We are considering going from a private 1st grade to public 2nd grade next year. My 6 yo son can be energetic and a bit socially behind, but is a great student academically. He reads at a third grade level and has good math skils. We would like to look into Mary Jo Sheppard (his MISD EL school) for next year. Id like anyones opinion about the school and their experiences. We are stuggling with this because the public school is exemplary but we have always done private schools because we liked the more focused settings and attention to the students needs, although this year the private school is going thru changes and we are not sure about the future. I want to make sure this school can challenge him, direct him and help him socially. Your thoughts? Thanks!
Mansfield schools are great. But just a head's up. I transferred my son from private school to public school in second grade - and I was SHOCKED at how far behind he was from the other kids. Hopefully, that won't be the case for you, but I was glad I hadn't waited any longer than I did. He's in 7th grade now and of course he's all caught up but the first couple of years weren't exactly easy. Good luck!
I transferred both of my boys from private to public in Mansfield. One was in first grade (many years ago), and one was in kindergarten (this year). Our experience was good the first time, however our son was much more advanced than the other students in public school. Once he got to middle school and was able to take pre-AP classes he was a bit more challenged, but classes are still easy for him. My youngest is also way ahead in kindergarten. I wish I had left him in private school at least another year or so. The elementary is exemplary, but that rating is based on TAKS scores, and the TAKS test is a basic skills test. I teach AP English, and expect more than basic skills from my children. I don't put too much faith in the TAKS ratings. MISD is a good district, but so much depends on which teacher you get, in public or private schools. If I were you, I would visit the school. Ask to visit a 1st grade classroom so that you can compare what they are doing now to what your son is doing now in private school. Get a feel for the school. Then you can make a more informed decision. Good luck. It is such an important decision, but such a difficult decision to make.
My son has gone to Mary Jo Sheppard since kindergarten and he and I both love it. He's currently in 2nd grade. The principal is awesome and very respected by his teachers. The parents are very involved. The art teacher there is amazing. My son could identify works by Picasso and Georgia O'Keefe in kindergarten! I grew up in private schools, so I was leery of public school for my son, but I've been very happy with him there.
Mansfield ISD is a great district. I was happy with all the elementary schools my kids went to. Recently we moved to Euless and they started new schools, which I believe they had more credits than required because of the courses they took in Mansfield. I am not sure about going from private to public as far as what level they would be, but I am sure he will do fine.
I have only heard wonderful things about Sheppard. My son attended a different elementary school in Mansfield, we have been VERY pleased. My son is GT and was reading on the college level in 4th grade. He is in 7th grade and takinghis SAT this month. I strongly believe in public schools, especially when they are are wonderful as MISD schools. I am a former teacher, as well. Private schools have many pros, such as smaller class sizes. However, I do not believe they offer as many services for kids who are advanced and/or special needs. They just usually do not have the resources and staff. Mansfield attracts some of the very best teachers and holds on to them. Also, with what we pay in taxes, I would not pay more to send my son to a private school. We pay high tazes and we get what we pay for in Mansfield.
