Public School - Page 2

[HikeMama]

Originally Posted by TCMoulton

Just an FYI - just because a parent allows their children to eat junk food does not mean that they suck. Not sure how you can lump both "racist" and " junk food feeding" into the same sentence as to why you dislike these parents who you may not have even met yet.
I have found in the 4 years that my daughters have attended public school that the way that the parents choose to raise their kids does not always translate into what their kids are like.

Actually, that was based on a couple families I *have* met and they were both racist and ate tons of junk and I think both of those things suck. But like I said, I think I was just getting scared of the bad and not focusing on the good. I know there are good families out there- I was just worrying about the negatives. Anyway, thanks for the input that the kids might not mimic the parents. I really think I saw a few bad examples at the wrong time and got freaked out.

[LynnS6]

I just wanted to add that you don't have to have a whole school like you, you just need a couple of friends. And that to have faith that your values will come out just fine, even in the face of people who are different.

Our kids are a minority in our school for a variety of reasons -- our school is 85% free and reduced lunch (we're not), 67% ESL (we're not), 70% non-white (we are). I know for a fact some of the moms think I'm weird because I nursed dd until she was 4 (and it doesn't help that she's convinced it was until she was 5 and that's what she tells everyone!).

Our kids are just fine. One of the advantages of diversity in a school district is that schools have more varied kids. The lunch room offers vegetarian options every day. Partly because we have kids who are vegetarian. Partly because we have kids from various religious traditions where there are dietary laws.

The things my kids take away from being with people who are different are much more powerful than things I could teach them without that. We've had a lot of teaching opportunities about how/why we do what we do and believe what we believe.

[HikeMama]

My husband was just telling me not to forget that it's better to have a few close friends than to be kind of friends with the entire populous. You are so right. I'm wondering--- what's ESL?

[Linda on the move]

esl = english as a second language

[RabbitMoonMama]

I agree with girlprof. Go visit the schools and talk with people in your community about their values. Every school has a different culture, different sets of expectations, different leadership and parent involvement. At the very least, the knowledge you gain will help you make better and more grounded and informed decisions. Good luck!

[Leatherette]

6 years into our public school experience as vegetarian atheists, and very happy.

I work with kids who have parents that sucked way more than junk food and yelling, and they are amazing little people. My kids are friends with them. Maybe we don't do sleepovers at their houses....but it has only enriched my kids' experience to attend school with these little survivors.

Best of luck with your decision.

[LovelyNJ]

I thought I would hate my son going to public school, and I was sad I couldn't afford Waldorf. He went to a coop preschool and we do natural toys, lots of outdoors, no TV etc. We're a creative family and I didn't think he would do well with all those mainstream kids and forced learning etc.
However, he is in a regular half day Kindergarten in the afternoon and loves it. His teacher is really nice and loves the kids. Once a month we have a special party and bring homemade baked goods, do crafts, etc. When I drop my son off there is a story time and my younger son is always invited to listen. The only homework has been a sheet of fun activities to do and twice a week he gets a book from the school library. My son and I are working on sewing Native American pouches for a bear hunt day the school is having, which is not something I would have expected at all. Honestly, I feel im still co-oping.
That being said, I'm the homeroom parent and I'm as involved as I can be, and it is one of the best school districts in the state. There are a lot of coloring book type worksheets, I don't feel the classroom is hands on enough, they spend a lot of time shuffeling from class to class (due to no child left behind), not enough time outside or playing, but all in all I think its pretty developmentally appropriate. Its only 3 hours a day and having that base of parents/kids who live nearby for playdates, info. about local happenings etc. makes it a great place for us! Good luck with your decision!

[Lisa1970]

I live in a wealthier district where the parents are all well dressed and whatever. But I won't use the public middle or high schools here. They are awful. The parents are so ignorant to it, or they often know what is going on and turn their backs to it. So the parents looking good really is not a measure of the school.

I would suggest hanging out at the parks closest to the school and see what you think. Visit with the parents and be casual about it, asking what schools their children go to. Then watch the children and their behavior. If the children seem to interact ok with each other, then you will probably be fine. I must say, I did notice at the neighborhood park that the kids were nasty to each other that went to the schools we are zoned for. This was not the case where we used to live.

Some schools are good, some are not. You can try homeschooling too if interested. Good luck!