- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
July 2013 Moms
summerandmatt
member
Classical/homeschool vs public
summerandmatt
member
We're looking into schools for when DD1 starts kinder in August 2015. I'm leaning toward the classical school model if we can find one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. BUT I was wondering if any BTDT had any opinions on the matter? I've heard such horror stories of the hours of daily homework and overcrowded schools in our area (Houston, TX) that I'm becoming wary of the public schools here.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Classical/homeschool vs public
Below is a link to a very long description, but basically it teaches kids subjects as they are naturally ready to learn them. Also, many classical schools group students together that are at the same learning pace for the different "subjects" and allow for homeschool days. I've been focusing my research on Christian classical schools, and was really wondering if anyone had any experience with them as they are different than the average private school. @mamasighs there are a few schools in our area that aren't bad, but we aren't zoned to them
In a public school the teachers have to be certified, have to take continuing education every year and have to have their credentials available to parents.
Private schools don't have to hire certified teachers, or even teachers who have finished college. I knew a girl who was a junior in college, majoring in finance and teaching 6th grade full time at a catholic school. No teaching degree, no education classes, no training at all. I'm sure that's not the norm but it's something to look into.
And down the line you also need to consider what kind of learner your child is--and that's often hard to know about a five year old. My nephew started at a classical ed school last year (6th grade) that's 2 1/2 days homeschooling and 2 1/2 days in a class room. It's rigorous and high level (lots of homework) and he's thriving. He was miserable, especially socially, at public school. His little brother is thriving in public school and will stay there. They're different kids and different types of learners. It took a few years for these different learning styles to emerge.
You can ask your local school about class size and homework. They should also let you observe a class. A kindergartner should not be getting *hours* of daily homework at any school. (But they should be reading every day.)
Another thing to think about and ask about when you're looking at schools, is what is available if your child needs special services such as speech or a reading or math specialist for a learning disability. Those services are free in a public school, and are free for homeschooled kids at their local school. Not all private schools can offer these services and it can get pricey.
Re: certification. Different schools and states have different rules regarding this. My point was just to ask what the teachers required credentials are.
Also, when you're looking into homeschooling see if there are cohorts you can join. Parents teaching together, sharing subjects, field troops, plays. This has helped several friends who homeschool and gives the kids the socialization they need.
I hope you have an easy time making your decision. I do second checking the schools online report card, maybe even buddy up with some teachers, or use connections for people who know teachers that work at that school. Please double check the teachers have the credentials to teach the subject they teach. Here in NC, in my area, a lot of private/ charter teachers aren't. That doesn't mean they aren't as good as other public teachers, but IMO it means they aren't AS good as the BEST public teachers. Man, that sounded bad. Also, my class size is large, it has been up to 28. I will tell you that I rock the hell out of that 28 though, and dont feel that hinders me from teaching the way I should teach. Also, check into how teachers (non public) are evaluated. I know in NC public teachers have a crazy hard eval system (when used properly and the way it was intended to be used). I like the hard eval system, it keeps me on my toes, and allows me no slacking off.
I could talk about this subject all day, but I'll end here! If you have any questions again I'm just a PM away.
Added: my views are only based off of my area and what co workers/friends have expressed to me about their districts.
L: 7/12/13
C: 5/11/15
E: 3/7/17
Due 11/10/18
I don't feel adequately prepared to homeschool, but there is a community here that does. I think they have teachers & you rotate homes during the week. The down side? Many of these communities are anti-vax. I can't do it.
We have been researching preschools & schools. It's one of the main reasons we are moving.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
I have the patience to be a homemaker, I don't have the patience to be a home schooler. I'd rather leave that up to the professionals. All the teachers at DS's school are highly educated
DH went to a private school for several years before his dad became a farmer, then DH went to the public HS next to one of their fields. That experience influenced his decision for parochial school for our children.