public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

Ok so my son will begin kindergarten in September. I am extremely anxious because of common core and research that shows children are being pushed before they are developmentally ready. I have always been an advocate of slow transitions and allowing kids to develop at their own pace.

Stories I hear from parents have me nervous that if children don't enjoy kindergarten it will be hard to reverse that feeling.

I am a product of catholic schools and I struggle with the decision of where to send my children to school. Obviously high property taxes is a deterrent.

I know that private schools have more freedom to teach as they choose than public schools. I guess I am looking for opinions/experience and advice.

Also my children were baptized Lutheran. There are not as many lutheran schools as catholic. Are their options limited to only lutheran schools?

Sorry if this seems scattered but my mind has been racing with the advantages and disadvantages since registration is coming up quickly.
TIA

public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

I would look into the specific school and call them, since most private ones I looked into (religious included) do in fact follow common core curriculum.

public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

we took both of our kids out of public school. not so much for common core, but because they were bored and nobody would help them reach their potential. they were left to kill time. they are in 2 different private schools, what is right for one child isn't always right for both. and both kids are happy in their school, they are both non denominational, and neither one of them follows common core in the strict sense. they kind of do their own thing, integrating what they feel is appropriate of common core. in my son's school, they take regents exams, so in those classes, they have to adapt in order for the kids to take the exams. but other than those classes, they do what they want. they don't take all of the state tests, that public schools take, since they are reliant on the scores for funding. but its not cheap to go to private and the only thing your taxes will cover is the cost of the busing, and their text books. in some cases, that is worth it, but if the school is local, you're losing out on a lot of your tax dollars.

Re: public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

My son went to Catholic school for Kindergarten. There were kids there who were Lutheran, so I dont suspect you would have any issues.

As for CC teaching, I know his old Catholic school is now using common core. We moved my son to public school in 1st grade, and I have to say maybe its the teachers he has had in 1st and 2nd, maybe its the district, who knows. But I am beyond happy with his teachers thus far, they have made him love learning even more, they have encouraged and challenged him to reach higher.

I loved his catholic school experience as well!

Re: public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

Just to let you know, no, you are not limited to only Lutheran schools. SOME schools do require proof of Catholic baptism; however, that is untrue for most.

I attended Catholic schools my entire life. Yes, the majority of students were Catholic, but we had students, and teachers from various faiths: Hinduism, Judaism, etc.

Message edited 1/16/2015 8:24:18 PM.

Re: public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

I think the question is hard to answer by making broad generalizations about public v. private school, because it's probably somewhat school dependent, so I would research carefully.

I went to Catholic grade school (K-8) and a public high school. My son is currently in kindergarten and I sent him to public school. We live in a good school district, and I believe in public education, plus, I liked the idea of him going to school with kids in our neighborhood.

Here are my thoughts, based on my experience/observation:

1) How the schools implement common core, and the emphasis placed on teaching to the test and that sort of thing, seems to vary by public school district a bit. I feel like the school my son attends -- while definitely implementing the common core -- does it in a kinder, gentler way, and has more of a whole child approach. He has homework, but not an inappropriate amount, and he still has centers, play time, etc. It's full day kindergarten. Neighboring districts seem to have different approaches -- one neighboring district seems a bit more rigid in the common core implementation, and another neighboring district seems to have less homework in K, start reading groups, later, etc. So I'd try to get more info about your district and specific school.

2) I think there are definitely advantages to Catholic school (e.g., making sacraments, getting a religious education), but there are also some drawbacks. My opinion is that Catholic school tends to work well for students that are on par with average and don't have any unique needs... be it special education needs, or advanced/enrichment/gifted programs. I know of someone who was sending their daughter to a local Catholic school, but ultimately switched her to the public school because she was having trouble with reading, and the Catholic school just didn't have the resources (number of reading specialists, etc.) to implement the type of help the mom felt she needed. I am sure this is not true of every school or every case, but I would definitely look into what the Catholic schools that you might consider offer.

Also, with many Catholic elementary schools closing, and Catholic schools becoming "district schools" -- they have gotten bigger, in many instances, including larger class sizes.

3) I wouldn't let religion be a deterrent, as I recall being in Catholic school with kids that were Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, etc. Not everyone was Catholic. But everyone still had to attend church with the class, participate in religion class, etc., so I guess you would need to evaluate your own comfort level with your children being exposed, on a daily basis, to a religion that is not their own.

Re: public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

Thank you for all your thoughts and observations. I guess I should find people within my district that have had kids in kindergarten in the last year or two.

Re: public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

Re: public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

I was worried about the same, and also went to private school myself. I wanted to put DS in private (4yo starting K) but couldn't justify taxes w tuition.,he is now in first and I'm so glad he is in public. He loves it and is doing great

public school vs. private school (Lutheran??)

We weren't sure what to do when DS was entering K. We visited a few schools (including public) and chose what we felt was right for him.

Everything varies so much by district and by school. I've talked to moms who have moved their children to my son's Catholic school and they say their kids are behind and have to catch up. I'm sure there are some public school districts that would be ahead. Our school basically follows common core but they don't focus on testing and if they feel something isn't appropriate or doesn't make sense, they don't teach it (several times, DS came home with math homework and didn't do parts - said he didn't learn them because the teacher said they were stupid - she probably didn't use that word but you get the idea).

I don't think any one school is perfect for every child. You need to talk to parents from any school you are considering to get honest feedback, both good and bad. Visits to the schools are important too, especially while they are actually holding classes. It gives you a good look into the day to day operations of the school, and the "vibe" if you'd call it that.