Bad schools

That's such a tough decision. I think it would depend on why the school is "bad". One example is when schools have low test scores, but also have a lot of English as a second language students. The reason for that school being bad wouldn't be something that would effect your child. (and please no flames...it was just the first example I could think of) I think you have to look deeply at the reasons the school is bad and not just whats at the surface.

If it truly comes down to the school not meeting your needs, I see nothing wrong with looking at other options. You have to do what is best for your own child.

And I'm also a big supporter of public schools. I have a public school teacher in the family and my own kids go (and will go) to public school.

Well, we are in our first year neighborhood school, Gilbert. My daughter really wanted to go because it was in the neighborhood. We were coming from an awesome and established public school. The transition was easy for her because she was blessed in having an excellent teacher, who is not returning next year. There have been several mishaps, which are to be expected, transparent to her. If you are willing to be involved, I believe it will eventually pay off. Good luck to you, it is a difficult decision..

I'd spend some time at the school if you can, ask to observe in some of the Kindergarten classrooms and decide for yourself. There is bound to be jewels there, but you might have to know where to look.

My school district wasn't listed as one of the better ones growing up, but my Mom always made sure to research which teachers where well regarded.

Ultimately if you don't like what you see, I think you should go elsewhere. No need sacrificing your child's education for a philosophy, but I"d give it a chance first. I too am a proponant of public schools.

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

It isn't your duty to put your child into a school you don't feel comfortable with or where you feel they will get sub-standard instruction......your child is your first priority, so your duty is to place them in the learning environment where you feel they will get a quality education. I have never felt guilty about choosing a private school over the overcrowded public school in my neighborhood. Why should I feel obligated to support the public school system? I am doing what I feel is best for my son. Why should anyone criticize me for that? I am always a little suprised and annoyed by the people who get so upset at the choice I made and try to argue with me about why I should be supporting my neighborhood schools and public education. It's my business where I want to send my son to school and no one else's......I don't criticize others for choosing their neighborhood school or a charter school. That's their right!
I also don't complain about my property tax dollars going to public schools.......some private school advocates do, but I figure since I attended public school, that would be stingy of me ......but that is the extent of my support of the az public school system.

If you are not happy with the school after observing a class, please do not send your child there. When my oldest (she's 8 years old now) was going to start school, I sat in a class at the school she would have went to. I was not happy. I spoke to the principal which further convinced me that school was not right for her. So...I researched and found an awesome private catholic school. Yes, it is expensive but I was use to paying for daycare before she started school, so I just invested that money into her education. Research is key to finding a good school. You have to be careful with charter schools as anyone can open a charter school. Please do your research.

There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one!

I think a child deserves the best education. If I don't hear any positive feedback about a school, then I will be searching other schools. I will listen to other moms and get their opinion and experiences with a school before I enroll my child.
I have always wanted my child in a public school because they offer band, music, variety of sports, etc., but if it does not meet my expectations, then I will look elsewhere.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

I researched schools in the East Valley before moving here and came up with Gilbert's being the best. BUT I'm not very happy with them in general. I grew up in Michigan and the schools are by far better up there!

I heard about a new school this year that opened Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (4-9th grade--still a Mesa Public School) so I applied for a boundry exception and enrolled my daughter there, I drive WAY out of my way every day to take her and pick her up, but I feel she is getting a better education and I don't want to move to another school district. It is kind of sad to see the other elementary school next door, Salk, which is all run down and her school which is trying to be an example school getting all the tax dollars . . . but you do what you gotta do to get your kid's best education. Even in the "best" of schools, you'll get some bad teachers, so just be aware of what is going on with her. She still keeps in touch every weekend with her two closest friends "in her neighborhood" even though they go to different schools. I do plan on sending her younger brother here also once he gets old enough, having 3 kids in 3 schools is HARD (my Senior is also in a magnet school--smaller classes--good close knit friendships made) I feel for him, it was definitely worth my bother to see how well he has succeeded in this school and did not get "lost in the crowd" in the bigger, overcrowded high schools.