Should You Pay for Private School??

L.,
I sent my son to private school, a very expensive one at that. My family had alot of negative feedback because it cost me what it would cost to send someone to a good college. Here's why I did it:

1. My son was getting in with the wrong crowds at school.
2. He was more worried about the clothes/shoes kids were wearing instead of his education.
3. I wanted a close knit type of enviornment for him more of a one on one teaching. (There was only 15 teens in his graduating class)
4. Once I enrolled him in private school his grades rose considerably. (He graduated with honors)
5. I wanted him to have a closer walk with God
6. I wanted him to be pointed in the right direction in life. (He's drug free, a christian, married with his first son on the way)

So I applaud private schooling. My son is a good example of how things could turn out for them with the right religious teachings. Good luck...

Hi L.,

I completely agree with you. My husband and I are sending our daughter this year for kindergarten to our church school. The class is more individualized - no more than 12 children in her class. I know some may say that ONLY 12 kids how will your child learn to socialize, but I am a previous teacher and knowing having too many children in a classroom, no one benefits besides the ones who want to be social. I also feel that other parents who are sending their children to our church for school have the same values or almost the same values because of having them attend a christian school. I also feel that there are too many "things" going on in schools and not many children are benefiting. I prefer a school that will continue re-enforcing positive values, the same as we do at home. I hope this helps!

Hi L.,

We send our children to a private Christian school (Oak Arbor School). The reasons are 1. having an education that brings God into everyday learning, 2. having a smaller teacher to student ratio, and 3. a learning environment that emphasizes the protection of innocence (not excessive sheltering, but allowing them to be kids and not have to deal with adult issues or smut). My son has had problems with paying attention in school. We worked closely with his teacher and were able to help him overcome this weakness. I feel that if he had been in a public school, he may have been put with the "slow" kids, or have been labeled "ADD".
I know that there are some excellent public schools around here too, with wonderful programs. But my husband and I are confident in our decision to spend extra on the private school. It effects their whole childhood. My children attend Oak Arbor School, www.oakarbor.org/school.
Remember, the most important thing for children is their home life. So whatever decision you make, your children will thrive if you and your husband are there for them.
Good luck!
L.

Yes, and we are. Our main reason is that we want our children to have a christian education with a continual emphasis on the morals and values that come with it. We, too, while living in a what is considered a very good school district, don't feel that the public school can, or allows this and the uncertainity of not knowing what kind of influences they may come under through teachers, coaches, other children is not something we want to take a chance on.

I know private schools are not perfect, and "anything" can happen, at any institution, but I think we narrow the possibilities quite a bit by going the private, christian route.

We did lots of research before chosing the one they will be attending and feel really good about our decision. Maybe the best way to get your husband on your side is to do some tours of both public and private schools. If you do, just make sure you make a point of getting a tour from the principal or have a one on one interview with him or her. Also, make sure you meet some of the teachers and talk with some parents. You really get a feel for all the aspects of the school that way. Doing all of that usually makes the decision clear one way or another. Good Luck with making your decision!

All three of my children attend private school and we pay for it. We struggle to make this happen, but for us this is the choice we made well before any of the boys were born. Public school will never be an option in my house. #1 reason...we want an education for them that is "Christbased". #2 small class sizes. #3 we get to know the families at the school much better. #4 our children will continute on after grade school to a smaller private HS with most of the same children. Good luck with your decision.

We homeschool our children for those precise reasons. While I wouldn't say that our children are "gifted", meaning very advanced, we are able to teach them indiviually to their strengths and particular learning styles.

ps. It's also less than private school tuition. :)

Something to think about.

I am a public school teacher and I may send my children to private school. It really depends on the individual needs of the child. Some kids would be fine in public schools, while others really need the private setting! Good luck!

I agree with you. Overall, there is a better quality of education. Not to mention the smaller class sizes and more attention, less distractions. In general a better sense of values and students that strive for more. As their parents are paying for the education, they aren't going to allow too much slacking from their kids. As other kids are achieving and doing good, your child will want to do better as well.

I would pay for a private education because you are paying for a service if you need to talk to techers etc. they are right there for you. Also you are surrounding your family with other families that have like minded goals for there children as well. It takes a village to raise a child right? So get surrounded with parents like yourselves.