So here is my gripe: What is the deal with the hundreds of choices I have when it comes to my kids' school? I know it is great to have the options; trust me, I am grateful that I have a little control over where and what my kids study. But the pressure to pick the right school and education for my kids is killing me! And I still have a year to decide!
When I was a kid, there were only three options that I knew of. Pretty much everyone went to public school, if you were rich you might go to private school, and if you or your parents were weird, you were home-schooled. That is not the case anymore! A lot of kids are home-schooled now, and I don't know about where you all live, but in Arizona there are also tons of charter schools. And not all charter schools are alike. Not to mention that it's not too much trouble to move your kids to a different public school if you want. So basically, the possibilities are endless.
We live about a block away from a Gilbert school, even though we are in a different school district. So I could get a boundary exception and Jonah could go up the street, but there's no guarantee that he could go there every year, because you have to apply for the boundary exception every year. Or he could go to the public school that he is zoned for, which is a great school also, as far as I've heard. Or, there are also a few free charter schools in the area. They don't bus, but they have a traditional curriculum. As opposed to what? This is so confusing.
I have talked to a few parents whose kids go to either public or charter schools. The problem is that neither have anything bad to report. They all love their kids' respective schools. That leaves me nowhere. I need some bad reviews! That's what usually helps me decide which books to buy on Amazon, at least.
I am very invested in my kids' education. I am also invested in their whole experience at school. I am a very sentimental person and I loved school growing up. I know I had my bad days like every other kid, but really when it comes down to it, I LOVED school. And I know I can't force that feeling onto my kids, but I really want them to have a love for school too. I want it to be fun for them. My high school experience was a lot like High School Musical. Our school had tons of spirit. Everyone came to all of the games, concerts and dances. It was easy to make friends. It seemed like you could do about anything you wanted to if you tried hard. I want that kind of experience for my kids.
"Why can't the rest of my life feel like a High School Musical?"I know that a lot of the reasons why I loved high school are social, but that is important. Of course, I want the education to be quality. But I'm also realistic- I doubt that the majority of kids at that age are concerned with the quality of their education. Most of them just want to get out of there.
I want my kids to like school. I think that a lot of factors play into that. They have to have good teachers and friends. Learning has to be fun. I want them to learn music, art, physical education and sports, and maybe even Spanish. I want their lessons to be as hands-on as possible. I want them to build social skills on their own, without me being there to help. I want them to get involved in extra-curricular activities- I think that is the key to making school fun for kids and not a drudgery.
Anyway, I am rambling. I am just super-stressed and feeling a lot of pressure to decide. With Kindergarten registration, I actually don't have a whole year. So time's ticking. I wish someone could decide for me.
11 comments:
Hey Connie! I'm glad you blog-stalked me.
That school is in the Gilbert district? That's crazy! Diego and I were totally planning on Josh going there. Well, we have a little more time to think about it than you... considering he's only 11 weeks old.
Last I heard, with the budget/teacher cuts, Meridian isn't accepting boundary exceptions until further notice... one school off your list! You'll have to ask me my opinion later on the private schools...it's a little too long to type!
You could always do what I did...move to a place with one school. Three choices exist here, public school, homeschool or drive 40 minutes a day to the next town. It's so much easier! lol and I love their school so it's ok.
It is a really big decision. It's even harder for me because of my eyes. I hope that problem is fixed soon but I have to make a decision based on it not being fixed for now. I at least have 1 more year than you to figure out what I'm going to do. I don't think home school would be good for Marce though. Every kid is different and has their own personality, strenghts and weaknesses. You have to really think about Jonah and what he wants right now even though he doesn't really have a voice right now. Just think, given his personality and what's important to him, his likes/dislikes, all of that and then ask yourself, what would Jonah do?
We're going through the exact same thing right now(I think a lot of people are). Good luck. The choices are endless. Maybe check where the kids in your ward are going so they're with church friends?
I grew up in public school and have no complaints, but now that it's my kids and the school system isn't what it used to be...I'm a little concerned. I would totally do private school if I had the finances to so that, but I think charters schools can be a happy medium. Just like Lexie said, you need to read your kids and what is best for them and you.
I would definatly do public schooling...but thats just me. And yeah i'm sure no other public school in the world is like Moapa Valley High. So i dont know maybe you should just move here for your kids to grow up in school. :] haha just dont homeschool. Im almost positive they wont learn everything they need too.
When we moved here from the Bay Area, it was middle of the school year and I had a 2nd grader and a 4th grader. I had only 2 weeks to find their school and get them registered. I had no clue boundary exemptions are so easy or anything about the endless possibilites for charter schools when I moved. I just signed them up for our assigned public school because I thought it was my only option (private school or homeschooling were NEVER options for me). Fortunately, we've been thrilled with our public school, and even though I've had friends try to talk me into moving my kids to a charter school, I haven't done it. Change for them is hard, so I want them to be in the most stable environment possible. We have fantastic teachers and programs, so why should I stress about what they could be getting that's better? Don't stress about it too much. It will all work out!
Connie, I feel your pain. You know I totally vascillated over this one, too. A couple suggestions that helped me: go snoop around at the schools that are an option for you. Start with the one you're leaning toward the most (for whatever reason) and go to that one and see if you think it would be a good learning environment and a fun/safe place for your kids. If you can't just waltz in, call and make an appointment to be given a tour. Hang around and watch the kids/teachers/staff. If that one seems to be a good fit, go for it! If it doesn't feel right or irks you in some way, go to your second choice school and check it out. Talk to your friends and neighbors. A lot can be said for snooping around and getting other opinions. (This is also the method I use in narrowing down what teacher I want Dayna to have!) Each school (and teacher) have strengths and weaknesses, but, like we talked about before, if the parents are involved, it helps to cover the gaps and the odds are a lot better that the child will have a good education.) Second suggestion that helped me: pray! I can handicap myself with worry if I'm not careful, and when making these big decisions, it's nice to know Someone who knows all things is on my side. :) Good luck!
No matter where your kids go to school, they will excel because they have you for a mom. Mostly, the kids who succeed and are good at school have parents who support them.
I do know exactly what you mean though. And, I feel the same way about high school and wish so much to live in a good community that has school pride and great community involvement. We were lucky to attend such a great high school!
I, like you, have mixed feelings even after doing this for awhile. I've always had Kyla go to the school in our boundaries. It wasn't until Meridian that I had some issues, but we worked through them. I've decided the main source of a good school is the principal. If you have a principal who is involved and can be seen often at school functions and around campus, most likely all else will go well. At Spectrum, with Mr. Hallock, it was awesome. He was always around and knew all of the kids by name and their parents. Here at Meridian not so much. And it shows down through the teachers. Call me lazy, but I just don't like the idea of driving my kids somewhere when there is a school right down the street and they can walk. Huge plus when little ones are still at home. Kyla still learns and being an involved parent will always help. Kamerin goes to a charter school because he is with his mom during the week. The thing I don't like about that is the social aspect. His church friends go to a different school and his school friends don't live close by to do stuff with outside of school...so unless you are good about driving all over town for your kids' social activities, I like a school where they will know kids in the neighborhood and at school. If kids are happy socially, I think they do better academically--no matter where they are. Good luck!
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