How far is your commute to school?

[Gizimomo86]

The school Ive found for my kids is about 34 minutes away according to google, give or take a few for traffic.  Is this insane if the school is worth it?  I dont have a problem driving that far.  Im wondering why other people are gawking at the idea of a 30 MAYBE 40 min commute?  your thoughts?

[mommariffic]

We go to a weekly Waldorf momma/child class and it's about 25 minutes with NO traffic, and I live outside New York City so there's almost always traffic near the Lincoln Tunnel. 

[mamadebug]

The commute to my son's preschool (which we loved) was 15 minutes, and then 30 minutes after we moved a bit farther away.  Either way, it was totally worth it because it was a great school.  

The commute to his kindergarten was only 10 minutes.  Again, we totally loved the school and would have driven much farther for it.

The commute to his first grade has been about 20 minutes, and we really aren't satisfied with the school at all, which makes the commute even more of a drag.  

I think willingness to spend time commuting totally depends on how you feel about the school.  

[Gizimomo86]

"I think willingness to spend time commuting totally depends on how you feel about the school."

Yep, I totally agree.  The private waldorf school is much farther (the school Im putting my kids in is a waldorf curriculum charter school)  and I would even be willing to drive the hour it takes to get to the other school.  I think 30 min is VERY doable for a amazing school.

Im so excited :D

Thank you ladies :)

~Beth

[DariusMom]

We moved DS to a Waldorf school in November. His old school was, literally, a five minute walk away. Now his new school is a 12-15 minute bike ride away (we live in Europe). Not long by North American standards, but still an adjustment for us, especially because we'd been so enamored of the idea of a neighborhood school. Absolutely and completely worth it, in the end, though. Even when it's super cold or raining, we don't mind because he's *so* happy at the school.

[Gizimomo86]

aww that makes me happy.  My step sister had made the comment "what, your not thinking of driving there from (city) are you?"  well, yeah I was if the school is worth it!!  This is all Ive ever wanted since even I was in grade school.  My other step sister attened a waldorf school and on her days where you can bring a friend/sibling, my parents would always let me go.  I LOVE the waldorf lifestyle and atmosphere!!  Its just something I always knew I wanted for my children and Im super stoked that I found this school.  30 min is VERY doable!!

[Imagining]

We drive 30 minutes now and next year will be moving to a new school and driving 40 minutes...  Yes, doable.  Although it really does have an impact when we net 2 hrs per day just in the back and forth trips to and from school.  I drive the hour round trip to drop DS off in the morning and do enjoy getting to chat with DS on the way there, and some quiet time on the way back home.  A lot of driving and some stress because there is not as much time for other things, but in the end it is worth it to us.  

[Gizimomo86]

Originally Posted by Imagining 

We drive 30 minutes now and next year will be moving to a new school and driving 40 minutes...  Yes, doable.  Although it really does have an impact when we net 2 hrs per day just in the back and forth trips to and from school.  I drive the hour round trip to drop DS off in the morning and do enjoy getting to chat with DS on the way there, and some quiet time on the way back home.  A lot of driving and some stress because there is not as much time for other things, but in the end it is worth it to us.  

You make a very good point!  I do see it being worth it (and I love driving, am I weird??)  Im glad theres other mommas out there who are willing to make the commitment as well.  My mom would have NEVER done this for me and flat out wouldnt let me play soccer because in her words "I dont want to be a soccer mom."  uhhg,  made me so mad.

[CatsCradle]

Originally Posted by mamadebug 

The commute to my son's preschool (which we loved) was 15 minutes, and then 30 minutes after we moved a bit farther away.  Either way, it was totally worth it because it was a great school.  

The commute to his kindergarten was only 10 minutes.  Again, we totally loved the school and would have driven much farther for it.

The commute to his first grade has been about 20 minutes, and we really aren't satisfied with the school at all, which makes the commute even more of a drag.  

I think willingness to spend time commuting totally depends on how you feel about the school.  

Totally agree.  We spend about an hour total getting to DD's school via subway and walking (that's two hours a day!).  We have been doing this for three years. The school has been totally worth it.  Also, the travel time gives DD and I (and DH if applicable) the time to talk and goof off and just generally be together.  It has really been one-on-one communication and fun (as opposed to the distractions of home and play, etc.)  DD starts a new school next fall which is only five blocks from where we live, and while it will be physically easier on us, I think I'll miss the times we spent together in transit. 
 

[CatsCradle]

Whoops, sorry OP, just realized that I posted this in the Waldorf section!  My child actually goes to a Montessori school but I think the travel thingy and why we do it translates across types of schools. 

[ramama]

DDs former school was about 25 minutes away by car.  The school was 100% worth it, but there were days when just a little bit of snow made the drive not worth it because it would extend an already long drive considerably.  Also, keep in mind gas for driving that far and if that can fit in your budget on top of tuition (assuming there is tuition).  In the end, for me, I couldn't picture my children at any other school and I made the drive for three years, but there were hardships for sure.  And I'm with CatsCradle, the school was Montessori, but I think the experience is the same.

[Gizimomo86]

No problem, Catscradle!  Thank you for your input!

Originally Posted by ramama 

DDs former school was about 25 minutes away by car.  The school was 100% worth it, but there were days when just a little bit of snow made the drive not worth it because it would extend an already long drive considerably.  Also, keep in mind gas for driving that far and if that can fit in your budget on top of tuition (assuming there is tuition).  In the end, for me, I couldn't picture my children at any other school and I made the drive for three years, but there were hardships for sure.  And I'm with CatsCradle, the school was Montessori, but I think the experience is the same.

This is a waldorf based charter school so the tuition is free.  Thats why Im willing to drive 35 min each way to take them to school!
 

[ramama]

I'm too lazy to find the jaw-dropping-on-the-floor smiley, but my jaw is hitting the floor.  Heck yeah I'd drive that far for a tuition-free Waldorf charter school!  Geez, totally awesome!

[Gizimomo86]

I know thats what sealed the deal.  The stink of the deal is we found the school too late and DS cant go for his kinder year as the lottery and wait list as already been determined.  *sigh*  which is fine, I was just hoping he could be in waldorf his entire K-8 at least.  But, yes, the tuition is free and thats whats keeping me excited!!

[grumpybear]

Yes, I was a bit perplexed too when I told my friends I had plans of putting DS' name in the lottery for a charter school 20 miles away (so around 30min travel time, one way). And then when one of them brought up that it was 2 hrs of travel time/day, I understood why it becomes a factor especially if you take into consideration gas prices as well (it's $4.33/gallon here).

But the area public schools are not really a consideration for us so I guess this is what we have to deal with.

[sweetest]

Our school is only 15 minutes from our house BUT its a 45 minute drive from there to my office. Factor in time to get out of the car and give hugs, etc when we get to school- it is about an hour and a half from the time I leave the house until Im sitting at my desk. Thats with no traffic. 

Its totally worth it. 

[Boys Alive]

We lived 25 minutes from our Waldorf school when my girls were young.  Now that they're grown and gone from home, I remember those hours of car-time as precious moments of connection.  Be sure to savor the time, turn off the radio, the phones, etc. and embrace the companionable silence or the conversation or silliness.  I learned a LOT as they talked to each other in the backseat, too!  So...drive on!  The only down side was that their friends ended up being closer to school, which meant sometimes doing the same drive on the weekend or evenings.   All the best to you!

[smallbrit]

My kids are 15 mins there, 30 mins back (hello rush hour traffic!) and I wouldn't change it for the world. DD has had the unfortunate experience of being in 6 daycares/preschools in her 4 year old life because we've moved about so much, and the Montessori school she and DS are at now is absolutely perfect for them and our lifestyle. Her last Montessori was just 3 minutes' drive from the house, and if I could have that I would, but I can't... but I have something better in return. I love our car time of talking and being silly (and I love my drive home listening to the radio!). We're all happy and secure in what we have, and that's the very most I could ask for!

[WednesdayO]

I know Waldorf schools can vary greatly, and a charter is different in its own way... BUT We moved closer to this area to be near the Waldorf school here. Our drive will still be about 20-25 min (18 miles) mostly on the highway. We're driving a little farther than that now to attend a Waldorf home nursery and last year we drove even farther for a Waldorf- & Montessori-inspired home preschool. To me, it's totally worth it.

[Melaniee]

Right now - 13 minutes in the morning...slightly less when I pick them up and take them home. We used to drive 20ish minutes and likely will have to return to that commute due to a move, but right now I'm really enjoying the drive.  With one child it's super easy, and if it's a day that they are getting along it's not so bad. Fighting? Ugh. Can't get home quickly enough. ;)