Oh boy, what have we done?!?!

[catnapper]

We've had a LOT of problems with the local public school over the past few years, and this year they broke the last straw when my youngest daughter was out sick with strep throat, then sick again with Mono. (poor girls' had a hard junior year.... broke left foot, then got sick with strep, then mono, then sprained her right foot.... you can see the crutches from the sprain of last week ) Anyhow, the school was a nightmare to deal with during all of it..... too much to go into in one little thread, just take our word that we are plenty justified in spending money we honestly don't have in order to give her the education she needs to prepare her for college.

We just aren't putting up with public school anymore, so we enrolled her in the local private school. The tuition will kill us but we feel its worth every penny for her to get the education she deserves. We were told that for next year, we'll most likely get a HUGE scholarship based on our finances (woohoo, finally a good thing coming from being broke!) and my inlaws paid for half this year's tuition.

Soooo, today I went and officially disenrolled her from public school and enrolled her at the private school. She is totally embarassed by the uniform but I think she's also secretly happy that she no longer has to fret about dressing to impress the snobs.

Of course I HAD to take a photo of her modeling her new uniform I doubt she'll let me take "first day of school" photo tomorrow (LOL)

(10 points for those who spot Allen first and who can spot my wet food stock pile )

I hope this is all worth it. I was completely impressed by everyone I spoke with and am confident that this is the BEST move for her. Her grades have slipped big-time this year, and not just because she was sick. And her confidence has slipped. This will help her get her grades and confidence back up.

PS: Please no comments on cost. We have looked at this and realize that its what we need to do as responsible parents. You have no idea what we've endured with this public school. The tuition and cost is not something we ignored or took lightly. We debated this for many months and now that I've got a job, we decided to do it.

[critter crazy]

i think that is fabulous!!! i have been contemplatin private school for my son, espacilly since he needs more one on one attention. I think you have done what is best for your daughter! good for you!!

[Twisterdog]

If there was a private school anywhere in our county, I would have sold a kidney to send my son there. You are fortunate to have the opportunity! I'm sure she will be much happier.

[kimlovescats]

I see Allen's flashlight eyes in the left doorway .. and your wetfood stash to the right under the cabinet! WHAT DID I WIN, huh huh???

Now, I think you did a great thing for her and tell her she looks very cute in her uniform ... but quit hiding that pretty face I KNOW she has!

[CathyBogart]

When my brother had an 8" long spiral fracture of his femur and was in a body cast...the public school he went to was a NIGHTMARE to deal with. I don't blame you at all.

[jenluckenbach]

From personal experience, you have probably done the BEST thing. I was moved to a private (non-religious) school in 8th grade and flourished.

Good luck to her.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Your daughter is very lucky to have such great parents!!

btw, she looks great in that uniform!!

[Pam]

I applaud you for doing this. Both of my children went to a private school from grades 6-12 (religious). It was something my husband and I knew we had to do. It is a financial sacrifice but I can't think of a better way to invest one's money. Our children are way more important than any tangible thing we might like to buy. Oh and yes I did see Allen's *headlight eyes* immediately. I had to look a little harder for the food.

[catnapper]

Somebody is nervous this morning. She came to me and confessed that she just threw up and is pale. I said, "its just nerves." I don't think she believes me I can't blame her for being nervous. She went to the same school since kindergarten. This is a huge step for her, and like the guidance counselor at the new school said, "very brave" for making this change.

Thanks everyone for the support. We're all a bit nervous and hoping this is the right thing. Its a Catholic school and she's not Catholic (but I am). I went to Catholic school up til 8th grade and was crushed when my parents told me they wouldn't be able to afford high school. I think she'll like it there.

[BOBS DAD]

I think the outfit looks very snappy and she looks cute in it. Something about a person in uniform. Wishing her and you the very best of luck!!!

[sirrahbed]

Kim - our youngest two transfered to private school when Jason was a junior and Missy was (I think) in 8th grade. The first year was tough for Jason but his senior year was the best ever. Missy absolutely flourished there. She also had gone K-7 at the same school system and with the same people. I hope she chimes in here because we have often talked about the differences with them and they have good insight on why public school is so much more stressful.

Hubby sirrahbed has taught in both public and private and though he now subs at a public school, his memories of the private school are so much better and happier.

Our school was a Christian school but that is not the only reason we found it so good. Teachers were there because they wanted to be. Parents worked closely with the kids and teachers both because they were making this investment.

Because hubby was on the faculty, we only paid half tuition but it was difficult financially since the salary was only about 20K.

I think you will be very happy with the parochial school, Kim. Being Catholic does not matter. School is not church. It may be hard initially but so worth it once your daughter starts to fit in and make new friendships. I hope you are able to involve yourself in some way as you have time. Having parents part of the equation is so important I think.

Granddaughters Misha and Annika will be homeschooled and then to private school later on. No public school for them. Tyler will go to public school because the schools where they live are highly rated. It all depends on where you live also.

Take care, hang in there and things will smooth out. I think the uniform looks really cute on her. Looking the same as everyone else removes tremnedous peer pressure from the kids. I agree with that concept completely.

(((HUGS))))

[catnapper]

Thanks Deb ((((hugs)))))

The sad thing is the school she is transferring from is one of the best in the state. Scary to think its so highly regarded and we had so many issues.... what is going on in the other schools? Or is the reason we had so many problems the fact that we're broke and everyone else has money to make the administrators jump? It seems everyone with money gets exactly what their kid needs, and we got nothing but hassle.

I just dropped her off and she's the third new student TODAY (but to be fair its also the perfect time to start since its the beginning of a whole new semester). Another kid was from her school and even in a coupe of her classes. What does that tell you?

In a strange coincidence, hubby attended the same school when he was her age, for many of the same reasons. But the prinicpal REALLY laid a guilt trip on thick about none of us attending church reguarly. He told her she HAD to go and be baptised, confirmed, etc in order to really get the full experience. She was like, "Uh, I'll get right on that " I agree we should start going to church as a family, but she doesn't need to push 12 years of sacriments into one year just because she's attending a Catholic high school.

[Pam]

Kim "when in Rome do as the Romans do." She is now entering a new school with a different set of priorities. A religious school will have its emphasis on religious things. Here's wishing for a good transition for your daughter. It's nice that she actually already knows one of the students.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I think it's great! I'm sure she will feel at home there in no time.

I never attended a private school, though I wish I had. My sister went to a private school and enjoyed school so much more than I did. She hated public school and every day my parents had to fight her to go. After they put her in private school she looked forward to going!

My husband went to private school up until high school, then he decided to attend public school, I'm glad he did, that's where we met. I think the reason he wanted to go to public school was because his mom taught at the private school and he wanted a little more independence and freedom.

Justin and I both hope to be able to put our kids through private school.

[catlover4ever]

A pat on the back to you for doing this.

I too see Allen in the back of the photo...you can not miss those glowing eyes.