Public or Private schooling??

Karla - posted on 01/21/2009

I live in a small town as well and have two children 14 and 4; my 14 year old attended public school until 6th grade and I started my now 4yr old in private school.  My personal preferance is the private Christian school they are both in.  They just received their standard test scores back and compared to the public schools they are far more advanced and that is wonderful but compared to the attitudes and respect children have in todays society I would say private school children's esteem  and attitudes are alot more positive.  I'm sold on the Christian Private school, the cost is great and I'm a single mother without financial support from the fathers but I make the sacrafice because I really believe it is making a differance in my children's lives and the world.

Tara - posted on 01/21/2009

I am struggling to make the same decision. My oldest enters kindergarten in the fall and I don't want to deny him a Christian education, but he has Autism Spectrum Disorder (very high functioning) and the Christian school has less adequate special ed services. I've decided to send him to the public school and get a homeschool Bible curriculum to use with him in the evenings. I haven't started and have no idea how well it will work, but I think it's the best way to get him a well rounded education.

Valerie - posted on 01/21/2009

I think it really depends on your area and what you're looking for. I was a public school teacher until my daughter was born and I tend to lean that direction. Mainly because I like to have the opportunities to witness to other parents at the public schools as I work with them in PTAs and such. However, my disclaimer would be that we live in a good school district. If the schools in our area were rough, I would then be considering private school for my child's safety. Either way you can't go wrong if you pray about it and follow God's leading!

Marlene - posted on 01/19/2009

Wow, thanks ladies, I will keep your suggestions and comments in mind. I really want him to go to a private school, I was thinking of homeschooling but I don't think I can go through it. Although he already knows the alphabet, numbers up to 20, some geography and the days and months of the year...he's only 2.5..so I think I've done good so far... = P Thanks again!

Tonya - posted on 01/19/2009

My son will be starting kindergarten in the fall at a private Christian school.  When we were trying to decide it helped us to talk to other parents and children of christian schools.  We found that this helped us see all sides of the picture.  Maybe you could call the school(s) you are considering and ask for one of their parents to call you if you don't personally know any.  The school we have chosen has a mentor/mentee type program for new people to the school.  Maybe the ones you are considering do too. 

Traci - posted on 01/19/2009

my hubby went to a private Christian school until he was in high school, we personally lean toward private because of the curriculum that is taught there but due to the cost we are going to be homeschooling since I stay at home anyway.  I have to say we aren't opposed to anything and each child (and school) is diff.

Mandy - posted on 01/18/2009

My brother in law is going through this same decision. We've talked pros and cons on both. As of now the private school is winning because they have bible study everyday as well as church on Wednesday's. Also the private school isn't as crowded so there is more one on one. I'm not sure this helps you but thought i'd throw it in here. I'll say a prayer for you as you wait for His guidence.

Lisa Hershberger- - posted on 01/18/2009

I have 2 sons and they are both in different schools.  We live in a small county so most of the schools here are pretty good.  My oldest is in public school and is doing really well.  Our youngest is in private school.  He is doing really well there.  I love them both!  I like the private school as far as the opportunitys he has there that he wouldn't get in a public school.  Some examples is spanish in grade school, chapel,  mission trips, and christmas plays are really about the true meaning of christmas.  At his school everyone knows everyone.  The biggest problem with private is figuring out how to pay.  Does the school your looking at have some help with tuition?  I would say to faithfully pray about it.