Choosing schools
My son will be a kindergartener this fall in his neighborhood public school.
But for some parents who live nearby, the school isn’t quite what they have in mind for their own children. Some have opted to send their children to private school. Others have chosen public elementary schools that are close to their homes but are not the designated schools for our neighborhood.
Besides choosing which school to attend, some parents also want a say in their children’s teachers, according to a recent Associated Press story, “Picking junior’s teacher: Should parents weigh in?”
The reporter, Diana Marszalek, presented several perspectives. She interviewed an Illinois principal who said she solicits parents input when putting together class lists.
“… While (the principal) and her teachers do their best to know students and their needs, parents usually have a far deeper understanding of their children and what factors may help or hinder them in school,” Marszalek wrote.
Another point of view came from Dr. Paul J. Donahue, a New York child psychologist and author of “Parenting Without Fear.”
"Our job as parents is not to make everything perfect for our kids,” he told the AP. “Children learn important life lessons - how to be resilient and adapt to a range of situations - when required to roll with the punches. … Our kids are capable and they can cope.”
I can understand the need to move a child to another school or classroom if he or she has special needs or if the parents are seeking a particular program such as Montessori that isn’t available at all the schools. But I’m also a firm believer in supporting one’s neighborhood school.
Although this school doesn’t boast the highest test scores in the district,
it’s certainly among the most diverse. The teachers also seem very caring,
capable and committed and I feel confident my son will get a great education. Besides, it's in our neighborhood. I'm looking forward to volunteering at this school and to walking home with my son at the end of the school day.
Am I being naive and too idealistic? Are some schools really better than others? What criteria are parents using to make their decisions? Test scores? Demographics? The reputation of certain teachers and administrators? Recommendations from other families? What other factors influenced your decision when choosing a school or educational program for your child?