switching from private to public

[Anonymous]

Can anyone share their experiences with switching children out of private schools and into public. We are considering making the switch because of financial constraints, and would love to know what to expect.

[Anonymous]

We have done it and are mostly pleased with this decision (at least for the time being). In the longer term however, we might still have to consider private schools again but we will make this decision year by year.

Just like private schools, not all public schools are equal so you will have to make sure that you have a good option. We are in a top public elementary school but even there, you will find that the school will still not have all of the enriching secondary courses that you might take for granted in private schools. For example, the school does not have a gym, foreign language classes and computer lab/carts. The science, art, music, drama, and technology offerings may be less robust. For public schools that have very strong PTA support (and funding), you will get most of these things supplemented. Another issue with public school is the class size since you will more likely have larger numbers of students in the same classroom (and less space overall). Some schools have instructional aides but again, this is a matter of the PTA providing additional resources. For basic academics, the schools are very focused on math and reading because of federal mandates to test students. Kids will be tested more than in private schools. For example, the DCPS websites list 4 occasions where the schools will administer the DC BAS before the actual DC CAS in April/May. There are alot of issues surrounding testing, teaching to the test, etc. etc. but hopefully, the good schools with good teachers will not let testing preventing them from best instructional practices.

There are alot of upsides to public schools too in my opinion. The students are more likely to be diverse (in many different senese) than in private schools. The real world we live in have all types of people and hopefully, the children can get that perspective early on. And, if you are in a neighborhood school, it would be great if your kids have friends close by and you don't have to drive them all over town for playdates. Just think - you will save alot of money too. Private schools are now charging close to or above $30,000 per year and that's just tuition. Imagine how much enrichment, computers, vacations, tutors and other things you could do with these funds to get the extras that some public schools may not offer. Granted, parents may have to stay on top of things to make sure these things happen but in my experience, this would be true in both public or private schools.

I've not actually met alot of parents who have switched from privates to publics but I would very interested in hearing about their experiences as well.

[Anonymous]

I imagine there'll be more switching from private to public in the near term as the economy continues to sour.

[Anonymous]

I switched my son out of private into public after first grade. I have to say that it was a difficult transition. The curriculums were entirely different and my son was behind in many areas - and ahead in others. It's been a few years, but the things I remember most are that we had to spend a lot of time catching up on math concepts that he had not done in private school yet and he was not as advanced in reading. On the other hand, he was way ahead in spelling.

At the time we choose private school, it seemed like a good idea. But if I had it to do again, given that we didn't keep my son in private school, I never would have started him in it. I'm not sorry I made the switch because we have good schools and the tuition would have been a hardship for our family to continue with. But I am definitely glad I didn't wait any longer to make the move. After this experience, I started my second child in public school and intend to do the same with my third.

[Anonymous]

We switched when I was pregnant with #4. We were not happy with our private school, had 2 kids attending and one applying. Was a lot of money for mediocre teachers and a head that was awful. I guess we were paying for the beautiful facilities. We've been really happy with public schools and have not looked back. It hasn't been perfect by any means, but at least we're not paying almost $30,000 a year.

[Anonymous]

13:16, and 14:04, would you care to name the schools that you are referring to?

[Anonymous]

please?! not pp, but i'd love to know.

[Anonymous]

14:04 here. We were at St Patrick's and switched to Hyde ES in Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

I thought everyone loved Peter Barrett!

[Anonymous]

Not everyone loves Peter Barrett. I know several friends who have pulled their children from St. Pat's.

I switched from a different private school and we've been very happy with public. I will probably return to private for middle school and high school, but I think DC public schools are a better value for elementary school, unless you have a child with special needs. Those kids are not always well served in the public system.

[Anonymous]

13:16 here. I could name the school, but I don't think it's an issue with the school. The issue we faced was the difference in curriculum and that changing resulted in us having to really work with our son to catch him up in the areas where the public schools started earlier. I'm not suggesting that one curriculum was better than the other - just that they were different and that changing comes with a price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:14:04 here. We were at St Patrick's and switched to Hyde ES in Georgetown.

Hyde is an adorable, small school where everyone knows one another. When my daughter was there, it was quite international with kids whose families came from all over the world as well as all over the city. Worth looking into.