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))))