Hi, Beth! I "know" you from Alice. . . she mentioned your Waldorf experience and ugh-- I felt better knowing we couldn't afford it! I agree that, unfortunately, I'm comparing schools in terms of which problems/issues I can live with, and those I can't.
Caroline, we can't afford private school either, or at least not until I go back to work (which won't be for several years if everything goes as planned). And once I do, I just don't want to spend SO much money on school. I'd rather spend it on travel, which I see as real education!
Molly, I have those same fears about homeschooling. I have had thoughts about "what if I don't click with the groups?" because, just as you said, if you don't, you're somewhat out of luck. And as far as Montessori . . .that would probably be my first choice, but I felt better about not spending the 10K a year (per child) when I saw the homework on a local Montessori's school website . . .it was all GRAMMMAR. I know it's probably better than what the site represents, but it made me feel better to not have the money! (Sour grapes can be comfort food!)
As far as charter schools, I don't trust them inherently because they are charter schools, but I should research them more! I like the sound of Namaste-- too bad it's SO far from me!
So far, our 2 options are a neighborhood school or a magnet school. The neighborhood school would be SO close, but that's about it . . . the class sizes are quite large and the mobility rate is high, so those aren't good signs. We are lucky enough to have spot saved at a magnet school (my mom was its co-founder) but it's somewhat inconvenient in terms of location and it would just be nice to have a choice . . .
Has anyone looked into North Park Elementary? It's still expensive for me (6K) but cheaper than any other private school I've looked at. But, I do agree with you, Molly . . .there is something important about public schools in general!