Public Education

I’ve always been convinced that someday, my children will attend private schools. I attended a public school for my entire life and had quite a few friends whose parents sent them to private schools. I truly felt that they had received better educations than I had. My husband went to a private school as well. When we first discovered that we were pregnant, I wanted to start saving money for a school fund. Now, our daughter is four years old and we have to make a decision as to whether or not we’ll take advantage of public education or go private. Unfortunately, the private schools in our county are very expensive. Even more unfortunate is the fact that our incomes and debts won’t allow us to afford that option. In knowing all of this, we relocated to a nearby school district that has a reputation for having a wonderful reputation in regards to public education. The school taxes are higher in the district but still less expensive than private schools. Plus, if we’re having to go the public education route, I want her to be in the best of districts. If I have to drive an extra twenty minutes to work, so be it.

What has always bothered me though, is that even if you do choose to send your children to a private school, you are still required to pay taxes for public education. I can understand why it is necessary, but it just seems strange. Suddenly you decide to pay a small fortune each year for choosing a private school and still have to pay a small fortune in public education school taxes. Basically, if you don’t take advantage of public education, you are paying those taxes for absolutely nothing.

I’m not sure why I used to have such a problem with public education. I know that I liked the idea that private schools have more freedoms to teach and implement what they want. Religion is common in private schools. In public education schools, religion is taboo. Private schools can teach certain controversial tops that are forbidden in public schools. I liked the idea of my daughter having classes that teach religion and values. Sure, it is a parent’s responsibility to teach those topics, but it never hurts to learn them in a classroom setting as well. Being surrounded by other students who are learning the same values helps to further enstill them into their minds.

Of course, all of the advantages of a private education come with a hefty price tag. To some, it isn’t worth it. To others, it is a necessity. I am personally choosing public education, but I did my homework to find the most reputable school district. I’m hoping that it is a wise decision.