OK K-5, BAD middle school

[jeteaa]

Most elementary schools in our area are "good" schools. Some have more low income, lower test scores and more suspensions than others, but overall, I would be OK sending my dc to any of the them. The problem is the middle schools. The one in our local area has a HORRIBLE reputation. Drugs, gangs, poor teachers etc. The middle school in the "rich" area, which is also the farthest one away from has an OK reputation, but still with its problems. We put dd1 in ps K this fall, but pulled her out and hsed this yr. With a summer b-day and other factors, we wanted to wait until she turns 6 for K. I really never gave middle school a thought.... but now we are at a cross roads to either cont' hsing or enroll her in ps elementary K. But I feel very strongly that I would not want my dc going to any of the 3 middle schools. And if we hsed for middle, I would think it would do more harm than good to put them in ps elementary. Any thoughts?

[Linda on the move]

I really believe in making the best choice you can for the year that you are in. My kids homeschooled when they were younger, attended public schools when they were 10-12, and will attend a private alternative school in the fall.

Take it one year at a time. Don't try to figure out the whole path.

[lach]

I agree that you should do one year at a time. For one thing, it is impossible to know that you'll still be living in the same place in 6 years. Even if you cannot possibly conceive of moving right now, life has a way of throwing fastballs at you.

Many elementary schools which used to be really not very good have increased dramatically in quality in the past few years. I don't know where you live, but there's been a trend in several urban cities of middle class families staying in the cities and using the public schools. I see no reason why this trend wouldn't continue as the kids grow older, and the middle schools improve in quality.

Finally, I don't know your specific situation, but I know a few families who pulled their children out of school starting in middle school. They've all been very happy and it seems to have worked well.

[mattemma04]

I think it is OK to switch around to find what schooling meets your childs needs each year.I have done home,public,and private with mine.I am considering online public after another year or 2 of the private school(Montessori).

[ChristaN]

Originally Posted by jeteaa

And if we hsed for middle, I would think it would do more harm than good to put them in ps elementary. Any thoughts?

Why do you feel that putting them in school now would create problems in regard to hsing middle school? Like the pp, I too know a number of families who have removed their kids from school to hs come middle school. Most of them did so due to social factors and not wanting their kids exposed to the "issues" of middle school -- cursing, possible drugs, sex, etc.

I also like the concept of doing what is right right now, not what you hope will be right down the road. You can't know how things will play out down the road. Is there a good reason that you would rather have them in ps now rather than hs? If so, I'd say that you should send them now and cross the middle school bridge when you get to it.