Frustrated by the options (for different schools)

[mrsfrenchy]

I know this really doesn't matter right now, my DD is only 4 months old, but DH and I have still be talking about it a lot and it's frustrating.

There are not many options for schooling where we are.

There are PS: city and county--if our DC goes to a ps, it will most definitely be a city school, even if we aren't living inside the city limit. DH and I both went to county schools and I'm not sending my kids there.

There is a school on the campus of the local university. It's funded by both city and county gov't, but I consider it private. At the moment its my first choice, but they have a "lottery" system for who they accept, so that may be hit or miss. And although its my 1st choice for DD, i'm still not thrilled by the idea of sending her there.

There are only two other private schools that I know of, but both are very strongly religiously affiliated. Since we are not religious, this obviously doesn't appeal to us.

I want to have a career and work outside of the home, so although homeschooling sounds more and more appealing, I don't think its for us. I think I would be a better mother if I were not at home all day.

I desperately wish that there was a Montessori school near us, but the closest is about 2 hours away.

I need more options than this.
I'm not sure that you guys can really help me. Maybe I'm just looking for some comiseration. But any advice that you have would be awesome. I'm just so depressed by the idea of sending DD off to school when she's 5--only to go to schools that make learning unbearable for kids.

[eepster]

Originally Posted by mrsfrenchy

There is a school on the campus of the local university. It's funded by both city and county gov't, but I consider it private. At the moment its my first choice, but they have a "lottery" system for who they accept, so that may be hit or miss. And although its my 1st choice for DD, i'm still not thrilled by the idea of sending her there.

These are called charters.

I desperately wish that there was a Montessori school near us, but the closest is about 2 hours away.

What about moving? not necessarily to be by this exact school, you never know how you needs might have changed in 5 years, but somewhere with more options, bood public school, a variety of non religious private options. Is moving an option?

[Ellien C]

I can see that you are very concerned about this right now. And it's good to keep an eye on things and understand what your options are. Am I reading your post correctly that kindy is 5 years in the future? A lot can happen in that time.

There's a new book out called Saving our Schools by a woman in LA that might make you re-think your local public school. I would also suggest networking around for people with school aged children. You can monitor what is happening with your local schools a bit in advance. You might be surprised at where your local school stand in another 5 years.

[Heavenly]

I agree that a lot can happen in 5 years. I wouldn't stress over it right now. I thought I would never send my kids to school and we homeschooled until this past year. We found a school that is really great for our kids and they are thriving, but if you had asked me 5 years ago if I would feel comfortable sending them to school, any school really, I would have said no way! You have tons of time so start gradually exploring your options and looking into things when you get a little closer to the time. (this from the woman who was posting on here when I only had a 2 yr old and a 5 mth old so I understand how you are feeling!)

[Nolamom]

You might be surprised by how school has changed since we went, too. Things are alot more progressive. I was very nervous about sending dd to school and it has been nothing but a positive experience. Both for me and for her. You will need to actually visit the schools in question to make up your mind. I took several tours and was truly surprised by what schools are doing now. The days of "sit in your desk and be quiet" are over.

[Tapioca]

Yeah. I started gossiping around the neighbourhood a few years ago, trying to get the lowdown on the local schools. I found what I hope is the right fit for my daughter that way and moved to be in the school's catchment.

I also agree that a LOT can change in 5 years. you can be part of that change, too, if you start lobbying now.