If You've Had Kids in Private and Public, Which Did You Like Better?

[Anonymous]

Thinking about switching DD from private pre-K to public K. The $30K savings is very appealing but we're worried about the possible downsides. Very interested in hearing others' experiences and input. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

which public school system?

[Anonymous]

Montgomery County. Chevy Chase/Silver Spring area.

[Anonymous]

We have experience with both - and currently have kids in both. Overall I like the private better for the personal attention - much smaller class sizes and opportunity to interact more with teachers. They are accessible in a timely manner via email as well. It was just not as easy to get this level of individualized attention in a class of 30.

[Anonymous]

OP's child would not have 30 children in her kindergarten class.

[Anonymous]

Private

[Anonymous]

Private, having done both, but I wouldn't put myself in debt to make that happen if it was stressful.

[Anonymous]

I have done both. I would not do private if you think your child will do well in public.

It's K, try private for a few years and if you are unhappy switch back.

Both my kids are in private but they have LDs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have done both. I would not do private if you think your child will do well in public.

It's K, try private for a few years and if you are unhappy switch back.

Both my kids are in private but they have LDs.

Same except two of my kids, both SN, are in public because of the services provided through the schools. I intend to move the one in private to public next year because I think the reasons I believed she needed the smaller classes and other benefits of private no longer exist. She will be just fine in public.

[Anonymous]

Private. I work my ass off at a job I hate just to keep them there. It's night and day different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have done both. I would not do private if you think your child will do well in public.

It's K, try private for a few years and if you are unhappy switch back.

Both my kids are in private but they have LDs.

Same except two of my kids, both SN, are in public because of the services provided through the schools. I intend to move the one in private to public next year because I think the reasons I believed she needed the smaller classes and other benefits of private no longer exist. She will be just fine in public.

And my kids receive no services. That is why I would try public and if it fails your specific child as it did ours then move. I would not just do private because it is private, each child is different.

[Anonymous]

Just moved my son from private HS to public (Mont County). He likes public better and I'm happy with it too.

[Anonymous]

OP, why commit to $30K x 8 = $240,000 MINIMUM (this doesn't include annual tuition increases and doesn't include HS) --- when you don't really know if it is necessary?

I would expect private to be better. But, how much better does it have to be for you to say it is worth $240,000+?

Why not try the FREE version and then if it doesn't meet your standards, you'll KNOW that you are making the right decision to spend $$$ on private?

Seems like a very big financial decision to make on what appears to be very little data. Perhaps you could start by attending a PTA meeting at your local public, then meet with the parent liaison or vice principal. Then attend one of their student show-case days (we have these where the kids showcase their writing, art or what ever). Seems like it would be worth trying the free version of kinderg. before committing to the expensive version.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thinking about switching DD from private pre-K to public K. The $30K savings is very appealing but we're worried about the possible downsides. Very interested in hearing others' experiences and input. Thanks!

Depends on the kid. If you have a typical kid, no learning challenges, no social challenges - then you're fine! Save your money. If you want to re-consider private later on, it might make sense in middle school and high school.

[Anonymous]

Perfectionists sometimes have a difficult time teaching. Also, teaching is kind of like laundry--just when you think you're done, the basket is full again.....