My little Bentley is not so little anymore. He will be in Kindergarten this coming fall--I'll have a child in elementary school! I am so excited for him--I know he will love it.So, here lies the dilemma: Bentley was chosen through a lottery to attend the new charter school right near our house. I didn't really think his name would get chosen so we have just been planning on going to the local elementary school. And then, on Friday, I was informed that he got in. Now I am wondering which place will be best for him.
Charter school pros:
1) Not on a year round schedule
2) Limited class size
3) Specialized curriculum
4) Great reputation
Charter school cons:
1) Bentley's neighborhood/church friends aren't attending (as far as I know anyway...)
2) Dress code (isn't that silly that I even care? But I do think dressing my kids is fun)
Both schools are wanting registration materials turned in within the next week. Part of me wants to just register at both and then decide later--so I don't really have to deal with it just yet :) I'd appreciate any input you lovely readers have--for or against the whole charter school idea. Click here for a short little article about the school and here for the school's webpage, if you feel so inclined.
10 comments:
Well what do I know I have no kids school age, but I think it sounds like a great idea plus you guys need to come to LP this summer and not have Bean in year round school!
I have heard good things about charter schools from my age group, which includes some very savvy PTA pros and a member of the State Trust Lands Committee. Bean is bright, he would thrive in the more intimate environment and personalized learning (I think any child would). I vote yes to the charter school--and for Heidi's reason, too!
That is awesome that he was selected! It would be great for his education. Cath wanted to go the charter school route for her boys when they thought they were moving to Draper. Henry is still registered for pre-school over there.
The big drawback would be friends because it would be harder to get him together with people from other neighborhoods for play dates. When you play with people in the ward, you already know their families so it is easier to send your kid over to their houses. I haven't let my kids even go to birthday parties at homes I don't know because in this unsafe world, I don't know where to draw the line. So I have told them that it is neighborhood parties and play dates only when they are this age. That is a tough one though.
Let's talk more about it later today.
I have really thougth about this, too, though it doesn't really matter since the past two years we haven't gotten chosen! I think the fact that there are uniforms is GREAT--no dealing with what they want to wear that day, etc... I know dressing kids is fun, but it is nice (for me at least) to not have to fight about the clothes they wear. (maybe it is my kids, but weston and aidan are really particular about their clothes--weston likes to be the same as daddy or brother daily, and aidan won't wear jeans!)
I have heard that the principal isn't so great at the charter school... but I think a charter school is a great route--this year round thing is SOOOOO annoying! I haven't been to the charter school so I can't compare, but I think it is worth it to see if you like it, and then if you don't--just switch. My advice--since you have been chosen, do it (cause who knows if you go to the public school and don't like it--you may not get chosen for the charter school again), and then if you don't like the charter school, change. Good luck!
I think you should go with the Charter school. If it doesn't fit for Bentley or you, you can always go back to the regular school, but you may not get the chance for the charter school again. I think Bentley is so smart and motivated he would do well in either venue. Purely unbiased opinion of course
That is a tough spot to be in. Coming from a kindergarten teacher (my 7th year...still new at this in teacher-years) I would register him for both and think about it over the summer. Try to find other parents going to the charter school and talk to them.
Here is another question to think about (you may already have the answer): Will your girls automatically get in if Bentley is there in the years to come? If not, that would be a HUGE con for the charter school.
You could try the charter school and if (A: it closes or B: you hate it), starting first grade at the neighborhood school would not be a big deal. In a few years, my little Sophie will be coming to kindergarten with me (since it's full-day) and then go to the neighborhood school in first grade.
Good luck and let us know what you decide!
RuthAnn left some good advice that I agree with too. If you don't like it then you can switch. Not so easy the other way around. Plus, I think it's cool to have uniforms. He can still have some fun play outfits. It just seems like the reason they made charter schools is because it is a better learning environment (most of time) and smaller. So I vote charter.
@Betsy: having our kids go to school together was a big concern for me too. They've told us that our other kids get priority if they already have a sibling in, but it's not guaranteed.
I also agree that going to a new school for 1st grade is not a big deal. After all, I did it, and I'm only sort of weird.
Your post said the charter school has a great reputation. For real? How could it? It has only been open for a few months? Is that really enough time to determine how well the teaching methods are working? This is not criticism...I am asking that as a question, I really don't know.
I know nothing about charter schools be they good or bad.
talk to kim thueson.
one down side of the charter is they have no lunch room. so you have to make a cold lunch everyday. it doesnt sound like much but i soooo love it when parker finds something on the school lunch menu that he will eat!
and you have to volunteer there a bit more than what is expected at foothills. i know that we have a TON (1300) kids there, but amazing teachers!
no matter what-bean is a smarty pants and will do well where ever you send him!
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