If you could only afford private for grades 1-6 or grades 6-12, what would you choose?

[Anonymous]

Just wondering what folks's educational philosophy would be on a decision like that? We could stretch and do the whole thing, but it would really be tough. We are in the process of deciding if we should do public for lower school and private for later years (not necessarily 6-12, maybe 4th-12th, but something along those lines. My husband and I sort of differ on which years are most important for that sort of investment, and I wondered what you might think?

I realize that it might be tough to even get in later, if you choose to spend more on the back end, but those logistics aside, which years do you think are most critical educationally?

Many thanks.

[Anonymous]

Definitely 6-12, hands down, no question.

[Anonymous]

What's your public?

[Anonymous]

6-12--no question at all.

[Anonymous]

6-12

[Anonymous]

Absolutely 6-12 - most children of educated parents will do quite well in the early years no matter where they go to school. Save your money for middle/high school.

[Anonymous]

I would do the early years. A solid foundation is more important to me. And small class size etc.

[Anonymous]

6-12. Their peer group is extremely important during those years so choose wisely.

[Anonymous]

where do you live? If DC, 6-12 for sure.

[Anonymous]

1-6. Possibly to 8th. Reason, by the time kids get to HS, they should be getting accustomed to less touchy feely love at school and learn how to function in the real world.
If you live in MC, the public high schools are excellent.

[Anonymous]

no brainer - 6-12th

[Anonymous]

6-12, easy

[Anonymous]

At least middle school - that's where the skills (and character) are solidified.

[Anonymous]

6-12. In our area the elementary schools are mediocre but the junior and high schools are just plain bad. I would feel capable of supplementing my child's education in the younger grades (not necessarily through paid activities but just through my own practices) but not at all so in the later years.

[Anonymous]

20:17 here. Good point 20:25 - I think that in K-6 you could supplement at home, in 9-12 you could supplement from all sorts of legitimate academic resources online.