Reply to Unhooked kids - Why is private HS worth the diminished chances for top college admissions?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We do it for the 13 years of consistent education, the experience and connections made during those years and the community. Our public is too big, too anonymous, too many behavior problems and checked out parents. This is a gift to our children. The best education we could provide them and the environment to support a better childhood. I'm saying the quiet part out loud here- people are buying a prettier, calmer, more focused experience. It's not about college at all[/quote]

If you could have a kid who is happy, well mannered, good stats..etc. in a public, would you still go with private? I am curious about "it's not about college at all" comment. [/quote]

I am not the poster you are replying to but I will offer my experience.  We had that situation with our older son and did not go private.  He thrived in public school - loves the noise and hustle.  Loved having large groups of friends who all lived within a reasonable distance from school and had a very active social life. High stats, good relationships with several teachers, very involved in EC and now at a highly selective NESCAC where he tutors many kids from well-known privates as a tutor for his college's resource center.  Our other son wanted a smaller environment and less noise and stimuli.  He likes his school and his teachers and we think it has been worth the money.  He missed having friends close by and that has created some challenges in his social life (which I believe is a very important part of well-being and development).  Each kids is different so generalizations don't help much, in my opinion.  And for those posters saying that if you haven't experienced an independent school, they shouldn't be commenting here, the same could be said for those same people commenting on the public school experience.  I've had the experience with both and I can say that both experiences can be good.  When I went to college, the kids that I saw go crazy and flounder were the private school kids.  My college-aged son says the same.  My friends who are professors and deans at various colleges love public school students - they have learned to navigate heterogenous groups, deal with large classes, are more adaptable, keep themselves on track, etc.  Yes, there is some generalizing here but it is their experience shared with me.  It doesn't mean private school is bad at all just that it isn't a panacea or a guarantee of a good school experience.  I live 2 blocks from our neighborhood elementary school and have three friends who teach there.  Trust me, there is plenty of joy there.  I hear the kids outside throughout the day, I know what my friends are doing in the classroom, I see all the families gather outside on the playground after school for hours playing and talking.  People need to pick what is right for their family but don't bash others for their choice (if they even had one) and certainly don't diminish the hard work of public school students who do well in some challenging environments.  [/quote]

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