Public School vs. Private School

Mylene - posted on 10/13/2010

Drugs were minimal for us.. There were some as there are some everywhere but it wasn't a big issue. Most did have money to buy them but I've only heard of one instance where someone actually had them at school and she got kicked out. Any suspicion of drug possession would get your locker and all personal belongings raided by the school admins. The public school beside us had a rampant drug problem but this doesn't surprise me as we lived in the drug capital of Qc... Kids in public school would find money to buy the drugs or get them from their parents and make some quick cash by selling it at school. We were in a small town with middle class families mostly...



goes to say that the choice of the school is much more important than whether it is private or not...

Nikki - posted on 10/12/2010

I really think it depends on the school, I have liaised with many schools over the years through my work and I can't think of an argument for either side. From my perspective the head master was the most important influence of the quality of the school. I think when I go to make my decision I will be spending some time at our local schools to meet the teachers, have a look at how the curriculum is taught, resources etc.

I think it also has a lot to do with the socio-economic area that you are in as well, I am all for public schools that are in a good area, but call me a bitch I don't know that I would be keen to send my daughter to a school in a lower income/welfare area. On the other side I remember from my school days, particularly high school there were more drugs in the private schools because the kids had the money to buy them. So who knows, I am no help!

Mylene - posted on 10/12/2010

Well, I think that changing from Quebec to Ontario education system can't really be measured by grade as the Quebec system is SO different... It's hard to say that so and so is behind 2 grade compared to the Ontarian kids when Quebec has only 11 grade and has CEGEP. Ontario has 12 grades a a much different education system past that... I have a friend who's daugthers moved from QC to Ontario schools... I'll talk with her and let you know what she says.

Cynthia - posted on 10/12/2010

Hi Mylene,

I live in Quebec too so I'm really interested in your experience. A friend of mine who lives here as well did the research and she said the schools here are not up to par with Ontario's. She indicated that if a child was to transfer to an Ontario school from Quebec they would be behind in education by 1-2 grades. She's pretty thorough with her research and her mom is a public school teacher as well so she was able to get a lot of info from her. Now I don't know if this is necessarily true or not but I'm finding it hard to argue with her logic. She's going to transfer her daughter to an Ontario school and pay the cross province monthly fee. Ahhh, this is so frustrating! Grrrr

Mylene - posted on 10/12/2010

Well to start, I went to private school for 5 years in Quebec... the education system is 6 years of grade school and 5 years of what we call High School, then off to college... So I did private school for "High School" Which for you guys would be grade 7-11. (we graduate in grade 11)





I went to private school and thought the programs offered to me were of much better quality than what the public school was offering me. I completed the International Studies Program which had enriched English, French Literature, English Literature, More history, work methodology, Development and technology, etc... which were all done in the same schedule as the regular program. I needed that extra material to push my abilities and prevent me from getting bored and slacking off (ok I still did that but less than I would have in a regular program). I liked the values instilled by the school (catholic school) but were not pushed as a NEED to be christian but rather as a NEED to be a good person. We did have religion classes focused on christian faith but they still offered a look at all other religions. For me, it was the best option. My sister went to public school and she is doing just fine. She was in athletics and that is what was the best for her. private schools around her were far and did not offer good volleyball programs. (She lived with my mom, I lived with my dad)



I am sure some private school do not offer the quality of education and that some public schools have better programs... I think the important part is to look at the school itself and the programs offered in it. Whatever suits your child and your family best is the best option. Quality education can be given in private or public establishments. Visit the schools, discuss with the principal and teachers, ask to stand at the back of one or more classes. Get their flyers, curriculum, school policies, etc.



Being informed is the key IMO.

Cynthia - posted on 10/11/2010

Thanks ladies. I know there are good & bad schools no matter which system you use. I guess I'll have to research it more. The public grade school he will be going to is the best in the City so I'm not too concerned about that right now. I'm more worried about after, when he heads off to highschool. I guess I'm worrying about it a little too soon. lol

JuLeah - posted on 10/10/2010

There are good public schools and good private schools. There are bad public and bad private .... both require parent involvment if you want your kids to get the most out of it.
I think it is about what fits your family and your child .... what you are looking for .... both have good things to offer

Chatty - posted on 10/10/2010

I think there's pros and cons to both but for me, it's more important to enroll our daughter is a great school, whether it's public or private. I'll be interested to see what others have to say. Sorry I couldn't be of any help.