What to look for in a private school

[FSUDisneyGirl]

Hey everyone,

I am a teacher and wanted to add one comment that might help.

I am currently teaching at a Title 1 school. We have pretty small classes (average of 15-20 for grades k-5) and are a public school.

However...I would be HAPPY to have much larger classes with less behavior problems. I think that a lot of the mood of the school depends on the administration and how they deal with behavior.

 

[mjantz]

One avenue you might consider (if your state allows it) is a charter school. They are normally not religious schools but are state-funded schools that are allowed to set up their own guidelines (within reason). You would forgo religion at the school but the education can be so much better.

Here's a list of charters in MN I found.

Many focus on a classical education although some focus on fine arts or at risk kids. My kids are currently at a charter school with a classical education focus. They were given the highest school rating last year & they did it by not teaching to the state achievement test & with 1/2 the money the public schools get. Their curriculum is a mix of Core Knowledge, classical education & the books 'What Your [insert grade here] Should Know'. Usual policy is that you are put into a lottery & can be put on a waiting list if there are more kids than slots.

We love our kids school & the incredible education they are receiving. They do wear uniforms (which I love!).

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

Hey everyone,

I am a teacher and wanted to add one comment that might help.

I am currently teaching at a Title 1 school. We have pretty small classes (average of 15-20 for grades k-5) and are a public school.

However...I would be HAPPY to have much larger classes with less behavior problems. I think that a lot of the mood of the school depends on the administration and how they deal with behavior.

 

[Aliceacc]

Connorandlevismom,

Didn't you have a tour yesterday? How did it go?

 

[Mkrop]

Hey everyone,

I am a teacher and wanted to add one comment that might help.

I am currently teaching at a Title 1 school. We have pretty small classes (average of 15-20 for grades k-5) and are a public school.

However...I would be HAPPY to have much larger classes with less behavior problems. I think that a lot of the mood of the school depends on the administration and how they deal with behavior.

This statement makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[connorlevismom]

Connorandlevismom,

Didn't you have a tour yesterday? How did it go?

Yep! We had our first tour yesterday. It went well and it was a very nice school. It is nice to have a place to start and know what to look for and ask. We did decide it was not the school for us. We loved the family atmospere but they seem very relaxed about education. It was not talked about that much an when I would ask about it, the principal tended to go back to what kind of people the teachers are and how great the parents are. Well, that is great, but I would like to know who is licenced and who is not and what exactly I can expect my child to learn. She did not talk about that at all. So it was a very warm and friendly school, just not acedemic enough for us.

We have 2 more next week on Tuesday and Friday.

 

[Mkrop]

Yep! We had our first tour yesterday. It went well and it was a very nice school. It is nice to have a place to start and know what to look for and ask. We did decide it was not the school for us. We loved the family atmospere but they seem very relaxed about education. It was not talked about that much an when I would ask about it, the principal tended to go back to what kind of people the teachers are and how great the parents are. Well, that is great, but I would like to know who is licenced and who is not and what exactly I can expect my child to learn. She did not talk about that at all. So it was a very warm and friendly school, just not acedemic enough for us.

We have 2 more next week on Tuesday and Friday.

Can they tell you exactly who is and isnt licensed? Our prinicpal at first always did it as a %, now she says that they all our, so maybe some went back and got certified. It is also a % of teachers at ours who have there Masters never which ones etc.

Good luck as the search continues.

 

[Aliceacc]

See, this is going to be easier than you thought, isn't it? Your gut will let you know when you've found the right place.

 

[connorlevismom]

Can they tell you exactly who is and isnt licensed? Our prinicpal at first always did it as a %, now she says that they all our, so maybe some went back and got certified. It is also a % of teachers at ours who have there Masters never which ones etc.

Good luck as the search continues.

I don't know if she could but she told us that the music teacher is not and was flippant about how many of the other ones were. She said something like, I'm not really sure or something like that. So it just really did not seem as if she was really into the education part of the school. KWIM?

Kristine

 

[connorlevismom]

See, this is going to be easier than you thought, isn't it? Your gut will let you know when you've found the right place.

I am starting to relax about it. I have to remember that DH and I go with our guts on everything and they have never been wrong.

Kristine

 

[hematite153]

The Catholic HS in which I teach is not noted for its small class size. Right now my classes range from 27 to 33-- large compared to the local public schools.

But I've got to tell you: discipline is a non issue. If I have a 38 minute period. I can teach for 38 or sometimes 39 minutes. Interruptions are minimal and minor. Kids who are disruptive are dealt with by the administration. Kids who continue to make trouble tend not to stay. And our kids are grouped by ability level, so that the scenario where one kid doesn't understand and holds up the class-- it rarely happens. So, in all honesty, I can say that the biggest disadvantage to that larger class size in my case is that I have more tests to grade.

No slamming. I teach in a public school system where the high school class sizes must average 29 students/class. Since small spec ed system classes get included in the averages this means that most classes are in the 30-33 student range.

I have had classes that were hard to teach and others where the numbers were irrelevant. Administrative support is key--if they tell you that problems never occur then they are probably ignoring them and leaving them to the classroom teacher. (I had a principal who said that there were no drugs in our school, yet, I managed to stumble across a drug-buy just by walking past the lockers at the right time. The next principal acknowledged that drugs make it into ALL high schools and the number of students using seemed to go WAY down.)

Whenever I've been lucky enough to teach a class full of students at the same level the class learns by leaps and bounds and they are well served.

There is actually some research out there on learning that shows that class size is irrelevant and that a class of 60 can learn better than a class of 20. The catch is that when people discuss this they usually ignore the fact that the class of 60 were ability-matched while the class of 20 were age-matched.

So, if I were coming up with a deal-breaker for choosing a school, I'd probably look at how they deal with learning difficulties, exceptionalities and
enrichment, rather than class size.

 

[GatorGirl]

No slamming. I teach in a public school system where the high school class sizes must average 29 students/class. Since small spec ed system classes get included in the averages this means that most classes are in the 30-33 student range.

I have had classes that were hard to teach and others where the numbers were irrelevant. Administrative support is key--if they tell you that problems never occur then they are probably ignoring them and leaving them to the classroom teacher. (I had a principal who said that there were no drugs in our school, yet, I managed to stumble across a drug-buy just by walking past the lockers at the right time. The next principal acknowledged that drugs make it into ALL high schools and the number of students using seemed to go WAY down.)

Whenever I've been lucky enough to teach a class full of students at the same level the class learns by leaps and bounds and they are well served.
There is actually some research out there on learning that shows that class size is irrelevant and that a class of 60 can learn better than a class of 20. The catch is that when people discuss this they usually ignore the fact that the class of 60 were ability-matched while the class of 20 were age-matched.

So, if I were coming up with a deal-breaker for choosing a school, I'd probably look at how they deal with learning difficulties, exceptionalities and
enrichment, rather than class size.

Very interesting -- thank you!

connorlevismom - hey, one down several to go! I have to admit I am looking for a more little more academic environment as well. With only one child I feel pretty sure I can provide lots of enrichment type stuff for her outside of school (we already do now). I am not saying I don't want art, music, pe, etc. but to me the academics are more of a key.....not sure if that made any sense but that is how I am leaning.........my 3 tours are almost all smack dab in the middle of the month so I have a couple of weeks yet.

Does the style matter much? I keep hearing classical style is something the private schools here tout as being one of their advantages but I am not sure what classical means exactly -- especially versus what is taught in public school. I do know the public school kindy in our county is doing phonics (zoo phonics specifically) for reading. Any insight would help on this.......

Whenever I've been lucky enough to teach a class full of students at the same level the class learns by leaps and bounds and they are well served. This is my main reason for wanting to send DD to private.........some of the other elementary schools close by have students that are well matched thus the test scores are fantastic and everyone is doing well.........in our particular district there is enough of a disparity between the kids (those coming into to kindy specifically who know the alphabet, etc. and those who have been barely exposed at all) that while the scores/school isn't the worst by any means it is more average (and thus IMO the teachers will spend more time with those who need the extra help) than I like. I think DD would spend alot of her kindy year repeating what is going on in PreK4 and while some of that is good a whole year will bore her tears and then we will have problems. The only reason I really believe this is because my neighbors DD is just as bright, etc. as mine and is totally bored and has been and is currently creating problems because she is not challenged enough because the teacher is spending her time with the kids who need more help.

I am rambling again........sorry!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

Lots of good info. We too are looking into sending our 4yo DS to a Catholic school this fall for Pre-K. We are Catholic and only have 1 parish in the area that has a school. Coincidentally it is the same parish we attend. Everyone we know loves the school and we love the 2 priests that are assigned to the parish. I need to look into signing him up for the fall as I know it's hard to get into because space is so limited.

We are military and will probably be moving 1/2 way through the school year and I'm so not looking forward to it as I will have to find DS a school ahead of time to enroll him in - or at least attempt to enroll him in. In 3 yrs however we retire from the military and the church that we plan on becoming members of doesn't have school tuition. Instead you have to tithe 5% of your net income and then also give 5% of your net pay to charity. I think this is really cool actually.

 

[Mkrop]

Gator Girl

I would make sure to ask about how they placed the children. In all the Catholic schools I have been to and the one DS10 currently attends they do not start separating until the older grades. Like last year in 3rd and this year in 4th he was separated for a reading course, and next year in 5th they will do more esp Honors Math.

So what I am saying is your child may still be bored or be ahead of her peers in K. DS10 is a very smart kid and he has not had these type of classes until recently. The teachers have all dealt with this by having him help the other kids. I wasnt sure of this at first but he loves helping them and I think he gained a confidence and a leadership skill from doing this. He is very proud when he helps someone get it. Also his teachers have allowed them to move on in workbooks or encouraged reading when they have completed the assignment. I ask him (and the teachers) all the time if he is bored and he says "Im good mom" So I try to stop worrying

 

[Aliceacc]

Gator Girl

The teachers have all dealt with this by having him help the other kids. I wasnt sure of this at first but he loves helping them and I think he gained a confidence and a leadership skill from doing this.

There's an additional benefit: the very best way to really learn a topic is to teach it to someone else. By breaking it down into small, logical steps, you organize your own thoughts and really get a handle on the material.

So your son may be getting some academic benefits here too.

 

[GatorGirl]

Gator Girl

I would make sure to ask about how they placed the children. In all the Catholic schools I have been to and the one DS10 currently attends they do not start separating until the older grades. Like last year in 3rd and this year in 4th he was separated for a reading course, and next year in 5th they will do more esp Honors Math.

So what I am saying is your child may still be bored or be ahead of her peers in K. DS10 is a very smart kid and he has not had these type of classes until recently. The teachers have all dealt with this by having him help the other kids. I wasnt sure of this at first but he loves helping them and I think he gained a confidence and a leadership skill from doing this. He is very proud when he helps someone get it. Also his teachers have allowed them to move on in workbooks or encouraged reading when they have completed the assignment. I ask him (and the teachers) all the time if he is bored and he says "Im good mom" So I try to stop worrying

Mkrop -- You are a good Mom! Thanks, I know I am over the top with this and I am not trying to slam our public school totally, they are trying and I know kids are learning and you know in the end DD may end up there anyway. I have one friend IRL who tells me I am crazy and I should just put DD in the public school through middle school and that she will be just fine and her two DDs are in a school with almost the exact same attributes (it is just down the road) as mine and both her kids are doing exceptionally well. If the teachers will allow DD to work ahead even a little or read then I will feel much better about her not causing trouble (talking out of turn, etc.) because she is waiting on the other kids who need more attention. I do think it is pretty typical for the schools here to start grouping in the 3rd grade but I will be sure to ask.

You know this is such a great thread with views from all sides, I really am learning alot from all you!

 

[connorlevismom]

Mkrop -- You are a good Mom! Thanks, I know I am over the top with this and I am not trying to slam our public school totally, they are trying and I know kids are learning and you know in the end DD may end up there anyway. I have one friend IRL who tells me I am crazy and I should just put DD in the public school through middle school and that she will be just fine and her two DDs are in a school with almost the exact same attributes (it is just down the road) as mine and both her kids are doing exceptionally well. If the teachers will allow DD to work ahead even a little or read then I will feel much better about her not causing trouble (talking out of turn, etc.) because she is waiting on the other kids who need more attention. I do think it is pretty typical for the schools here to start grouping in the 3rd grade but I will be sure to ask.

You know this is such a great thread with views from all sides, I really am learning alot from all you!

Don't let anyone tell you where yo should put your kids. You know what is best for them and you know where you want them to be. I went through this with my family who thinks that only snobby people send their kids to private school. Ya know, people who think they are better than everyone else. It took me a long time to get over their hurtful words but now I could really care less. I have my reasons for wanting to go private and don't feel the need to defend them to anyone. Everyone's schools in their area are totally different.

Kristine

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Don't let anyone tell you where yo should put your kids. You know what is best for them and you know where you want them to be. I went through this with my family who thinks that only snobby people send their kids to private school. Ya know, people who think they are better than everyone else. It took me a long time to get over their hurtful words but now I could really care less. I have my reasons for wanting to go private and don't feel the need to defend them to anyone. Everyone's schools in their area are totally different.

Kristine

I totally agree with this. My SIL is a public school teacher....at the school my son would have gone to. She was so bent when I decided to send him to
Catholic school. But, I have my reasons...a big one being her. She would have know everything and anything going on with him before we did. Also, my main time for wating DS in private school is middle school. I like this environment better than the public school. Most of all, I love the school. I love that all the kids all the way up to 8th grade know my sons name. I love how the middle schoolers take care of the little kids. I love that the K's have partners in 6th grade to help them with reading, etc. I love that the kids get to go to the principles office on their birthday, so its a treat. I love that they can celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Valentine's day without hiding behind names like Fall Harvest. And I love the relationships my DH and I have with the other parents. I love the education my son is getting, and how excited he is to learn. I really couldn't ask for more.

 

[Mkrop]

There's an additional benefit: the very best way to really learn a topic is to teach it to someone else. By breaking it down into small, logical steps, you organize your own thoughts and really get a handle on the material.

So your son may be getting some academic benefits here too.

Wow so true thanks for that perspective. I also try to tell him the more he hears something, the less time he may need to study it at home, so the more time for video games. Believe me I can rationalize anything.

Mkrop -- You are a good Mom! Thanks, I know I am over the top with this

Why thanks, I dont know how good I am I just know I worried about this stuff too and I still worry about stuff, he is my first but once I started talking to other moms who have BTDT, I have learned to settle down.

You are not over the top this is your baby.

Don't let anyone tell you where yo should put your kids. You know what is best for them and you know where you want them to be. I went through this with my family who thinks that only snobby people send their kids to private school. Ya know, people who think they are better than everyone else. It took me a long time to get over their hurtful words but now I could really care less. I have my reasons for wanting to go private and don't feel the need to defend them to anyone. Everyone's schools in their area are totally different.

Kristine

BTDT too. For me this is very important and I have many (even DH but now he is sold) that question/ed our decision.

DS10 is thriving so I think it is the right choice.

Also, my main time for wating DS in private school is middle school. I like this environment better than the public school. Most of all, I love the school. I love that all the kids all the way up to 8th grade know my sons name. I love how the middle schoolers take care of the little kids. I love that the K's have partners in 6th grade to help them with reading, etc. I love that the kids get to go to the principles office on their birthday, so its a treat. I love that they can celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Valentine's day without hiding behind names like Fall Harvest. And I love the relationships my DH and I have with the other parents. I love the education my son is getting, and how excited he is to learn. I really couldn't ask for more.

These are many of my same reasons why I chose how I did. Except at our school, 8th helps 1st and 7th helps 2nd, not sure why K doesnt get any but it is fine.

I also like that my kids can sing God Bless America if they want. Also that religion can be incorporated into other lessons as well, and I dont have to send them to CCD classes after school.

 

[GatorGirl]

Kristine -- have you had any more tours this week? I have my first one tomorrow and I have to say I am nervous for some reason.