I am a public school teacher and that is where I will stay. The problems out there are systematic and cannot be narrowed to private or public. The demographics of schools everywhere are changing, which affects the school climate. Everyone wants to point fingers as to who should be accountable which helps no one, especially not the students. I have found that education, like many other things, is like a pendulum and it at an extreme end. It will eventually come back to center. Until that happens I would recommend to all parents to be informed about the school your child attends and be a parent first and foremost. Don't look to the school system to raise your children. Don't look to blame the schools when something goes wrong with child...hold your own child accountable when they need to be. Become involved and work with your school as a team not against it as an enemy.

Definitely look into the teacher selection criteria at a Private School...I know public schools, at least Fairfax County, do criminal background checks and teachers must be certified. I know of many a public school teacher who have "resigned" from the system for a variety of reasons where no charges were pressed, only to end up teaching at an area private school.

I am a public school teacher at the high school level and I agree with one of the other responses that student accountablity is lacking. I have found a direct correlation at my school to the kids who are doing well and acting right and what kind of parents they have. Yes, the schools must take responsibilty for time they have the kids, but so do parents and families. Get involved with your child's school and their education, don't look to the school system to raise your child, and work as a team with whatever school you end up sending your child to.