PT Multi wrote:
I chose private schools for my child for reasons other than education.
Discipline - If she violates the code of conduct, she is out. There are no "Steve Howe" second, third, or fifteenth chances.
But if Father Murphy molests children, he'll be transferred from one parish school to another, ad naseum.
Safety - When have you ever heard about shootings, bomb threats, narc-sniffing dogs, or metal detectors at Our Blessed Lady of Lourdes Parish School?
Child molestation does occur in public schools, but far less often than at parochial school, and it seems much less likely to be covered up.
Focus - The school focuses nearly the entire budget on the classroom. No excessive administrative costs, free lunches, transportation, social services programs, etc.
Some families depend on free lunch, transportation, and social services so that their children can productively attend school
Values - I am by no means a mindless fundamentalist but I am very happy that the school spends time backing up the values, ethics, and respect for others that I teach at home.
Our public school's mission statement reflects values that I respect and that I hope to inculcate in my children.
Connection - As parents, her mother and I are each required to do twenty volunteer hours a year at the school. That insures our investment in her progress and that her teachers know us and we know them.
I, and many other parents in the PTA, devote nearly that much time a month to the school. Not because we have to, but because we want to.
Accountability - The school sees me as a paying customer hence, they insure that I get value for my money via regular communication, a longer school year (more classroom days vs. public, no "in-service" days forcing me to burn PTO / money so teachers can attend what amounts to union rallies), and they actively seek my input on service improvements.
Our school sees me as an involved parent who expects accountability, and also a valued resource who contributes to the school community through my efforts, as well as financially. Public schools are held accountable by, and benefit from, an active PTA.
My kid is no smarter or no better educated than public kids but I do believe she gets more personal attention and an environment that is more conducive to learning. I also appreciate that I am seen as pivotal to her success and not just some dumb taxpaying schlub who needs to shut the hell up, fork over more money, and let the schools do whatever they want.
I'm sorry you had such a negative experience with public school, and grateful that mine has been so much better.