DS wants a bigger peer group, middle school in top ranked public or a different private school?

[Anonymous]

DS is in the 4th grade at a local Catholic school. We as a family enjoy it, DD is in the preschool program. DS says that it's too small and he wants more friends. There aren't any social issues at school and he's doing well academically, it's rather stifling(only one class per grade). Our local public elementary and middle public options are great and there are a few other private options within a 20-25 minute drive that could work for our family. We have a few options:

1. Have DS finish elementary school and then apply out for middle school and hoping DD gets in the same school.

2. Transfer to public next year(5th) and DD eventually starts public as well.

We really don't want the kids in two different school systems. As a family, we'd honestly love DD to have the same Catholic school foundation, but juggling 2 calendars would be tough(DH does AM responsibilities solo due to my work schedule).

I am nervous about public school as it's larger and a bit more lenient. I don't think DS is the kid that would lean into leniency, but you never know. Also, the public HS option draws from a wider area and isn't as great as the K-8 options overall, so our kids may be back in private school at that point.

Opinions, what would you choose for your family?

[Anonymous]

I would take the need for a bigger school seriously and apply out next year. Choose one that goes through 12th. If it's not super competitive, your DD will likely be fine to get in .

[Anonymous]

Move for 5th. That way he’ll make some friends before middle school.

[Anonymous]

The private school we are considering isn't too competitive, from my observations. One part of me wants to try public school to save money for a bit, mostly due to the economy. We can afford school without financial aid, but allocating those funds elsewhere would be nice even if it's for a year or two. Trying to balance what's best for the kids and what's best for us as parents isn't as easy as I thought.