Question

Have any of you guys made the decision to send your kids to private school? We’re moving to a state that doesn’t have school choice and doesn’t have the best education. We’re touring a couple schools for Kindergarten but the tuition is 15k which would be about 1. 5k a month for us. We’re not sure if it’s worth it but we want the best for our girlie. Any advice/experiences? My biggest question is, did you ever regret spending that kind of money?  

Answer 1

That’s a lot of money. I’m guessing you can afford it since you’re looking and considering it. Personally I love public school, there are so many wonderful educators who go far and beyond their calling to provide a great education for each child. Ultimately it’s your choice. Good luck.  

Comments

@dinger public school where I am is a nightmare to get into and if you do, aftercare is a nightmare. The cost of a begore and afterschool sitter/nanny competes with the private school price. I can't afford private school but I am having to for this reason.  

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@giddy I’m sorry public school in your area is not a good option.  

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@giddy I’m sure you’ll be able to make it work.  

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@dinger I’m all for public school, but the school we fall into is the lowest ranking in the state , but the school that’s in the same district but a mile away is number 1 but they won’t allow us to enroll there

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@coadjutrix83947 we have the same issues in certain areas in Hawai’i.  

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@dinger its frustrating for all neighborhoods

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@dinger oh for sure I will. Im ratherexcited about it honestly. I have buckled down and have been using TBM to make my short, mid and long term goals. My kid is going to have an exceptional education and there are a lot if conveniences that I would have never known about without this predicament. Its a silver lining.  

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@giddy YESSSS! You can do this. Yes the silver lining ❤️.  

Answer 2

I have two kids in private school (middle and upper) and two kids in public elementary. It’s $30, 000 for EACH of them!?! We’re debating for our younger two as they go to middle. As much of an expense as it is, I haven’t regretted it for a minute - the education they get is top-notch.  

Answer 3

I’ve never seen the pro of a charter or private school, the kid will excel in whatever school you put them! Encourage your child to be the best version of herself at all times! I’m a Public HS grad who was able to get an associates degree, a dental assisting certificate and honors because my mother encouraged me to do the best I could even if it wasn’t a fancy school. Not many did this, but I took advantage of the public school system! Don’t waste that much money on kindergarten invest it towards her older school years HS/College! ❤️ but whatever you find to be best for your child.  

Answer 4

We have two in private school and do not regret it.  

Answer 5

Yes my daughter has been in private school she was in kindergarten because the school district isn’t the best . It’s worth it for us!  

Answer 6

My daughter is 10 years old and is in 5th grade at a private school. Our tuition is roughly $8000 per year (we live in the Midwest). I absolutely do not regret investing this money in her. We felt her school was the right choice for her in Kindergarten and we feel that even more strongly now (after she’s endured a traumatic experience and been found to have a slight processing speed issue that would likely have been missed at another school).  

Answer 7

Idk the family dynamic, but have you ever considered home schooling or a cyber school program?  

Answer 8

Not sure what your work situation is but my youngest daughter hated school. At 16, she developed anxiety about school that was crippling. We ended up going with the South Carolina virtual charter school. It runs on the K12 platform. It is a public school and they also provide computers and assistance with internet access for qualifying families. We have been very happy with this and she has thrived in this school. I work 3-12 hour shifts and my husband is a retired firefighter and has a part time job. These schools start with kindergarten.  

Answer 9

I went to private school Pre K to 8th grade and public school for high school. I was way advanced in public school. I didn’t have to actually start studying for tests in high school until my junior year b/c my freshman and sophomore year Pre-AP classes were just refreshers of everything I learned 5th-8th grade. I also want to note that I went to very rich public school district that has a lot of resources and was recognized for it academic excellence. If you can afford to send your kids to private school, do it.  

Comments

@macdonald - This! I have a ton of friends who switched from private school over to my public high school and every single one of them said the stuff they were learning at our 10th grade public school was stuff they’d learned in middle school at private school lol.  

Answer 10

Go with gut instinct- but if you can’t afford maybe think of the school and then pay for tutoring

Answer 11

We chose homeschool instead of private due to cost. Lower levels are pretty reasonable & into high school it get higher as I source out most of their classes. Only you need to be comfortable with your decision. Best of luck to you!  

Answer 12

Remember that private school pick and choose students. Great teachers can teach all students.  

Answer 13

I have regretted my choice of schools but never the money spent. Just remember they have unprofessional sales person trying to get your money even at schools. Make sure you really dig before you commit. My parents scrapped and sent me to private school my final few years. It saved my bacon. I wouldn’t have made it without. Don’t let anyone else sway you. You know what your child needs in a school. Each kid is unique as teacher training happens a lot depending on the school.  

Answer 14

We do and our thought is that we are paying for it now so that we won't have to pay for college later as they will be getting scholarships etc

Comments

@paperweight69 this is lumped into my decision making as well for private. One of the reasons and hopes.  

Answer 15

I do. It’s around $5k per year though. I don’t regret it all. Academically and security wise I find it to be far superior and won’t be changing. Absolutely no regrets.  

Answer 16

If you’re expecting you kids to go to college, really look into college expenses. Without aid (we don’t qualify, and merit isn’t given at the schools my kid is looking at) we’re looking at $100k for a state university.  

Answer 17

Not sure how you would feel about catholic private schools but I’m in Los Angeles and the most expensive one I’ve seen so far is about $750. From My experience as a kid, yes they teach Catholicism but you aren’t required to practice it if you don’t want to.  

Answer 18

As someone who babysits two familes, one family goes to private school and the other family goes to public school. I can definitely tell the educational and social difference. If you have the means I would definitely put them in private school, but do your research. If they don't go to private school, you just need to be super involved in their education to make sure they are on track.  

Answer 19

I know alot of folks are homeschooling their kids and seem to really like that idea because they didn't like the common core teaching. That's something to consider if you are home alot.  

Answer 20

It is worth every penny. I sacrificed and I’m so thankful that I did. I put my daughter in Montessori school when she was 2. 5. Sent her to Catholic school when she began first grade. Catholic school through middle school. Public school for high school. She earned herself a four year scholarship to Ohio State University. Went to medical school. Is now in her 1st year of residency. Let me tell you, I drove that VW for years. I put 268k miles on it. Took in state, within driving distance vacations. She wore uniforms, so very little spent on clothing there. I sorted my work clothes into a sort of “uniform”. 4 pairs of slacks, 8 shirts. Montessori taught her organizational skills, cooperative skills, music, math, science, spatial skills, problem solving skills. Catholic school taught her honor, respect and self-discipline. AND! She was blessed with outstanding teachers. Wonderful people. Great big “Thank you, God”, for this blessing in our lives.  

Answer 21

I’m not sure I’d pay $15, 000 for kindergarten. The basics can be supplemented at home and reinforced. I’d try out the public kindergarten and save the money you would be paying into private school in a separate account. If the public school fails for kinder, you already have a year saved up for the private school.  

Comments

@siskind: seems awfully high. Even if that is per year. I don’t remember Montessori being that expensive.  

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@chinkiang yeah I was thinking the same. Op didn’t mention where she lives. I just can’t fathom that much money for kindergarten. 9-12, maybe (a really strong maybe), but not kinder.  

Answer 22

We’re in FL where schools are beyond bad (soooo bad) my 4th grader is in private but I’ll be homeschooling after this year because private is $$$ (25k-30k) si homeschool it is till we we leave FL

Answer 23

I work at a charter school in Arizona. It’s a cheaper option than private and I feel most charters are run well have high stabdards

Answer 24

My two kids went to private school from preschool through high school for one and the other is still in private school as a junior in college. Money well spent in my opinion.  

Answer 25

I used to be completely against private schools - thought they were a waste of money and that “a smart kid would do well anywhere”. Ended up eating my own words once my son got to school haha. He did a year at our local public school, which was a good school but academically he wasn’t challenged NEARLY enough. And my main concern was that his teacher didn’t even notice, and then got kinda defensive when we brought it up. And nothing changed, he spent the year bored and didn’t learn anything new. So we rode out the year supplementing at home and the following year transferred him to a private school known locally for their academics. It’s been a world of difference. So for us, the $13k/year has been worth it. Smaller classes, more flexibility to customize the content to fit the level of the student, and they consistently work on things 2 grade levels above what our local public schools do. Can’t say if we’ll always feel this way, but for now, no regrets on spending the money.  

Comments

@cammiecammy - ditto. I love how my sons school meets each student where they’re at. We decided it was worth the cost to provide him with the opportunity to continue to love learning.  

Answer 26

Our kids attend a private K-12 school now, after homeschooling and public school experiences. All have pros and cons, for us the pros of this particular school outweigh any cons. It is only 7k/yr for both combined (elementary) and I have zero regrets.  

Answer 27

My son goes to a private school his tuition is 370 a month and we pay 550 down for registration fees etc. He's in kindergarten.  

Answer 28

I’ve looked into it a lot because I just loved the private school setting. My daughter went to a private pk. It was amazing and now my youngest will be attending Monday. By middle school I’m hoping I could atleast homeschool them or send them to a charter school if we can’t do private. It’s a lot of great schools around and in exceptional areas. I just unenrolled my kids out of their school to put them back into their old school. They loved it there. The price wise is extremely high but, you know how to make it work if you want that for your child.  

Answer 29

@featherbrain: You know what? Truth be told, I have no idea how I made that happen, other than God provides. You can do this.  

Comments

@chinkiang that’s a great way to word that and very true.  

Answer 30

We are paying for our daughter to go to a private Montessori school. Because of her birthdate she is going for 2 years. We have to put budgeting into overdrive to make this happen but it’s so important for us. Our son went for 2 years also and we don’t regret spending the money for it at all.  

Answer 31

We decided against it for our daughter because preschool in our area was about 25k. no I’m not joking and it only went up from there ‍♀️ We are going to move to an area where we feel better about the public schools and private schools are more affordable within the next couple months instead.  

Answer 32

We spend about 21k a year and it’s worth every penny. My son is a-synchronistic and 2E and public school would be a nightmare for him. Literally worth all the other sacrifices to have him enrolled there. He’s been there since kindergarten and will be entering middle school next year.  

Answer 33

I will be sending my child to a Montessori school and the tuition will be similar. I won’t regret it because I know what she’ll gain! As long as you’re comfortable with the academic schedule and the way they teach, I’d say you can’t spend too much on that. I truly think I would’ve had a different learning style if I had been given more 1 on 1 time!  

Answer 34

Find some parents at each of the schools that are serious considerations who will give you honest assessments of the schools. Different private schools--Christian schools included--have different school cultures, beyond academics. We homeschool, and our oldest wanted to go to traditional school. We could afford it for his senior year, and knew to ask parents about the two Christian schools that were affordable for us. One school was mostly kids who had been kicked out of the public schools, and had minimal academic emphasis. They were pretty much keeping students legally in school--students who needed help were pushed through with inflated grades. I talked to both the mom and the student (who was actually a conscientious student who was motivated to learn, but acknowledged the failings of the school). I greatly appreciated the conversations they were willing to have with me!  

Answer 35

That’s a lot for one year especially for kindergarten. Definitely do your research. Our church has a school that goes from daycare through 12th and even a Bible college and our tuition is 5K a year for church members. They honestly offer so much more than local public schools also. Some private schools also offer scholarships to students. That may be worth looking into

Answer 36

Can you buy a home in a better district?  

Answer 37

No regrets. Ask schools about scholarships. Most offer them.  

Answer 38

We did private school for a few years. Most have scholarships available, not sure your state but deadlines are usually in March or April in my area for larger scholarships, schools also sometimes have what they call a guardian angel fund that they use to help low income families. Ultimately we ended up pulling all 3 kids and homeschooling them.  

Answer 39

I personally went to public school and had a lot of friends that went to private school and I felt they were challenged more then me. My husband went to private school but got kicked out after they found out he was being physically abused ( they did report it but didn’t want to be associated with that type of negativity ) I went to college and chose to challenge myself and I feel very proud of where I am. My husband dropped out in 9th grade . and went back to school at 30 and graduated 2 years ago. Many of the people I went to high school with are very successful regardless of the fact they all went to public school. Many of of my husbands friends went to private school , one dropped out , one never finished college, but you know what ?. they are now successful adults. Police officer, event planning, worked as head designer for Samsung etc I don’t think it matters honestly. I think what matters is how involved you are in your child’s life and you need to essentially pick what’s best for you and your family. My daughter goes to public and right now I’m really happy about that. And I thought we wouldn’t be because it’s Los Angeles unified but I am. However I intend to just always re-evaluate as she’s gets older and I know I have options like homeschooling , magnet , charter etc.  

Comments

@soubrette56 Hallo EXACTLY!  

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@soubrette56 Hallo thanks for sharing! I’m moving back to Ventura County and it’s public schools all the way for us. My kids went to a charter previously, but chances are they all won’t get back in and they’ll be fine in the public schools - just as they are here in MD.  

Answer 40

My 3 kids all went to public school but we moved into and stayed in a very sought after, highly rated district. We paid a lot in school taxes but not anywhere near what private school would have been for 3. They all did great and are great adults. Spend time at the school and be available to your children. That will make the biggest difference.  

Answer 41

We moved in a great public school district into a mobile home in an ok community We lived there 10 years and our daughters graduated with honors and we were very happy with their education! They are sophomores in college now and doing great ! I would personally either home school or save that money for college Our daughters get scholarships and grants that covers 90% of their tuition but not room and board so we bought them a house so minimal student loans for them ! College is so expensive but if you get in a good school district it’s worth it

Answer 42

Education is 100% important. Move heaven and earth to try it

Answer 43

Look into charter schools also. They are free

Answer 44

Not for elementary school, but my mom sent my younger twin brothers to a private high school. I was 100% against it because she couldn’t afford it as a single mom, but it helped both of them so much! They got into great colleges and make good money now! There’s no guarantee, but if I had the money, I would probably seriously consider it for my kids.  

Comments

My son did do an Awesome charters school! This may be an option.  

Answer 45

This is hard to ask such a diverse group. Not knowing your specific schools you can look at, it’s tricky. For me, what a school looks like & the great schools rating are not my measurements. The leaders, the teachers, the materials available to the students, and how the kids act in the school matter a lot more. The private school system has minimal regulations. To recommend ANY private over public or even ANY charter over private is not really looking at the factors that make a school great. Do the educators care about students and challenge them? Do the community members invest in the school? For me those are two factors you might be able to ‘see’ upon visiting a new school.  

Answer 46

I probably wouldn’t for elementary school . Schools always have gifted programs that if your child is performing above everyone else they will test him or her for . High school I would look into private if it’s possible but will say if it’s between money for college and private high school I would save it for college. If we had to pay all of the tuition for our four sons in college it would be $76000 a year.  

Answer 47

We could not afford private schools. I chose to pull them and homeschool. The youngest from 3rd grade on and the other 2 for high school. Its about what works for you and what you are comfortable with.  

Answer 48

I sent both my kids to private school until about 3rd grade. I don’t regret it.  

Answer 49

My son went to Catholic private from preschool through 3rd grade. For 4th and now 5th he’s been at the Blue Ribbon public school across the street from us. We totally regret it. Sure we’ve saved money these past couple of years, but he has picked up some bad study habits and with class sizes at approx. 30 kids per class, the teachers are overwhelmed. We live in the worst school district in the country and refuse to send him to public middle school. So he’s either going back to Catholic private or a different private school.  

Answer 50

I know it's not for everybody, but have you considered homeschool? Our local schools weren't so good, so my daughter homeschooled her three and they all got excellent educations as well as college scholarships and are doing well in adult life. If you're working, it isn't a good idea for young kids, but if you're able to stay at home, it's an incredible experience, the costs are minimal if you do it right, and it can be incredible for family bonding. I helped teach some subjects, and have a lot of ideas how to do it on a budget if you are at all interested.  

Answer 51

I send my son to a private school for dyslexia. It’s made a world of difference for him. My older daughters went to public. They are 4 years apart and I could see the decline in the system in our area. If I could have afforded it, I would have sent all of them to private school. It depends on your situation and your school system. It hurts to make that tuition payment but I don’t regret it at all!  

Answer 52

Private school doesn't necessarily mean it had a good curriculum