Mom's Talk - Public, Private or Home School?

This week's Mom's Talk focuses on the issue of schooling. Parents in Northern Virginia seem to have plenty of options whether it is public, private or home-schooling. But is there enough choice in the South County area? Are the region's widely-praised public schools good enough? And do they offer enough options for all families?

Our Mom's Council weighs in.

Mom A:

Personally, I would send my son to a private school, if I had the option. For special needs kids, I think they need extra help. And in many cases, that help can only be given in a private school. Public schools make an effort, but staff members don’t have a whole lot of time to cater to each child’s needs individually.

Mom B:

Just imagine how great our public schools would be if there was no other choice. Think of the resources they would have, the caliber of students, the committed parents. If we are sincere about improving our public schools, then perhaps we have to eliminate private schools as an option. But of course that will never happen. And while I am philosophically committed to public schools, and my daugher attends a very good one, I would be lying if I didn't say I would consider private school if I could afford it. I imagine that kids who attend the elite public schools in our area get more attention, have smaller class sizes and truly benefit from a wealth of resources. Who doesn't want that for their children?

Mom C:

My children have been home schooled, sent to private school and to public school.  I've home schooled my children, then worked in public and private schools (not the same schools which my three children attended). The absolute best school in the area is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The teachers and staff provide the students a great deal of respect and real-life learning opportunities. Jefferson has been named among the best high schools in the U.S. for several years now. Fairfax County should spend money to renovate the building, which has aged. Homeschooling is great because it provides individualized progression through all subjects. There is a lot of wasted time in private and public schools, and a lot of boring busy work. In the end, success at a public or private school really depends on the individual teacher, on class size, on the administration, and on parental involvement.