Private School Thoughts

[Kozmos]

We considered private from the beginning but moved to a district that we thought would give us a great opportunity to excel in a public environment. While our daughter did excel, we quickly saw the short comings of the public sector and when we could afford we moved her to private in the 3rd grade. Our son also attends the same private school (now pre-k). We love it. It's very different than most private schools and we like it a lot. It is certainly a family centered environment and parental involvement is key and a must, while still holding the students accountable. At this point we see our children completing their schooling at this school. I take the kids to and from school and don't want to leave it's so cool. While many kids turn our just fine in public schools, private schools are best for some and great alternative for others.

 

[chr_edw]

Thanks for the links.

I taught ten years in public schools. When our children were old enough for school, the decision was easy. Private school. As soon as there was an opening, I left public and started teaching private as well.

If you are looking at public schools, there are two stats that will give you an idea on the behavior and performance of the students. They are free/reduced lunch percentage and API index. You can go to schooldigger.com to look up and compare schools. Good tool. Here is a link to API scores from around the state.

http://ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/API2011.pdf

 

[chr_edw]

I agree very much with those that say parent involvement is key. We have always been extremely involved especially my wife. PTA, field trips, friends with a couple of the elementary teachers etc... It is interesting to watch the involvement of parents drop off as the kids get a little older. In kindergarten everyone wants to help out then in 5th grade they couldn't even get the required number of parents for a field trip.

We want our kids to be able to make good friends while getting a good education. We have to say no all the time when they want to go over to someone's house for a sleepover when we know their parents just let their kids do what ever they want. We have been fortunate that they have meet a couple of great friends though with great parents.

 

[flatwins]

I've always felt that if a parent is involved in their child's academic life, the choice between private and public schooling is somewhat similar. Having said that, if I won the lottery or came across an overturned Brinks truck with cash spilling out the back door, I'd give my kids the choice of which type of schooling they'd like to do.

 

[chr_edw]

Money is for sure a factor. If it was a non issue we would have already enrolled.

 

[WhiteyMacD]

My wife went to CHA (Christian Heritage Academy). She received a good education. If you are a Baptist or don't mind your children getting a Baptist-centric education, it would be a good choice.

So in science did they teach the earth is only 4k years old, dinosaurs existed at the same time as man, and evolution is bogus? I dont consider that a good education.

 

[bulbboy]

So in science did they teach the earth is only 4k years old, dinosaurs existed at the same time as man, and evolution is bogus? I dont consider that a good education.

Don't start bashing what other people's religious beliefs. Stick to the subject

Only warning
Thanks

 

[chr_edw]

Yep religion was not the question.

 

[hipshot]

Our daughters to private catholic schools. One was in public initially. It was amazing how far ahead St. Mary's was when compared to BA public. The best decision we have made. As a general rule the kids are a full grade ahead of public. My sister in law is a Union teacher and she is amazed at how far ahead our daughter is. Discipline is strict and I've never encounter a kid kicked out of public in our school as suggested in another post. They just don't tolerate bad behavior. I can't speak for others but we love the St. Mary's community.

 

[been]

Our daughters to private catholic schools. One was in public initially. It was amazing how far ahead St. Mary's was when compared to BA public. The best decision we have made. As a general rule the kids are a full grade ahead of public. My sister in law is a Union teacher and she is amazed at how far ahead our daughter is. Discipline is strict and I've never encounter a kid kicked out of public in our school as suggested in another post. They just don't tolerate bad behavior. I can't speak for others but we love the St. Mary's community.

What grade does she teach?