Reply to what do you say to neighbors about why you are choosing private vs the local public?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I told people the truth.  We have a great public school, but my DS was getting lost in it.  The school was overcrowded and class sizes were really large.  He was a good student and not a behavior problem, so he got lost in the shuffle.  I wanted to see him excited about school and learning -- it just wasn't happening where he was.  I always just say that while it is a great school, it wasn't the right fit for my kid.  Most people just don't want you to put down their decision to stay in public.  So, if you say that it was your child who needed something else (instead of complaining about the school), they don't get so defensive.[/quote]

You realize that you are, in fact, saying that the public school isn't good enough.  Nothing wrong with that.  Just think it's funny that so many people are unwilling/uncomfortable saying that directly.  Whoever hears your description above knows you are saying that the public wasn't good enough, but you sound manipulative and disingenuous to dance around that fact.

If someone asks you such a blunt question, they should be ready for an equally blunt answer.  People can spot a phony (or a phony answer) from a mile away.  I'll bet you'll be better received if you are just honest.[/quote]

I completely agree PP.  [/quote]

Ha - I answered honestly once - and it had nothing to do with the local school.  We thought our local school was great and we were glad to move to a house in this zone.  It had everything to do with what preschool teachers had recommended would be best for our child's education moving forward.  I am pro-public and it was actually a big leap for me to listen to what these teachers were telling us.

But, still, that "honest" conversation with my neighbor got ugly fast with the neighbor getting all huffy and defensive saying how I was wrong and the teachers recommendations were wrong because the public school would be great.  It was really weird.  I no longer say anything but one word answers to their questions about how school is going.  Great, thanks.

And I also have a friend who is perfectly cordial but doesn't want to discuss school stuff with any substance because of her judgement of our decision.  And yet another very close friend who I know doesn't agree with our choice but is a little better about just staying away from the subject.

These people have made up their minds - an honest answer isn't enough because they are firm that they wouldn't choose private, they don't think it is worth it and are never going to believe that whatever your reason for going private IS worth it.  Sad - but true.  [/quote]

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