Comments on: Public vs. Private Schooling

by: Stewart Sternberg

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:48:38 +0000

I am not a fan of charter schools. The only charter school I have seen that is truly different is one in Maryland. There, the students live in the school and are kept apart from their families and friends. Almost ninety eight percent of its students go on to college.

Most charter schools aren’t that much different from public schools.

And as for private schools, well to quote the pirates: “There be good schools and there be bad schools.”

Ultimately, the quality of education rests in the hands of the parents. All the accountability factors amount to nothing if a student wallows in a culture that doesn’t value learning. Parents who don’t care produce students who don’t care.

So, if you and your husband are excited about learning and creating an environment that is nurturing and stimulating for your children, then they will do well.

by: Suanne

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 15:23:37 +0000

The whole process is rather complicated, with a host of factors coming into play. The irony for us this year is that our first choice school for both the kids is looking for girls in our sons grade and boys in our daughters grade!

Still, after 18+ months of this process I think we’re close to the decision time. I’ll be grateful when it’s all settled.

by: Nancy Fulda

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 08:45:08 +0000

I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head with the accountability issue. I’ll be interested to see what you end up deciding. A few years down the road, my husband and I may be facing a similar decision.

by: Suanne

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:51:47 +0000

Thanks–that is helpful.

by: colleen

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 13:56:37 +0000

I thought you might be interested in this fact sheet, “10 Things You Should Know About Public Charter Schools,” which can be found here: http://www.publiccharters.org/content/publication/detail/1275/