (books, supplies, guidance, etc) They help us pay for our internet, she got a laptop and printer for her school work also. I have a whole desk just full of her supplies for school. They really work on making the program work for the individual child and are extremely focused on the child success. I honestly only expected to want to do this while we are stationed here with the bad schools but I am now so in love I may continue after this year with all 4 of my children.
Wow! That sounds lovely. I haven’t ever heard of that. I’m glad it’s working so well for your family!
I’d say if you can afford it, go private. Ever since watching various documentaries like, “Waiting for Superman”, I’ve completely changed my attitude towards public schools. I know that those films are biased, but bias aside, I’ve done a plethora of my own research looking at unbiased, peer-reviewed, etc., studies and private/home schooling seems to have the most benefit in most cases. If you do go public, just plan on keeping up with your children’s instructors so that you can give them the one-on-one time they’ll likely be missing in public school. That should make up for a great deal. If you can’t afford and/or can’t justify it, know that one year in half day private “Church Kindergarten” probably isn’t going to make a huge impact on your son’s overall education in the grand scheme of things. You have a mother’s intuition, so when all is said and done, go with your gut and you’ll find the “right” answer. :)
I have been in the situation you are in. My daughter went to private preschool and because of budget reasons we had to put her in public for kindergarten. I kept here there for 1st grade as well but finally had enough when they put 30 kids in a class. We switched her back to private this year and I couldn’t be happier. She had a great teacher for 1st grade who really cared for her class and did everything possible but I was also there every day helping her teacher out because she did care so much. If you can afford the private education then I would go for it. He is not going to be miss out on making friends – things are just different than when we grew up. As for ending up behind most likely he will be ahead of everyone else. Just because Kindergarten is full day doesn’t mean they are getting more education they are just doing extra things – recess, nap, etc. The only benefit of full day is it keeps them busy – which is why my daughter went I don’t feel she learned more than my friend’s kids who went 1/2 day. My daughter is not sheltered from real life at her private school – if anything she has had to deal with more because she has a child with hearing loss and leg braces due to a medical condition – it has really helped her look at everyone as an individual because there are not 30 kids running around. I went to public, private, and home-schooled growing up and I survive everyday and knew more at graduation than my friends who went to public. It is all in how you handle the education process – never take a back seat.
As a mother of 4. I can tell you that if you send him to private school for kindergarden when he gets into the public schools he will be ahead. All my children went to public schools because I could not afford it but looking back Private is the way to go. The sad part of this is if the little one falls behind the teacher will never know it. It is up to you and your husband but as a grandma now Private is the best.
I went to private and public school. When my kids were going to be going to school, I thought we’d go private, but when I met the local (small) public school my kids would be attending and met a Mom that I went to private school with, I instantly asked her all of my questions. Immediately I was sold on our local (free) school because we have constant parent involvement. I am able to be, and I am, VERY involved at the school, so we have that private school feeling in our public school. It’s refreshing. As far as curriculum, it’s very challenging for my kids and they always have homework. As far as social skills, I love the fact that my kids couldn’t imagine why anyone would ever be prejudiced. The kids are completely allowed to discuss their religions. The pledge of allegiance still says “one nation, under God”, and they pledge their allegiance every morning. They can wear crosses or wear a turban, and they feel very comfortable expressing themselves. Our world has more than one religion in it, and unfortunately, the private school I attended didn’t acknowledge that. Understanding and respecting other religions definitely should have been taught at some point.
Overall, my kids get a great education and I supplement their education at home with educational trips on subjects they are covering in school. I think the more involved you are in your child’s education (whether it’s private or public), the better off your child will be. If we chose private school, I would have to go back to work and I don’t know that I would be able to have the same quality experience with my kids during my “off time” from work, and be able to find time for me. Certainly, I’d miss out on Summer’s to explore our local museums, missions, parks, and zoos and I know they’d really miss my research and ability to expose them to all these experiences. You only get to make these decisions one time in life, so make sure you can stand proud and think you did the best for them.
One thing you need to look at is the big picture. Look at your area public lower, middle and high school now. Some areas have a good elementary school but the middle school is not so great or the High School is not. You can save money going to the neighborhood elementary school because some public elementary schools are much like private in the parental involvement and quality of teachers. Then send them to private middle and High School. My kids are grown (in 20’s)and one went to private HS in Houston and the other Public HS. In public HS he had to take all AP classes junior and senior year to get in the top 10%. He did and it is ridiculous! In private HS they counsel you and decide which AP classes are right for you. Like some kids are better in math and science, and some better in english and history. Public HS did not offer any honor classes past Soph year. It was AP or Academic classes. If we would have known that we would have sent him to Private High School. Private High School regular classes are college prep level. Of course they also offer AP. In actuality our Private HS child in regular classes got a much better education than the Public HS child in all AP classes. The private school classes were taught by awesome teachers,who could have a college type class ,not restricted to teaching toward an AP test. There was room for discussions and in depth exploration of the subject.Also in the college prep Private school the parents all seem to value education,they are paying a lot for it! In the public school so many parents just want their kids to make A’s so they put them in Academic classes. They do not want their kid to have to work too hard. And many kids drop out Senior Year. Your class rank can drop! In private HS that never happened. That being said there are a few awesomePublic Schools in Houston but it is costly to buy a house in that area. Take time to talk to moms in your area with middle and HS age kids. Remember no school is perfect! If your child just reads,reads,reads while growing up that is a key to educational success! Also be your child’s advocate,stay involved!
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Hi Heather,
I just came across your blog and waneed to know on your decision. Did you go private or public? Either decision and why?
I have a little one going to kindergarten this year and I’m still torn between publuc and private. The local elementary school is small and seems likes it’s a close knot community. I will keep her there until 5th grade then switch her to private school.
Your response will be truly appreciated #
We went with Public school! Both of our children are now in public school and we could not be happier. It’s been great. Next decision will be junior high, not looking forward to that one, LOL.
Our decision to go public was mainly because, like you, we are zoned for a small, very involved elementary school. I have found that by being very active in the PTA, my children have benefited from my involvement in the school in very positive ways! I think regardless which route you end up taking, your involvement as the parent is what will make or break your child’s elementary school experience!
Wanted, public, knit, appreciated. Sorry for the misspellings.