Tell me it's not so bad...

[Anonymous]

We will be pulling our 3 DC out of the private school they attend this year and putting them into their local public Bethesda elementary school. We just can't afford the tuition anymore, and it's affecting our ability to save for college and retirement. I know we are making the right decision financially but there is still a part of me that feels like I'm letting my kids down. I am worried about the class sizes, the testing, the crowded recesses, the decrease in Specials, and the list goes on. Can someone please tell me it won't be so bad once we actually start?

[Anonymous]

You are worried about a public school in Bethesda??!! If you said you lived in PG county, then you'd have something to worry about. . .

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it will be fine, but will be a big change - mostly because of class size etc. SIL has her kids in a Bethesda ES -- class size is a big issue. It makes her nuts that MOCO doesn't allow classroom aides. At our NW DC elementary, the PTA raises money to pay the salaries of classroom aides (they assist the teachers and monitor lunch/recess). SIL sees this and is sooo jealous. Once you move your kids, you should fight for classroom aides. They make a huge difference.

[Anonymous]

Think of it this way - your kids will still probably be in a better school than 90% of other children across the US. It will be fine. You will be surprised how fine it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Think of it this way - your kids will still probably be in a better school than 90% of other children across the US. It will be fine. You will be surprised how fine it is.

I agree, but would change that figure to 95%.

[Anonymous]

Larger class sizes at public schools offers more opportunities for friendships. Children will form groups of friends, intermingle with other groups and often students who are awkward socially can find a best friends more easily than at private school.

[Anonymous]

Let the school know NOW that you're planning to re-enroll, so that they'll have a chance at higher allocations since they will have more kids.

[Anonymous]

OP, we pulled DC from private to a Bethesda ES this year, largely for financial reasons. We have been very pleasantly surprised. Class sizes are enormous, which is the largest drawback. Academics are great though, and so are teachers.

[Anonymous]

Just plan on supplementing the "extras" (music, art, PE), and be prepared for a heavy emphasis on language arts and math, and consequently test prep. Socially they'll be fine. They won't get much social studies or science, but again, you can supplement. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

It's really not so bad. Plus, with all the money you will be saving on tuition, you will be able to afford lots of extras like music, art, and family travel.

[Anonymous]

We went from private to a Bethesda PS this year and could not be happier. The school is a much better fit for DC, I like the families better, the kids are really nice, and the price is right. Plus it's great for DC to have friends in the neighborhood rather than all over the city.

[Anonymous]

(ahem) I live in PG county and my child is in public school. A good one.

That said, no school is a panacea. Not one, anywhere, any kind.

[Anonymous]

Our kids went to a MoCo public (not BE, but nearby) and then moved to private for middle school and high school. We're glad we made the move, but, honestly, the public schools are more than fine. At the elementary level, the biggest drawbacks are the large classes and the narrow curriculum, but the teachers in MCPS are generally very good and the education is solid. I also wouldn't worry about the need to supplement for arts and sports; you'd do that in private anyway, at least once you're past the very early grades. Finally, the perception that there is no sense of community in public schools is off-base. Although the selection factor might create a sense of community in an independent school, the geographic concentration of most MCPS elementary schools fosters community very effectively. When you routinely run into other families from your school at the park, pool, grocery store, etc., it's easy to make friends. Don't sweat it, OP; all will be well.

[Anonymous]

OP here: Thanks to all who have replied. Your responses have been really helpful and have helped me to look forward to what is good about public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it will be fine, but will be a big change - mostly because of class size etc. SIL has her kids in a Bethesda ES -- class size is a big issue. It makes her nuts that MOCO doesn't allow classroom aides. At our NW DC elementary, the PTA raises money to pay the salaries of classroom aides (they assist the teachers and monitor lunch/recess). SIL sees this and is sooo jealous. Once you move your kids, you should fight for classroom aides. They make a huge difference.

What a great idea! PTA organizing a fundraiser to pay for part time aides to help at dire times during school day. Do you know about how much this costs the PTA per year? Are aides in every classroom, or just the lower grades? Would love to hear more if you're back on!