Private School tuition

[elessar78]

Wanted to put this out there for those that may have gone through it.

Simply, my wife wants to put our kid (Kindergarten) into a private school. Better education, better peer group, etc.

I don't think we can afford it, without redirecting some of our funds that go toward savings.

So, there's money. Just a question of where to allocate it.

Part of my argument against is that my sister and I grew up in a third world country as did our parents. Between all of us there are two Masters Degrees and a PhD. I'm not sure that I'm convinced that this is a wise/necessary use of our money.

[creditcardfree]

It may not be a wise use of money. I think it really depends on the public options available to you. I'd be more willing to try public school first before heading to private...especially at Kindergarten.

[snafu]

We've had a mixed bag of experience with private and public school education for our 2 sons. Parents need to do some research if this is an issue. There is another component added if there is a religious overlay and value system. What is being offered at the private school kindergarten that exceeds what is offered at public school? Does your child like learning? Is your child easily motivated? co operative? social? confident?

The love of learning and positive learning experiences at kindergarten and grade 1 can set the stage for personality development that benefits or hinders later values. How much time, energy and enrichment learning are parents willing to provide? Does your child show/exhibit some special talents that need to be nurtured ?

If this is primarily a money issue, what is DW prepared to do to increase household income? Alternatively, what does DW suggest to cut back, eliminate, give up to cover costs? Is this just for 1 year or long term? Some schools require a significant time and effort commitment from parents along with $$$$.

[MonkeyMama]

I'd do a LOT research and would go far beyond general public opinion.

Being more of a "substance over appearances" type person I Can't see choosing a private school over a public school. But that is admittedly my opinion having only lived in in big cities with endless public options. (On a forum like this, I don't assume everyone has so many choices).

My husband was sent to private schools and his education was absolutely atrocious. His parents have to justify all that money and to this day sing its praises. There seems to be a major disconnect there. It comes up a lot because our kids are in K-8 and attend an exceptional school (happens to be public) and it's just a constant reminder of my husband's K-8 school's shortcomings. You can't get more black and white than those two extremes.

Bottom line? Do your homework. Talk to other parents that actually have kids currently in the schools you are considering. Visit the schools and meet the teachers and administrators and trust your gut feelings. Tune out the noise and rumors, which is mostly what is out there (from my experience).

If you find private school to be the better choice, you will prioritize and make it work. Something else might have to give.

[ua_guy]

There are public educators in my family, so it's pretty obvious where I stand They are dedicated to their jobs and invest their own time/resources well beyond the minimum requirements. I realize that's not the case at all schools or with all educators, however.

I know some folks enroll their children in private schools for religious reasons and other things that public schools really can't offer. But if it's just for "quality" of education, this also being a business decision, I'd take a look at the incremental cost of advanced programs, tutoring, or extra-curricular activities in tandem with public schooling before I blindly chose enrollment in private schools for my children. There are still very, very smart and well educated children coming out of even mediocre public schools. That speaks so much of the influence and role of the family in the child's education.

[elessar78]

Thanks, there is a religious component to all of it, but I don't think even a religious education is a reason to write "blank checks" (not that anyone advocated for that).

I went to college with several people with complete Catholic School educations from K-12 with a negligible moral compass and public school grads who are more ethically sound. My point being that I don't think it's a good indicator of anything.

As UA pointed out, education and, IMO, morality is more influenced by what happens at home than in school.