Public School Vs. Private School: Why do people judge me?

It's so interesting that people find things to argue with you about. One thing that people love to talk to me about is why I send my kids to private school. When it comes to public versus private education I have been called a hypocrite and asked questions like: How could you? Don't you believe in the education system in which you teach? Are you too good for public school? Are you trying to prove something? Don't you want your kids are more diversity? Oh and many of my African American friends say things like "Why are you trying to be uppity?"  "That's what white people do" I have heard all of these comments from friends, family, coworkers over the years and acquaintances. (I will note that some of my closest friends would never say this because we all attended Pasadena CHRISTIAN together) 

I mean I assume that in these people's heads they have valid questions but to me they are invasive and really none of their business but I always defend myself and since it's out there let's talk about it. Am I a public school teacher? Yes I am, I teach high school geometry and geometry honors. I have also taught in some of the worst neighborhoods in Southern California to very privileged neighborhoods on the beach in Florida. I think it make me a well rounded teacher to be able to deal with all types of students. Do I believe in what I do? Absolutely, I think that if you can reach just one child then you are making a difference. I work hard, plan lessons and take the success of my students very seriously.

Now let's talk about me. I am a product of private and public education. I went to an amazing school (Pasadena Christian School in Pasadena, CA) for K - 5th and I am grateful to my parents for sending me here. Not only did it lay a great foundation for me to be successful in public school, I learned about the Bible and how to live life right and through God's commandments. I also have many lifelong friends that are still my dearest and best friends to this day. Not to mention amazing teacher's. I went to my second grade teacher's wedding and still keep in touch with one of the 4th grade teachers to this day. I have even had family member tell me I think I was better than them because I went to private school. This is absurd because I did not make the choice in Preschool or Kindergarten but I am happy and blessed for the opportunity my parents did give me to attend PCS.

NOW MY KIDS....I love and adore my children. They have been in private school since they could attend school (with one exception you will read below). My oldest since he was 1 and my youngest started at 2.5 it is very important to me that my kids receive a Christian education just as I did. It's great when what you are teaching at home is totally reinforced at school. Its a personal choice that is important to me and my husband and we are blessed enough to afford to send them to an amazing school. The main reason is that a Christian based education is very important to us as is our faith. My son is in the choir, plays piano and is involved in run club, soccer and basketball all at school. This is very important to us as well as attending chapel regularly. This all makes for a very well rounded child.

WE DID TRY PUBLIC....We moved to Florida so fast and against my better judgement we put our oldest in public school and my youngest in a prep day care facility. The Prep Daycare facility had great academics although it was not religiously based it was a decent school. But my oldest began to fall through the cracks almost immediately . He's a quiet and shy kid and doesn't cause problems so he was just "there." We also ran into other issues that I did not think I would  have to explain to a first grader like:

"Mommy what's wrong with my skin color?" 
"What is black?" (Not to mention my son is very light skinned just as I am so explaining the different shades of African Americans is not a conversation I wanted to have, I admit I skipped over it totally and changed the subject) 

Although these issues come up in life they are not things that we should be talking about to a first grader. So we moved closer to my job and the hunt began for a private school once again. I stumbled upon a great website and set up a meeting with the principal. I immediately (as in put a deposit down that day) for both of my sons to attend the school the following year. We were immediately impressed and my children have flourished in this environment.

I want the same foundation set down for my kids that I had. I want them in a place where they are accepted for who they are and will not fall through the cracks. I want great academics that are challenging for my children to set them up for success later in life.  I want a Christian education where they learn about the Bible and also right from wrong each day not just on Wednesday and Sunday at church. We found exactly that, we also started going to church there and joined the church.  My boys go to school where we attend church and the church community, actually let me correct that the FAMILY that we have gained is amazing and has truly made settling in much easier for all of us.

Do people question me? Yes but, do I care what they think? Absolutely not.  This is what is best for me and my family. It might not be best for all kids and there are great public schools and great teachers in public schools out there but this is what works best for us.

Until Next time, 
SC