Private vs Public school

I have a few years until my DD goes to school but just was wondering if people contemplated this decision at all...

I thought I was always for public schools but then started to consider single-sex schools....

Just curious if anyone weighed out the options (I'm upstate so the school districts you're considering are different)


TIA

Re: Private vs Public school

I was seriously contemplating private school, but now I'm leaning more towards public.

My district seems to be really good. The private schools in my area have less resources, and the student teacher ratios are the same.

I would say it really depends on your district and the private schools in your area. We don't have any single gender schools here or I would have definitely considered it.

Re: Private vs Public school

I think you need to visit the schools and learn more about them. I was not against public school, especially since we live in what is considered to be a very good district, but after visiting and attending some pre-kindergarten functions there, as well as visiting and learning more about some of the Catholic schools, we chose a Catholic school. We also visited a Catholic school that I would not want to send my DS to. It all depends what you are looking for and what is a good fit for your child.

Re: Private vs Public school

My son is in Kindergarten now and we are switching him to Catholic school next year and my two youngest will go to Catholic also. My reasons were:

1- Our district was superb two years ago, and is now in financial distress like many are. Busing has been cut, class sizes are increasing and specials like art and music will be no more. To play a sport it will be $500 per child, with no cap per family.

2- Catholic school has controlled class sizes, special programs, and a smaller community feel. Plus I like that my kids will get relgion in school and we won't have to do that at night.

3- Our school district is HUGE and every few years the kids change schools (K-1 in one school, 2-6 in one school, 7-8, etc). The classes change each year also, so they will never have the same kids in their classes each year. I don't like that. I want them to go to school with kids who they've formed bonds with since Kindergarten.

4- I like that my kids will be in a school with other children whose families are instilling similar values in them. I honestly feel bullying and some other common problems are less in a private school becuase children with bad behavior can be asked to leave the school. I'm not ignorant and know that every school has its challenges, but from my experience these are more controlled in a private environment.

5- In my particular district, the cuts they are starting will affect the ability for kids to take classes above the state minimum and I don't want a state minimum education for my kids. I want them to be challendge and expected to learn. I fear that in my district teachers simply wont be able to give the students the attention they need.