Which school

[need2cruise]

What would you choose, public school or a charter public school? Give me the good vs. the bad of both! Thanks!

 

[bfeller]

I think alot has to do with the public school system. There are some wonderful school systems out there and there are some not so good. We moved to 5 different states while our children were in school. Only once did we consider private because we always had the option of living in a good school district.

Also it depends on the needs of your child. We have 2 children and one is a high achiever who needed gifted program in the areas of science and math and our other child had mild learning disability. It was hard to find a school that offered good programs for each child. And then there are some private schools that only cater to the gifted child.

So consider the needs of your child and then compare the systems.

 

[need2cruise]

The public school has a few really good schools around (above avg ISTEP scores). The charter school is actually a public school as well (but it is just below ISTEP standards due to the small amt of students), just is considered a charter and students attend 2 days per week and do several days of online work as well.

Which is better for students who are about average in their learning?

 

[Ceila]

I don't think anyone could give a blanket answer to that question. People have wonderful experiences at public and at charter schools, and people have bed experiences with both as well. Without knowing which schools you are referring to (and I would never suggest disclosing that on such a public forum), I think it would be almost impossible to compare the two. Every school has strengths and weaknesses. You need to look at the individual schools you are considering and make the decision from there.

 

[need2cruise]

Good point and yeah, no way would I disclose that info! lol

Can anyway say what is the difference between the two?

 

[golfgal]

It is really impossible to answer that question but look down the road, is going to school 2 days a week a realistic way of working as an adult? Is going to school 2 days a week a realistic way of teaching kids how to interact and deal with other people? Are YOU disciplined enough to make sure your child does the online work? What happens when your child whines and cries that they don't want to do school now?

Charter schools around here are pretty much a dismal failure-with a very few exceptions. There are plenty of parents that have kids that attend these schools that think they are great but the reality is their kids are falling further and further behind because they are not getting the basics that they need. Sure, it is all very touchy/feeling and I am sure the kids have wonderful self-esteem but then they have to get out into the real world.

There are so many people that want to get away from traditional schooling but then complain that the US is "so far behind" the rest of the world but the rest of the world uses traditional education models because they WORK.

 

[need2cruise]

I should clarify, this isn't for my kids! Told someone I'd find out for them since they are considering the charter. I love our public school system and am fortunate that it is like it is because I know there are others who have it bad. I know this mom really dislikes public schools and feel they are beneath her. But ultimately, if the charter is better for some kids (kids who are better self taught vs. lecture or whatever type excels in this was of studying), that is really the type of info I am looking for!

 

[golfgal]

I should clarify, this isn't for my kids! Told someone I'd find out for them since they are considering the charter. I love our public school system and am fortunate that it is like it is because I know there are others who have it bad. I know this mom really dislikes public schools and feel they are beneath her. But ultimately, if the charter is better for some kids (kids who are better self taught vs. lecture or whatever type excels in this was of studying), that is really the type of info I am looking for!

She does realize that a charter school IS public school, right?

 

[need2cruise]

Yeah, but they won't be around all the influences of the public school kids 5 days per week.

 

[Pigeon]

I couldn't generalize about that as it depends on the specific schools. We live where we live because the public schools are good. I do strongly believe in public education, and prefer that route. If I lived somewhere with terrible public schools, I'd probably move.

The quality private schools are upwards of $20K/year where I live. If we did that, we couldn't afford to send them to college. The cheaper private schools here tend to be religious in nature and also tend to not be particularly high quality.

I'm personally opposed to charter schools, however, and would never send my children to one.

But to help your friend, you would need to research the perfomance of the specific schools in question.

 

[barkley]

Yeah, but they won't be around all the influences of the public school kids 5 days per week.

yeah, well....at some of the charter schools where we used to live, a majority of the student body was made up of those kids whose parents moved them to private after they were either expelled or threatened with expulsion at the public schools (then were subsequently expelled from the private schools) for serious behavioural issues.

and btw-some public schools would NEVER put up with the negative influential behaviours that some private schools will let fly (it can be an issue of a private school not wanting to lose that all mighty tuition $$$$ or in the case of some religious based ones belieiving that if they model the "right" behaviour and pray enough that they can change any student-but WOW the horror kids i've seen over the years at the private schools my kids have attended would your mind).

 

[Pigeon]

Having a diverse student body is one of the things I value about our public school.

But I do agree with the pp. My sister taught at a very expensive religious prep school for boys. The stuff a few of these kids pulled was amazing and quite criminal. But if daddy had deep pockets, the school would overlook all sorts of anti-social behavior.

 

[stm61]

I've taught at a charter school and, as other posters have said, it all depends on the school. The one I taught at was in a not-so-good district and parents were looking for something better then the local schools. What they got was an administration that used the charter school as an employment agency for family and friends. Kids were rarely removed, no matter how bad their behavior, and it wasn't any different then the local schools they were trying to avoid. There were some very good teachers, most of the staff was actually great, but the admin. was horrible. That school ended up being closed by the state a year after I left. However, the charter school a few blocks away was totally different. Same pool of kids to draw from, some issues to deal with, but they did not tolerate inappropriate behavior. They stressed academics, insisted on behavior standards and dress codes, and did not tolerate parental non-involment (for lack of a better description). Your kid attends, you participate in some way. You don't have to skip work for class activities, but you do sign the papers every night, check that the homework is done, and watch what your kid is wearing every day. The teacher needs you, you answer your phone or return the call. That school is still open and wins awards every year.