Home School vs. Public school vs. Private school

[BC_MoM]

Yeah, I guess it does. My public school now is fairly large, so you recognize faces, but can't place names. I'm lovin' it! haha

[critter crazy]

My son goes to public school, and it is a great school. But I think he would be more suited in Private school. He needs more one on one attention, and I think a private school could offer that better. Not realy all that sure tho, as I havent realy looked into it, cause I know darn well we could never afford it.

[IRescue452]

In our town the private school goes up to 8th grade and then the students go to public with the rest of us or go to another district. The private school kids were incredibly far behind us in everything but math. It seems math is the only thing they could learn completely in a private school without any controversy. I would never send my own kids to private school.

Another thing, kids in private school are in more danger of messing up in the real world. They barely learn about drugs, much less how to avoid them. They believe myths about sex that could get them in bad situations. They just aren't prepared for the real world. Also, more kids in the private school in our town did drugs and drank than those in public school. Had they gone to public school, they'd have learned that we make fun of the kids who do drugs. Instead, they were sheltered and learned that those kinds of things are "rebellious and cool". Take something away from kids, and they'll want it more.

[sparks19]

In our town the private school goes up to 8th grade and then the students go to public with the rest of us or go to another district. The private school kids were incredibly far behind us in everything but math. It seems math is the only thing they could learn completely in a private school without any controversy. I would never send my own kids to private school.

Another thing, kids in private school are in more danger of messing up in the real world. They barely learn about drugs, much less how to avoid them. They believe myths about sex that could get them in bad situations. They just aren't prepared for the real world. Also, more kids in the private school in our town did drugs and drank than those in public school. Had they gone to public school, they'd have learned that we make fun of the kids who do drugs. Instead, they were sheltered and learned that those kinds of things are "rebellious and cool". Take something away from kids, and they'll want it more.

This really shows the differences where you live can make.... my brother was sent to private school BECAUSE he was starting to get in a bad crowd that drank and did drugs (going into grade 9 so that makes them what? 14?)

At his private school (although I suspect this probably shouldn't be taken as the norm as it is insanely expensive... luckily his mom can afford it) they are far more advanced than the public highschools he would have been in. I think it has helped him deal with the real world better than public school did or would have. Of course... starting out in a military school ALSO REALLY made a difference. He has a lot of freedom at his private school... but he also had to learn that with that freedom came responsibility and in turn responsibility for his actions. It is a Co Ed private school as well.

[ramanth]

Another thing, kids in private school are in more danger of messing up in the real world. They barely learn about drugs, much less how to avoid them. They believe myths about sex that could get them in bad situations. They just aren't prepared for the real world. Also, more kids in the private school in our town did drugs and drank than those in public school. Had they gone to public school, they'd have learned that we make fun of the kids who do drugs. Instead, they were sheltered and learned that those kinds of things are "rebellious and cool". Take something away from kids, and they'll want it more.

I see the truth of that first hand in my own husband. He attended a Lutheran school grades K-12. I wouldn't necessarily say it was a private school but the class sizes were small and the teachings obviously different then that of a public school.

He lived a very sheltered life and our marriage is suffering because of it. It's very frustrating.

On the other hand, his brother who attended the same school, acted out and fell into a bad crowd with drinking and drugs and lost his license to a DUI and has a very bitter and negative outlook of the world around him.

[Karen]

I forgot to mention that my parents moved to my hometown because the public schools there were better than in their own hometown. As a parent, you can choose what school district and what public schools your child will attend by "voting with your feet" - a.k.a. moving. And there are things to look for in researching a town's schools as well, like whether they encourage parental involvement, how long people have been teaching there, etc. It should always be a conscious decision on a parent's part. I went to public school K-12, Paul went to private all but two years around junior high.

[critter crazy]

I forgot to mention that my parents moved to my hometown because the public schools there were better than in their own hometown. As a parent, you can choose what school district and what public schools your child will attend by "voting with your feet" - a.k.a. moving. And there are things to look for in researching a town's schools as well, like whether they encourage parental involvement, how long people have been teaching there, etc. It should always be a conscious decision on a parent's part. I went to public school K-12, Paul went to private all but two years around junior high.

There are also plenty of Websites that Rate public schools, and are a great help, when thinking of moving to a new area. We used them, when we were going to move.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I think there a merits to all three systems if done correctly. Research shows that smaller class sizes are advantageous- and most private schools offer smaller classes than most public schools. However, I'm not sure it's worth the extra cost, unless you've got a lot of money to throw around and the school is known to be better than public in the area.

I worked at a private school for kids with learning differences, and the students definitely received more individualized attention, they had the best resources, etc, but it cost $25,000/year. I've also observed at lots of public schools (I'm going to school to be a teacher) and I have to say I'm impressed with a fair number of them too. Money doesn't buy a truly caring, compassionate teacher, which sometimes can make all the difference.

I think home schooling could be good, with the right parent and the right child. But, I think socialization is very important, especially for young children, so you'd have to make sure they get out enough with kids their own age. My cousin home-schooled her oldest daughter for a few years, but the girl didn't have any friends except her younger sister, and now she will not even talk to kids her own age. She is incredibly smart, but she is completely silent in school. Luckily, she goes to a great school that tries to help her out socially, and recognizes her issues.

I teach a lot of home-schooled kids piano. Some of them seem dedicated to their school work, some not. One kid I talked to today said his parents were thinking about sending him to public high school because he procrastinates and didn't listen to his mom like he would a teacher.

I guess the best thing would be to compare schools in your area, and decide what you feel is best. It's good you are thinking about it early- it's an important choice!