We believe in the public school system in my home. After all, my husband is a public high school teacher. We both grew up attending the public school systems. Aside from preschool, our 4 oldest children have been pretty happily moving from grade to grade in our district.

BUT.

I’ve begun to not be thrilled with the school district we are living. In fact, I’m not thrilled with most of the school districts in our area. I don’t believe in open schools. I think that you send your children to the school district you live and if you don’t like it, then move. Sounds harsh, I’m sure. But it’s how I feel. I’m sick of the lies that people are telling to get their kids into THEIR school of choice and there are NO checks and balances.

It blows. And it’s a shame because this district ONCE was outstanding.

A lot of these kids that are coming from some less than favorable areas are bringing down the quality of our classrooms. And before anyone gets their panties in a bunch by thinking I’m talking about race or religion…I’m not. I’m talking about the quality of the families and that is color blind or prejudice. It’s rampant everywhere, in every walk of life.

Judge away. I’ll wait.

Anyways…

We are keeping our 4 older ones in the public schools that they are slated. They’ve been in this district for most of their school career and it terrifies and traumatizes them to think we may take them out. They have friends that they would die if we separated them from. OH THE DRAMA. So they’ll stay and we’ll take our chances on their education. They are smart and good kids and usually, birds of a feather. Good kids usually do well anywhere.

Our youngest. He is supposed to start 1st grade in the Fall. I can’t believe it, all my babies are growing up.

I am not excited about the elementary school our subdivision was redistricted. In fact, I’m vehemently opposed to him going there. The class sizes are increasing by 30% which, for him, is a 50% increase from the class size he had for preschool and kindergarten.

For only one teacher. No parapro. No other help in the classroom aside from visiting parents. ONE teacher for almost 30 crazy, hyper first graders. Poor teacher!

I’m not down with that and the numbers in the classrooms are too high for one teacher to effectively teach all the children.

My son will fall so far between the cracks that he’ll never be found. I’m not willing to risk it. He needs extra help. He needs some extra attention. And I don’t think it can be offered to him in our public school. Which, it’s a shame. We moved to our house not only because we loved it but because it was in one of the school districts that were consistently scoring high on tests, had small class sizes and an outstanding curriculum.

Not anymore.

Budget cuts, redistricting, shutting and consolidating schools and blah, blah, blah.

So, we signed our son up for private school. He got tested and was accepted. We just have to wait to see about the financial stuff. Scholarships and whatnot.

It’s what’s best for him. Truly.

This school offers small class sizes and a nurturing environment along with a fabulous curriculum taught by outstanding educators.

It’s the type of school that any parent would want for their child. Everything about it.

It’s just going to be really expensive. And I hope it is worth it. I hope it’s the right fit for him.

My wish for my son is that he is able to take full advantage of everything this particular school has to offer and that he becomes the most successful student that he is capable of becoming.

Or, I’m throwing him in public school with his siblings and getting myself a new car.