Private school vs. public

Did anyone decide to put dc in private over public? What were your reasons?

Always thought I would put dc in public, but I'm hesitating. Feel like the class size is too large and he would be better off with a smaller school and class size. I'm dreading him attending his public K and not sure what to do. I did find a private that I love so much but I am frozen right now!

Re: Private school vs. public

We considered private schools but after going through orientation at our public school, I think we're OK to send him to his elementary school around the corner.

Money was a huge factor (because we have three DCs -- it'll add up quickly when they're all in school) but I also like the sense of community at our neighborhood school. Most of the classmates have known each other since they were toddlers in our library programs

Re: Private school vs. public

My kids are in private school. It's just how I grew up (Catholic school) and I wanted the same for my children. The public schools where I live are fine and I'd have no hesitation sending them there if we ever had to.

I love the small school, family atmosphere. The uniforms, the discipline, the respect taught. I am not overly religious either, but I value and appreciate what they are taught.

My kids also participate in community wide sports and other programs, so they know all the kids in their age group.

It wasn't an easy decision, but one were happy with so far.

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Re: Private school vs. public

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I do not have DCs yet; however, I attended Catholic school my entire life and want the same when I have children. The sense of community at my schools was unbelievable, and I love how the values were a part of my daily learning experience.

When I look back, I really appreciate what I had, and I am a huge supporter of my high school (Holy Trinity).

Re: Private school vs. public

Our DS has not started yet, but after doing a lot of research, we decided on private and I am so happy with our decision. The learning environment and philosophy of the school really struck a cord with me. It is so important to me that my kids love learning, and this school really fosters that. I am so excited for them to start.

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I send my boys to public school. I was deliberate in my choice of neighborhood because I wanted a smaller district and a good community feel. Private school was a consideration for only a moment for Robbie when it was suggested that he attend a specialized school in Huntington – but even with scholarship and tuition assistance it was not in our budget and with the crazy school taxes on Long Island I felt that it was in our best interest to take advantage of that investment. I appreciate that the majority of my son’s friends live nearby and that they are growing up together – going through youth sports and community events together as well as being in class together.

On the other hand, I like that private schools expand the neighborhood a little bit so it isn’t all about the small universe of kids who live in a 5 mile radius.

For me.. as a happy product of public school.. the idea of sending them to private school was really never very prominent. I’m pleased with the education they get, the friends they have made and the sense of community they are developing. I work hard to make sure that our work at home is a compliment and an enhancement to what they get at school, so I have never really felt that they are ‘cheated’ by my choice. Maybe they will feel differently and will choose private school for college or for their own kids!


Your kids can be successful in either environment! Good luck!

Message edited 5/17/2013 2:07:41 PM.

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My DCs are not in school yet, but we are sending them to public for elementary, and then we are giving them the option of public v. private for HS (I know DH is hoping they choose private).

Private school vs. public

We are looking into private schools for my boys. May I ask- what private school did you look at and fall in love with? For the others- what private school do they attend?

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Private school vs. public

Message edited 4/3/2014 1:17:46 AM.

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my situation is different. My DS misses the cut off for our public school by a few days. Yet he was very ready for Kindergarten. We decided to send him to catholic school a year early and then depending on how he did both academically and emotionally we would move him back to public school and either to K or 1st grade.

I love his catholic school. I do have some concerns but nothing that would keep me from sending him there in the future. He is enrolled in first grade for next year in public school because we live in a great district, everyone I know raves about the elem school he will go to, and we pay $$$$$ in taxes. So we decided to try the public school but we all (DH, myself and DS) agree if we dont feel its the right environment for him we will move him back to catholic school in a heartbeat.

Re: Private school vs. public

Posted by rojerono

I send my boys to public school. I was deliberate in my choice of neighborhood because I wanted a smaller district and a good community feel. Private school was a consideration for only a moment for Robbie when it was suggested that he attend a specialized school in Huntington – but even with scholarship and tuition assistance it was not in our budget and with the crazy school taxes on Long Island I felt that it was in our best interest to take advantage of that investment. I appreciate that the majority of my son’s friends live nearby and that they are growing up together – going through youth sports and community events together as well as being in class together.

On the other hand, I like that private schools expand the neighborhood a little bit so it isn’t all about the small universe of kids who live in a 5 mile radius.

For me.. as a happy product of public school.. the idea of sending them to private school was really never very prominent. I’m pleased with the education they get, the friends they have made and the sense of community they are developing. I work hard to make sure that our work at home is a compliment and an enhancement to what they get at school, so I have never really felt that they are ‘cheated’ by my choice. Maybe they will feel differently and will choose private school for college or for their own kids!


Your kids can be successful in either environment! Good luck!

Message edited 5/21/2013 9:17:55 PM.

Private school vs. public

DD will be attending private K in the fall. She missed the K cutoff, so we had to keep her in daycare/pre-k for an extra year. We discovered an independant day school and absolutely love it, and what it has done for her this past year. DH & I had a huge debate about it because we are both a product of public school on LI.

Ultimately however, the smaller class size, the curriculum (which cannot be duplicated in public school), the atmosphere, and watching her thrive over the last year, lead us to decide to enroll her for K.