public school??

Michelle - posted on 11/21/2008

Our church has a school in our town. In going to that school, my daughter will go to mass daily until 6th grade, and she will have theology classes and what not. She would also be exposed to other children from families with similar moral expectations. The course work is more challenging and the high school program is more college prep oriented. The only real draw back is the difference in extra cirricular programs and classes. Her father attended the catholic school and he switched to public his junior year, just so he could play a different class of football and take shop classes. But even with the catholic school, I worry about the outside influences. The public school in my area seems to be FULL of problem children, I have even heard parents say, "It's just what kids do these days", as though suspensions and explusions are now a part of growing up!?!? Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice. And I will certainly pray on the matter!!

Dana - posted on 11/21/2008

Sarah,

I hear you, but you need not concern yourself with the good of the public school system. It hasnt been working for many years...long before your daughter was born. You must only concern yourself with your little one. God has entrusted you with her, and her education is a huge part of it. God may already be nudging you toward homeschooling...read the book I posted earlier....it may give you some clarity. It really helped me know I could do this!! It's been great so far. Pray for discernment. He will give it to you.

Sarah - posted on 11/21/2008

My daughter is only 9 months and I have the same concerns!! I'm torn, because public school is a public resource and if we put all the "non-problem" kids (I hate that term, but can't think of a better one -- sorry) in private or home schools, what will happen to the public system. On the other hand, she's my daughter and I want the best for her.

Lori - posted on 11/21/2008

Anita made some good points, but I think it varies from child to child, school to school. If a child is not strong enough to stand as the "different" one, then peer pressure can take over. And our decision to homeschool is as much about the education as anything. Our school system isn't very good and I felt I wasted alot of my education there. This curriculum allows my daughter to progress at HER pace...so she is truly learning. Some kids need 60 minutes to learn something, but the class is over in 45 mins. But they move on. A teacher at the front of a classroom lecturing is in one ear and out the other with my daughter. She has a different learning style that I can tap in to at home. Just some thoughts. It's a tough decision. Anita is right....pray about it and God will direct you and make it clear. You will have a peace about it.

Anita - posted on 11/21/2008

I went through public school all my school life and we plan to send our son to the local public school. I feel that it made me stronger as a person to have to stand up for my beliefs in an environment where I was the christian kid. I know I helped me to be who I am and my relationship with God. There is some to be said for church schools too but this could be just what they need. God will lead if you ask him.
Anita

Terri - posted on 11/20/2008

Home school

Kim - posted on 11/20/2008

I agree, my daugter will be 2 in January and I feel the same way. I taught in public school for 5 years before she was born and do not want to send her there if I can keep from it. We are planning to send our daughter to a Christian school when the time comes - it is more expensive, but we think it will be worth it to keep her safer and away from so much "junk".

Dana - posted on 11/20/2008

I was a teacher of public school and private school, and thought my kids would attend where I taught. Life took a different change for us when we adopted 3 preschool children and I decided to stay home. I thought I would still send them to school, but God really nudged me in the direction of homeschooling. This is our first year, with my oldest in Kindergarten and doing preschool with the girls. I feel God has affirmed this is the right decision for our family. If you homeschool, you have to be connected and committed. I HIGHLY recommend the book The First Year of Homeschooling by Linda Dobson. It is an unbiased look at all of the different types of homeschooling. Pray specifically about it...God will give you clarity. I applaud you for thinking of this ahead of time. Blessings to you.

Lori - posted on 11/19/2008

I think each school district is different. My son went to public school until 5th grade. Then we had him in a private school until 10th. I homeschooled him the last two years. (he was so over "school") My daughter went to a private school until 3rd grade and I've homeschooled her ever since(Now 7th). My 5 yr old is homeschooled.... We actually are doing the State sponsored Virtual School, which is a nice combination. It's not as flexible as homeschooling, but the curriculum is laid out for you...the materials are sent to you for free...and you have a "teacher" that stays in contact and does some virtual teaching online. It's neat. My girls love it! We do school from 9 am -2 pm at the latest...then we have the whole day as a family....no homework! They have time for sports, drama, dance or voice. We don't have to stress about homework..staying out late....we just go and have fun. If we stay out late, we sleep in and get started a little later. I love having my kids at home. YES! Some days I want to pull all my hair out...but I believe being a parent is about sacrifice. Once you have a child, you should do everything possible to give them the best...whatever you think that is. My kids are so active in extra curricular activities....more than they would be if they were in school. We are in homeschool groups, PE groups, dance/voice groups, drama groups, gymnastics.....and cheerleading. We go on field trips with other homeschool parents and stay so plugged in with each other. I KNOW what they are learning and can always tie it in to whatever we are doing. BUT if you homeschool, you need a support system of mentors/friends, homeschool groups, etc. The first year is tough!

Allison - posted on 11/19/2008

Wow, great responses already. Ask around to other moms of school age children. Where are your fears coming from? Did you attend public school and have a bad experience?

I teach in a public school, yet I attended private school. I love the public school where I teach. It focuses on anti-bullying and does everything possible to help every child to feel included.



There are always so many questions about our children's futures. I know God will give you peace about your decision when the time comes.

Melody - posted on 11/19/2008

Everyone is right, public school is not all bad. I have the best of both worlds at my home! My two oldest children are visually impaired and were in public school until they were in 3rd & 5th grade. I got tired of fighting with the school system about the fact that they knew what my children needed better than I did. So, three years ago I decided to homeschool both of them, after lots and lots of praying. I also have a six year old who has been in the public school system since Pre-K and is now in 1st grade. He loves school, kindergarten was a little rough. I think that his teacher didn't like little boys too much and my sons personality clashed with hers. His teacher this year is wonderful! I also have a 2 year old at home that will be attending public school when he gets older. For my family, the only reason we made the decision to homeschool was because of my childrens visual impairments. I think you need to pray about what is right for your family, you know your child better than anyone else. I will be praying that God will guide you in the direction He wants you to go with your child.

Adrienne - posted on 11/19/2008

I have my7 year old son and 5 year old daughter in public school and it was the right thing for us. We prayed about it and it just felt right for us. I have a son who is ADD and has visual Dylexsia and at the public school he can get what he needs. His principal is a christian as well as some teachers, so public is not all bad. Pray about it and look up the school in your area and get all the feedback on it. Visit it too and see for yourself.

Gabriella - posted on 11/19/2008

It is something to be concerned about. I did a lot of praying. My daughter went to Kindergarten and then I homeschooled 1st grade. It was a disaster for me because I had 1 toddler and a colicky baby underfoot. I sent her back to public school for the 2nd grade. Now she's in the 6th grade in public school. I still think homeschooling is the best option, if you're able. I thought grade school was a fairly safe place. However, middle school is altogether something else. I don't feel like my children have been corrupted since they are in public school. Yes, we have had to deal with issues but we work through them. I really use it as a tool to teach my children about life, how to be, and how not to be.