I am not sure what school to send my children to next year. My oldest will be going into first grade and my middle child will be in his second year of preschool. WE are trying to decide between two differnt school districs. Our first option is the distric we live in, it is an average school district, our elementary school is just so-so, my son is currently in k at this school. The school doesn't offer much in terms of enrichemnt, scores average on test scores, and is rated average to below avewrage on most "rating" web sites. This being said socially our family feels very welcome, my son loves riding the bus with his freinds in the neighborhood and is generally happy.
The other choice is a school of choice for us, we have already been accepted, so that is not an issue. The school ranks very well on all test scores, is a blue ribbon school, offers several enrichement programs, and is academically superior to our neighborhood school. Socially however, it is very competitive, a large portion of the families are very wealthy, and we didn't feel quite as accepted there, my son went to preschool in this district. Lastly I would be driving my kids everyday to and from school so no bus.
So do I go for the academic superstar where we didn't feel as welcomed, or do I go with the average school where we feel very much a part of the school community ?
I'd go with the one where your child has friends he enjoys being with. If your child is advanced most systems have the advanced programs to challenge them.
Why take chances with a community where you yourself don't feel accepted, a negative feeling? Who needs that bogging them down. Let your kids flourish with their own peers.
There is so much competition in the world that we live in! I would have to follow my heart and give my kids the chance to be kids for a little while and not buy in to the whole thing!
Good luck.
S.
seems like a no brainer to me... I would keep him where he is and parent him well.
remember a child becomes what you expect of him.
If you already are not comfortable socially in the school district of choice despite the schools fine reputation, why keep going? I bet you may find that alot of people who choose to go the choice district route have experienced what you are experiencing. If your local school district has a good community, put your kids there--at least they will feel welcomed and fit in and end up liking school.
MC
Education is very important... however, test scores don't give you the full picture. Take it from me. I taught in an academically stuggling school that could make itself look much better on paper (another state so don't worry). Test scores and percentages are a small part of the plan. If your child is not comfortable in the school he/she will also be at a disadvantage- socially- which at all grade levels is important. Most kids who do not adjust socially struggle with grades, friends, and self. From what I've seen, kids who's parents stay involved (pre-12 not just in elementary school) and who's kids are involved will usually succeed whever they land.
I'm not saying one choice is better than the other but also remember this...
a) Test scores are not a full measure of the worth or success of a school.
b) Feelings of love and acceptance are important.
c) It takes time to make new friends.
d) There is no place for struggling schools to hind- they are ALL trying to be better at what they do.
e) If your school is struggling get more involved- PTA or PTSA for example. Step up and speak up. Teachers can ask for things for their kids until they are blue in the face.
Parents can really help make the school a better place.
f) Speak to middle school and high school teachers (where your kids would go) to find out if your school is meeting their expectations. This will help provide you with areas of concern (if they are small enough you can always work on these outside of school). Visiting these schools will provide you with the bigger picture.
Hope this helps.
We were in the same boat last year. We live in a so so district and were accepted in a great blue ribbon school of choice district where our kdsi went to preschool. We selected the great school. We took extra steps to meet families that were not the super weatlhy (we are not) like much of the school. We put our sons on the laocl t-ball team and meet some great families from the school. We have made some great friends and have not regreted the choice one bit - and our son loves school (that is whats most important). The school our kids attend is very competitive and he has tons of kindergarten homework but I feel so good know I am giving him every advantage in life I can. We also have the daily drop off and pick up issue. It sounds like we are talking about the same school. Email me and let me know where you are thinking of going - maybe it is the same and I have give you some inside info. On the exterior the school may seem not as inviting but once you get involved and volunteer in your childs class I think you will find it is very welcoming and the school with all the resources to give your child all the advantages you wish for.
Good luck with your choice
If your son does not feel accepted, then he may not become the academic super star your hoping for. However, if he feels welcome and comfortable then he will stand out in the crowd. Something else to think about is what good does the blue ribbon school do if you are in the bottom half of the pile as far as grades, however in average school he probably would end up in the top 25%. I know some parents feel very strongly about thier blue ribbon schools, however I know some student teachers who were misserable in the blue ribbon schools, but felt they achieved something with students in a "regular" school.
