It's starting to sound like the twilight zone when parents pay 30K for elementary school and give as their reason that they want their kids to spend more time on recess, lunch, and specials.

NP here. I mean this in all sincerity, without snark: ^^^ this is not a small reason why we chose private school in NW DC for elementary. We are very retro. Most of my friends live in the Whitman cluster and are politely surprised at how far ... "behind" DS compared to their E.S. kids, especially in math. He's probably 2 grades "behind" the kids at Bradley Hills and Somerset, as far as I can tell. We we talk about curriculum, I get a lot of raised eyebrow looks and comments like PPs above.

I'm not the least concerned.

We chose a private K-2 school mostly because of class size, foreign language and many of the other reasons PPs have stated. For third grade most of the kids went on to other private schools but we decided to try our local elementary school. We're in Montgomery County in a great school district. So my son started there this past Sept. and has unfortunately, not been that happy. He is much less engaged or excited about school as he used to be. We were hoping it was just the adjustment period to a new school but we're realizing it may be more than that. There is a huge emphasis on math and reading and very little science, social studies, music, art or PE. He takes a lot of tests and it's very task-oriented. He comes home with a huge pile of worksheets and homework all graded at the end of each week. Also, there's a behavior reward system in the class that makes kids competitive with each other. Overall, he feels kind of stressed going to school (there have been a lot of "stomach aches") even though he's doing well academically, made a lot of nice friends and loves walking with the neighborhood kids. He seems like he's lost some of his spark and love for learning this past year. It's been really disappointing. I know other kids have moved from private to public schools and have been extremely happy. I wish my son were one of them and maybe he'll start to like it more next year. But, I have a feeling we'll be looking at private schools again in the fall.

Anonymous wrote:Some public high school are dangerous.

Some private high schoolers provide pot-laced brownies in the cafeteria.

Anonymous wrote:In all honestly, most kids can not only handle but can thrive in a 22 person class at K. So really most people go private either because they want to hold a spot for high school, or they just want a smaller, more exclusive, self selecting group to hang out with and they don't care about exposing their children to diversity.

I disagree. I know my child, and he needs a smaller classroom, with fewer kids and more attention or he gets distracted. I'm sure you are speaking for your children only, right?

We really worked hard to find a way to stay in public for MS. But DCPS has one functioning MS and DC didn't get in. The good charters are jammed packed and have no outdoor space. DC was really sad after visiting. So we wrote the big check even though we aren't sure how we will make it through the year financially.

Anonymous wrote:Less kids in the classroom. More teachers in the classroom. A more structured education. Recess daily, PE daily.

This 100 times over. Research supports small class size is especially important for all kids, especially through grade 2.

http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/docs/05_02_08.pdf

Anonymous wrote:Do you know that public school kids do not read outside on nice days? Our local school has a courtyard with tables perfect for all types of outdoor learning. It also has a butterfly garden.

Our school does not. What school has a butterfly garden - very cool.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I want my kids to learn to love learning. I don't want them to go to an Ivy or other crazy notions that are immagined about why I send my kids to a private school.

I just don't want my kids to hate school.

What do you think parents of children in public school want? And why don't you think what you describe is possible there? I only ask because I want to be sure people investigate their own specific local school to decide whether it offers these things, rather than assume all public schools are alike.

Probably the same- most kids like the model of their public school - so they are happy - and not frustrated. Because we went to the school spoke to the administration and the learning specialist there so my specific school does not have these thing then we looked again when our school changed and then when he was ready for middle school. We also have a meeting planned for this summer to discuss it again. But I know there is no outdoor recess when there is cold or snow. Their breaks are 10 min between classes. No band during school. 20 min for lunch. Some lunches are at 11 am.

I don't think all public schools are alike - I only care about the one in our district.

You don't think I would pick free if I felt it was an option.

The beltway is dangerous.

Some public high school are dangerous.

Anonymous wrote: I want my kids to learn to love learning. I don't want them to go to an Ivy or other crazy notions that are immagined about why I send my kids to a private school.

I just don't want my kids to hate school.

What do you think parents of children in public school want? And why don't you think what you describe is possible there? I only ask because I want to be sure people investigate their own specific local school to decide whether it offers these things, rather than assume all public schools are alike.

Do you know that public school kids do not read outside on nice days? Our local school has a courtyard with tables perfect for all types of outdoor learning. It also has a butterfly garden.

Anonymous wrote:With multiple rescess, long lunches, PE everday and other expanded specials..when are academics included? I am sure some classroom activities are more efficient with smaller classes. Is the class day longer? The amount of time in public school seems short so I am having trouble imaging more non academics added..not saying they are not important too..but is the school day longer to accomodate?

Reading, Language Arts, Science, History, Math

40 minutes each LA 8-8:40, 20 minute break/recess, Reading 9-9:40, 20 minutes Break/recess/snack/etc, Science 10-10:40 (with outdoor activities), 20 minute break/recess, History 11-11:40, recess, lunch until 1:00, PE 1-1:45, Math 2-3.

Okay I really just made that up because I don't knew the exact schedule but explain why other schools don't have time for breaks, Art, Band, and PE.

Why can't reading happen outside on a nice day or Science involve outdoor activities.

I don't pay $30K or anywhere near that. I want my kids to learn to love learning. I don't want them to go to an Ivy or other crazy notions that are immagined about why I send my kids to a private school.

I just don't want my kids to hate school.

Guidance Counselor, mentors, and individuals working to find out my child's talents.

The car magnet.

It's 100% worth 30K price tag to be able to drive around with my X sticker on the back (actually, on the gas cap part) of my Mercedes wagon.