Public elementary vs. private for average kid

My son is a kindergartener at a Berkeley Public School. This school was not our first choice but we've been pleasantly surprised at how happy he is there. I've volunteered a few times and was pleased at how well behaved the kids were and that they seemed to enjoy their teacher and learning. The school is more traditional than I would like (we wanted a TWI school or arts-focused) and I'm wondering if it's worth it to transfer next year to a private, progressive, arts or language focused school. I realize this is something I'm wanting; my son is not an art or music prodigy, but given that he is so young it seems like music and art could benefit him greatly. Berkeley's school day is short compared to private schools (and even OUSD) which is probably why they can't incorporate art, etc. every day (the once a week art class seems rushed). Yes, there are enrichment classes, but not enough room for all interested students. Outside classes are difficult to attend b/c we both work full time. But is our dream curriculum worth $20k a year? We know people who rent tiny apartments to send their kids to private school; are we being selfish or short-sighted by not doing the same? We don't live lavishly and would have to drastically cut back on everything to do so. I realize there is no right or wrong answer but would appreciate your personal experiences and reasons for going public or private. Lastly, I've heard (second hand) that if your kid does private at any point, it should be elementary school. Is middle school too late? Confused & conflicted

Academically, elementary school isn't especially demanding (and I found, by touring private schools, that the Berkeley Public Schools provide education on par with the most rigorous private schools locally). I think your point is that it's a good time to expose kids to many subjects and social situations (also private schools are not as socially diverse as public), so they can gravitate toward what they like. However, if they aren't naturally inclined to these extracurrics, then they may soon fall by the wayside. For example, I was in bilingual classes through 6th grade but it didn't stick with me.

Finally, the cost of private school can be painful, so you really have to believe that what you are doing is important for your child and for your family - and if you don't have tons of extra funds for it, this can create an expectation, pressure on your child, at least occasionally, and kids are perceptive about stuff like that. We definitely felt that there was more awareness of affluence in the private school, creating social issues for the kids since we aren't wealthy. I'd say if your child is happy, let him continue there - he will certainly be exposed to *lots* of different subjects over the course of his elementary experience, even if its not an arts or language school. Find out about the upcoming grades and what they are doing - often teachers bring in specialists and do units on all sorts of topics, including music and art. Some offsite afterschool programs have great opportunities too (I think more becomes available for older kids)- the JCC comes to mind.

You sound like a very thoughtful parent, I'm sure your child will feel supported and do well wherever you send him. Good luck! A family who has tried it all!

Our kids' public elementary school turned out to be great for them, as is middle school and high school. Our kids are in berkeley public schools and both benefit from the music program and the sports programs. Art varries from school to school, but also from teacher to teacher. We found that many ''regular'' teachers work good art projects into their classroom day. The math program has proved to be strong, too. We both work full time, too, and we found good offerings at after school programs on site in elementary and middle school. Regarding high school, many berkeley families who have private school kids have their kids go to Berkeley high, and the kids seem to do well. A vew kids go from public middle school to private high schools.

The nice thing is that there are good choices for most students at private or public schools and folks are generally supportive of everyones' choices. Another BUSD parent

Seriously, it is an enormous expense over a kid's lifetime and unless you have a solid plan for retirement and getting your kids through college I would really think twice before going private. It is a HUGE expense. I know that extra classes are hard when you work full time but heck, hire someone to chauffeur them there (check out the gigs section on craigslist) and pay for the class and you'll still come out way ahead.

That said I wouldn't want my kids to be in a school that sucks so my take is start with the public schools and if they fail you then consider your options. And my opinion is definitely if they ever go private I'd save the money for later on when it could really make a difference. Unless your child is having a really negative experience in school then how far behind or ahead are they really going to get in elementary school. Where I come from private elementary schools didn't really exist (there were maybe 3 in the whole city) but a lot of people went to private high schools. hoping to go public all the way

I think private school is a great option if money is not an issue. 20k is the (approximate) tuition, but that will not be your only expense. You will be expected to contribute to the Annual Fund. You will be expected to volunteer. You will have to pay for the afterschool program. You might be expected to attend auctions or other fundraisers. Private schools expenses are simply not covered by tuition alone, and they need to offer financial assistance to some families. So, fundraising is constant.

Also, keep in mind that tuitions rise regularly. So if the private K-8 school of your dreams is 20k for first grade, it could be 25k+ by 8th grade. In public school, free remains free (though I realize ''free'' is arguable).

Also, while enrichment classes aren't as popular with kindergartners, by 2nd or 3rd grade most kids--public and private students--participate in afterschool activities--baseball, soccer, piano lessons, gymnastics, martial arts, etc. Another expense to think about. They can really add up. Activities like these are scheduled for late afternoon/early evening and weekends to accommodate working parents. Stick With Public

Public vs Private Middle & High School

My kids are attending Portola, the public middle school in El Cerrito; my son plans to start El Cerrito High next year. My question is mainly asking for feedback from people whose kids have gone to public school (how's that turned out?) and private school (same question?). The reason I'm asking is, I have always felt that attending public schools is a way to learn valuable life lessons, such as working in a mixed society, figuring out how to get along with all sorts of people, and even gaining the ability to motivate yourself. However, Portola has been a real mixed bag for my son, and I find myself questioning if the benefits are worth the costs -- not least of which is the complete boredom of my smart son, who aces all his tests but is pulling C's because he doesn't do his ''boring'' homework. I'd love to hear the perspectives of others, especially those with older kids: am I costing my kids their future education and options by not sending them to private schools? Thanks in advance! Susan

As far as public vs private, I attended large, public middle and high school in California. My schools had middling API scores. I took every advanced class my schools offered, and did well at college. However, friends who went to better schools, both public and private, got a better education. I wanted that for my children, and now send them to private school. However, I also believe a motivated child can learn in any school.

The people that I know who attended private school seem to get along in mixed society as well as those who attended public school. One person's perspective

It would also be difficult to apply to a private high school at this time of year, since applications were already due a few months ago. Spaces may open in second year, but likely your son would need to apply and redo the freshman year. IF he is not already an exceptional student, he might not find a spot.

I would suggest you have a conversation with your son - if school is not his bag, does he want to go into a trade? the military? He needs to have a better response than 'homework is stupid'. It could be he is really struggling and needs a tutor, or he needs to just get the work done and have more challenges such as a sport or activity he enjoys. Be willing to pay for the extracurricular on the condition that the homework is done on time every day and grades are B or better. If the homework is that easy he should be able to finish most of it at school. No Excuses for Homework

I am conflicted about which school to send him to

My son is currently enrolled in a private pre-school that runs through the 8th grade. He loves the school and I am aligned with their view of child development and overall approach to education. He will be entering kindergarten next year - and has just been accepted into a public k-5 school (Grattan Elementary School). From what I've learned, the public school has a good reputation (for child development, for it's environmental and computer programs and for an active, engaged and concerned Parent association) and a good (tho not great) reputation for the quality of it's academics. Grattan is also in my neighborhood (half a dozen blocks from my home).

I am conflicted about which school to send him to. While I like the notion of public school (and, of course, not spending $23,000 a year on elementary education!), I am a bit concerned about how all of the SF & state education budget cuts (both those which have happened and those that are coming) will impact the quality of the education, energy & culture at the school. I am also a bit concerned about the increased difficulty I might have in getting him into a private school in the 6th grade (if I were to decide that was in his best interest).

I know many parents have struggled through the 'private vs. public' school decision - and would be interested in any advice or experiences you've had that would help inform my decision. Thanks very much for your thoughts!

The gift with private schools is being able to find one that fits your child's personality. They all have their ''cultures'' and I found a school that truly suited my son. Look at the culture of a private school whether it be academic, progressive, emphasis on sports, emphasis on drama, what is the parent community like, etc. and choose the best fit for your child. Don't get caught up in what is the ''best,'' as many kids will not be happy in those super academic schools. There are some amazing choices out there. If you feel your child will get lost in a large classroom it could be worth looking at a private school that emphasizes small classes. I was in your position last year asking the same questions and really feeling torn on the issue. After a lot of soul searching, and researching our family decided to give our local public school a try. The raves about the school made us feel confident that we were making the right choice. Our child had spent a number of years in a small and nurturing pre-school and he was completely prepared for kindergarten, perhaps over prepared.

Our experience was mixed right from the start. The classroom environment was a bad fit, the cohort group was a bad fit and the administration was distant and unresponsive. Almost immediately our child began to complain about going to school. ''I hate it!'' was usually what we heard on Monday mornings. We were in the thick of it and trying to find the best in a bad situation. We talked to LOTS of people, wrote emails, volunteered (a ton of time!), donated money and hoped for the best. As time went by our son's behavior deteriorated and he seemed to be back tracking academically as well. I think because he was already reading and writing when he entered school he was left to his own devices while his teacher focused on other children. Most days he was directed to a corner of the room and told to read or do workbook pages on his own. He was completely bored in this joyless environment. He learned that being bad was what got you attention. So that is what he started to do.

Special classes were/are over-rated too. What I personally witnessed was lots of busy work given to a group of kids scared to death to step out of line for fear of being yelled at and chastised by the adults around them. Young children were regularly sent out of the room to other classrooms where they would sit alone isolated from the group. Rarely were consistently well behaved, good performing kids rewarded. In fact kids who were normally disruptive would receive an abundance of praise and attention on the rare occasions they cooperated. This approach seems backwards to me!?

In the end we were lucky enough to find a place in a private school. The change in our child was immediate. No longer anxious and scared he completely engaged with his new friends and new challenges. The curriculum is so much richer and presented with excitement and yes even joy. He is back to loving school and feeling safe so he can focus on learning. That is all that matters to us.

What I have learned through this experience is that you MUST follow your own instincts. It's very hard to get a true understanding of a school in an hour long tour, but you can get a pretty good feel for it. If there is a school you like a lot see if your child can spend a few hours in the classroom. Go to the PTA meetings, special events and see what goes on behind the scenes. Public school can be fine for some kids, but definitely not for all and it can be all about 'the luck of the draw'. If you do choose a public school be prepared to volunteer as much as you can. Teachers in public school really rely on active parental involvement and you have to factor that time requirement into your schedule. You won't have a choice when it comes to your teacher and if things start to go wrong you are stuck. The cohort group is also very important. If your child happens to be placed with a particularly disruptive group of kids there is also nothing you can do about it. The greatest curriculum in the world is worthless if a teacher can't teach and the children are prevented from learning. In a private school parents demand the learning environment be maintained because they are paying for it. Kids are expected to show up ready to learn and when they aren't there are real consequences. On the flip side, parents can expect and demand that teachers are competent and capable.Of course no situation is perfect and I'm sure you will find many private school naysayers, but for us private school is the best choice. Our son is thriving and most importantly he LOVES to go school again. I wish you all the best and hope it all works out well. ANON

Academics in Private vs. Public School

Hi, I've seen several messages lately regarding the level of academics in private school vs. public school. May I ask parents, teachers, school administrators out there to revisit this issue with me one more time?

Right now my child is in a private school in Berkeley and going into middle school next year. I don't know if we can afford it, but I've been thinking (dreaming, really) how cool it would be if she could go to a private high school like CPS or Bentley... I expect she would get great education from caring teachers and she would be surrounded by motivated kids... I thought being in a school like CPS would allow my child to be more focused on academics and learning and not have to worried about other distractions like lack of funding, etc.

So, here are my questions... Do you really think the academics level in public schools is higher than private schools? How do we measure this ''higher academics''? Is the school more academics if it's teaching algebra (for example) in 6th grade while others aren't? Is it better for the school to be more ''advanced'' and what does ''advanced'' mean? What does it mean when a child is ''behind''? Where can I get my hand on the list of items that a child should be learning in each grade based on the CA standard? What makes this standard a good standard for my child (except for the fact that we're living in CA)? Boy, I feel dumb. Please help me.

Thank you! Anonymous

Now credentials are certainly not everything; there are a lot of really bad credentialed teachers. So not sure what the real problem is, but it is very clear to me in my 27 years of tutoring that private school students get generally inferior math instruction. I would never send my kid to a private school for that reason and a number of others. sean

I did not know about BPC's award winning math program when I picked the school. I wanted a school that provided a well-rounded good education. My daughter loves art and does best when she has strong relationships with her teachers and peers. I loved the feel of the school, the small class size and the fact that the students spend many hours of the day in music, art, drama, library, reading, science, social studies, computers, gardeningVand math. I loved the parent community and the attention given to caring about people.

While at BPC, I have learned about the amazing math program. In the last 7 years BPC middle school students have won the championship in the Oakland All-Star Mathletes Competition. This year BPC Math Teacher Anatoliy Gulimovskiy received an award administered by the Mathematical Association of America for Distinguished Teaching. The award says, in part, [Mr. Gulimovskiy's] effort has placed [BPC] among the top [schools] in the region.

BPC has a math specialist who works two periods a week in each K-5 class q one is for enrichment for the whole class, math games and activities that promote problem solving and critical thinking skills. Then her other session in the class is to work individually or with a small group more on remediation. BPC approaches many subjects in this manner (individual attention & group learning).

My experience is that Black Pine Circle has created a culture that integrates math into the larger school atmosphere. I have not seen anything that looks like high-pressure learning or geeky math professors. Instead it seems like there are real pros that see math as fun and interesting who are inviting kids to join them. Happy BPC Parent

Change to private for middle school?

We know the old public/private debate is an old one, but now that we're in it...we are wondering whether middle school is a good time to consider private school (in Berkeley) -- age and development-wise, can private schools offer more guidance and stronger academics so a child is better prepared to navigate Berkeley High? The middle school years seem like critical years, and we're wondering what other parents that have gone through this concluded or learned through the process. Thanks. -making tough decisions

For example, if she felt overwhelmed by the boy factor, Julia Morgan middle school (for girls) could have been a great alternative. I understand that many of the families there do private school only for the middle school years. It sounds like a truly wonderful school. Since my daughter was doing fine in public school and was well grounded, we decided to go for public middle school in Berkeley.

The 3 Berkeley middle schools each have excellent academic programs with wonderful teachers. In addition to the academics, music and athletics are quite accessible to all kids. I have heard that, on average, Berkeley middle school kids come to Berkeley High with more advanced math skills than many of the local large private schools.

Do you know any Berkeley high teachers? you could ask them what they think of the skills kids bring from the different middle schools. Do you know parents of kids at the middle schools or high school? I encourage you to ask them directly. There is no one solution for everyone. For our kid, attending a public middles school in Berkeley is giving her lots of wonderful academic challenges and she is having a lot of fun, too (and we are saving money for other things like her cell phone bill - just kidding). BUSD Mom

I agree that the middle school years are the most critical period in a child's life and that is why we are so pleased with our St. Paul's experience. In addition to high academic standards, the school's corner stones of belief are respect, diversity and service learning. I consistenly see that St. Paul's students are respectful, empathetic, confident in their own abilities and can distinguish between good and bad choices. Societal values are discussed and considered at school and the extensive diversity of students results in a sense of self in students that allows students to be more resilient and less susceptible to outside pressures. I'm confident that this middle school investment will pay off well when my son is ready for high school. Anonymous

She has now moved on to Edna Brewer Middle School with a large group of these same friends and I cannot speak highly enough about this middle school! We have many friends in private middle school who are having an equally good experience,but I can say hands down that I would choose Edna Brewer Middle School again without reservation.

Here is what I love. They seem to really understand 6th graders on a cognitive-social- emotional level and provide a warm, safe, whole child learning environment. They also really seem to understand the parents of middle schoolers and provide (and require) for us a constant understanding of how our child is performing with weekly reports on our child's progress, areas of concern and areas where praise is merited. We have access to all teachers via progress reports and an online program called TeacherEase. The academics are very challenging for my child and I give high praise to her teachers. There is a superb music department with a talented and dedicated music teacher and my daugter has a full class period of music daily plus practice at home. I have always wanted this for my child but could never quite get the time and money together for lessons! The school offers free afterschool programs (sound great but no personal experience).

Finally, I could not be more content with my daughter's social experience. Nope, no bullies, no inappropriate stuff has crossed her path - I keep asking and my daughter keeps replying ''Mom, everyone is really nice!'' This is our neighborhood school and she walks home with a close circle of girls daily just like in the 'good old days' of my youth. Not only have her Crocker friends and their families continued to be a strong presence in her life, but she continues to make great new friends and ties to the Brewer community. We are so pleased and excited to be a part of this new community. Thrilled New Brewer Parent!

Public School Curriculum Woes

I’m a parent of a child at Kensington My child is happy there, doing great and making friends, But, I have a real problem with the narrowness of the curriculum that teaches to the test and I’m not sure what to do about it.

Despite the limits of the curriculum, I do believe that Hilltop will prepare my child to be a great student and do well in the world because for now she is happy and thriving. Part of me wants her to have a fuller educational experience while part of me believes that it may be in her best interest to keep her in this situation because she may be better able to accept life on life terms. Then, I question whether putting her through what I see as a mediocre educational experience justifies her being able to negotiate life being less than perfect. I’m considering my alternatives in private school. I am not sure if what I consider to be the fuller curriculums in private school will in the long run either make a difference or be better for my child. I do like that Kensington is a neighborhood school, the great group of parents and kids there, the skilled teachers and the serene physical environment. While we may be able to afford private school now, it is a huge amount for two children and it is unclear the financial impact this could have on us.

Had I been able to visit the classrooms ahead of time and seen private school as affordable I never would have picked this school for my daughter. I don’t know how my daughter will feel being pulled out of a situation where she is thriving and if she will be better off in another situation. Now that we are there, I’m not sure what to do. Any advice from others who have had similar concern will be appreciated. Anon

When I was teaching I hoped for parents like you - advocates for their children's right to a stimulating, engaging, and cognitively appropriate education. Please complain to anyone and everyone who will listen to you. Please support your teachers as they try to employ best teaching practices despite what the state is shoving down their throats. And when you encounter an innovative, constructivist teacher, please write him or her a note (and cc the principal and school board and supe) expressing how grateful you are your child is not being taught like a drone. The only thing that can change this tragic situation is parents like you with VERY LOUD voices.
Tired Teacher

Disregarding the cost, public or private?

I have seen this question asked a lot of different ways on this site, most have to do with cost. I would actually like some input around the quality of the education regardless of the cost. We are prepared to move and we are prepared to pay for private school. My goal is to provide the best education possible for my daughters to prepare them for college and for life. I want them to have the confidence that they can achieve anything they set their minds to and the discipline to actually achieve it.

My oldest daughter will start kindergarten next year. Like many kids she has areas such as math and verbal skills where she is above her grade level and areas such as social and fine motor skills where she is at grade level. What is important to me is that she is able to continue to build on her strengths (my fear with public schools is that her strengths will suffer while she waits for all students to be at grade level) while developing her weaknesses. Other things important to me are; a nurturing environment that continues to let her love learning through structured and unstructured time, learning how to study/be a student (something I never learned), music, language and athletics, along with the obvious of a good academic foundation of math, reading, science etc. We have taken many school tours (public and private) that have ranged from all free time with little structure to all structure and too many sit down and be quiet rules.

My question to parents in public school, do you feel that your child gets enough personal attention to develop their strengths or do they teach to the lowest common dominator? For parents in private school, do you feel your children are well rounded enough to survive in the ''real'' world? Do they get the attention your money is paying for? Thank you for any and all feedback as we are really struggling to find the right fit for our family
Willing to move for public willing to pay for private

They have: 1. been in small classes with engaged peers (ethnically and economically diverse); 2. had teachers with boundless energy, hands-on strategies, interesting projects and fieldtrips; 3. experienced afterschool staff who make the best summer camp counselors look lazy and boring in comparison;, 4. school grounds with composting and recycling and play structures that do not get vandalized or left with trash after a weekend; 5. a parent community who pitch in when someone is in need, and who volunteer above and beyond the 20 hr/year commitment, and who are commitment to the school's mission; 6. organic,local produce, hot friday lunches served by volunteers that supports financial aid programs; 7. service learning projects in the community that range from planing trees to tutoring to serving meals; 8. administrative leadership that is truly committed to honoring each child's gifts, and who ensure that the school operates from its ambitious mission; and 9. a real love of learning.

This last point is what is most valuable to our family -- how to continue to instill a love of learning, a curiousity in the world around them, and the tools to be smart and engaged citizens. I would recommend you check out Deborah Stipek's book Motivated Minds for a thorough analysis of schools (public and private) and some questions you can ask yourself to determine what would be the best fit for your family. By the way, the school I describe above is Windrush School in El Cerrito (www.windrush.org).
Happy Windrush Parent

First, it depends on which school you are talking about. There are lousy private schools and lousy public schools. There are excellent public schools and excellent private schools. Your definition of lousy and excellent will be different than mine, so a lot depends on what kind of school you are hoping for, and whether you will recognize it when you see it. Good for you, for visiting a lot of schools.

I only have experince with a handful of Berkeley public schools, and with 3 private schools, plus a few more I've visited. But I would say that two of the private schools my kids went to were inferior in almost every way to the public schools they attended. When I was touring kindergartens last year for my youngest child, I visited a couple of popular private schools that looked exactly like Berkeley public school kindergarten to me, only a little whiter (and in one case, a little shabbier), and I wondered why parents in Berkeley would pay all that money to get basically the same educational experience they could get for free. (Unless they are paying to have wealthier classmates for their kid?) Teachers at the private schools my kids went to were often not as experienced - it was not unusual to see young teachers who a year ago were still undergrads. Pay is lower in most private schools compared to public, so there is often more turnover and fresh-out-of-college teachers abound. Young and energetic is great, but a more experienced teacher has "seen it all" and knows how to approach all different kinds of kids. My kids had some really top notch teachers in public school. Yes, there were a couple of duds but I'd say 85% of the teachers were superior. I also found that coursework in private schools was not as varied, and extras like computers and field trips often not as well funded as in public school. Of course this is not true of all private schools. But that's why I say, it depends on the school. Another factor that is sometimes overlooked is what your experience as a parent is likely to be. Communication from the administration to parents was much worse in two of the private schools my kids went to than in public school. As to individual attention, my experience was that private school, even a small school with very small class size, does not guarantee your child will receive more individual attention than she would in public school. In fact the reverse may be true: many private schools have a particular type of student in mind, and classroom instruction is directed to that type of student. If your child turns out to be not that type of student, you and your child will be very, very unhappy when you find out (like I did) that no accommodation will be made. And I'm not just talking about learning differences. My child's out-of-the-box thinking and creative dress was not only frowned upon but made fun of by staff at one private school. In the public schools, teachers are used to the full range of abilities and personalities, and there you may find more tolerance, more accommodation for differences, and more understanding of all the different ways of learning.

But it also depends on the kid. My youngest is going to private school and probably will continue there till high school. This is partly because I just could not deal with the uncertainty of the BUSD school lottery for K-5 so I went to look at a lot of private schools and fell in love with one particular private school in Oakland. But the decision was also based on my experience with my other two kids. They started public school all bright eyed and bushy tailed, both in the GATE program, ahead of the curve in reading and math, but by 4th grade they both hated school, had stopped doing homework, and were bringing home Cs, Ds, and Fs which continued all the way through high school. There was no more curiosity, no more love of learning. They started to lose track of basic skills as they moved on to larger schools and became lost in the crowd. They never got around to memorizing math basics like multiplication tables, so every year, learning math got harder and harder. They rarely had to write anything -- English class projects often involved drawing pictures because creativity was valued more than the mechanics of sentence and paragraph construction. Somewhere around 4th or 5th grade it became very uncool to be academically focused, and that attitude prevailed throughout middle school and high school. Since they had no internal motivation to do anything beyond the minimum, they floated along, happy socially, but academics were a thing of the past. This does not happen to every kid in public school. Many of my kids' friends did extremely well in BUSD and took full advantage of the great opportunities that exist in public school, especially at Berkeley High, and went on to excellent universities. But my two kids did not, despite tutors, conferences, and lots of involvement from me. One of my kids did not even finish high school. And there are other very nice, bright kids I know who also did not, mostly boys. Maybe this is a failing of the kid, or maybe I should have tried harder myself. But I do wonder whether a different school early on might have made a difference. I don't know which kind of kid I've got in my third child because he's only in kindergarten. Maybe he would be one of the academic-minded, driven kids in public school who thrive there. But I'm not taking the chance. He is in a school where I know that it will always be cool to learn, and be curious, and succeed to the fullest potential that he is able to. He does not have to be the brightest star in the sky, but if he turns out to be not very motivated like his siblings, I know that at least he is in an environment where everyone around him values intellectual curiosity, and where the expectation is that he will work to his best capacity. I want him to get the solid foundation he needs in the early grades so that he will have the tools he needs to take advantage of all that Berkeley High has to offer, if that's where he wants to go. I want him to have a lot of options.

Smart kids can excel and be stimulated in public school. You don't have to worry that your smart child will get a dumbed-down curriculum, at least not in Berkeley. And my kids had a good social experience at the public schools. But for certain kids like mine, maybe a different school would have worked better. So I would say, don't assume private will work better than public or vice versa. Look at the individual schools that you have to choose from, think about the kind of kid you've got, and what your own goals are, and take your best shot. Good luck!

My son is in fourth grade at a W. County public school and he has a young, energetic, and enthusiastic teacher who has guest speakers in the classroom to build a model marsh and talk about the wetlands and then they go on study trips to the wetlands; she requires nightly reading and asks the students to complete a daily reading journal. She also does hands-on science with the kids and the PTA has brought so many ''extras'' into the school that it feels more like the private schools every day--after school sports, rec, and 2nd language programs, a great library, and wonderful field trips to explore the Bay Area.

I find that far from ''dumbing down'' the curriculum, the rigorous CA state standards have raised the bar for all students. My son is continually challenged in his strongest subject (where he is a full grade level above some of his peers) and the school really helps/supports him in the areas where he needs extra help.

His teacher has excellent classroom management skills and runs a very structured and orderly class where all the kids are expected to be quiet, respectful toward each other, and polite. They also have a lot of fun together. I think this might be why we are starting to see kids trickle in from private and parochial schools--beginning in 2nd grade.

We don't pay private school tuition but a lot is expected of parents, teachers, and students. The burden of fundraising is certainly heavy and, as homeowners, we pay more in parcel taxes and bond measures to support the public schools. But I want good schools for my own children and for all the kids in my neighborhood and if that's what it takes,
I'm willing to do it.

Our Oakland public school is one of the top three in the district with regard to test scores, but I was non-plussed by the overwhelming drive to score high on the STAR tests, the bureaucracy of public school (I work in education and am troubled by the waste, the regulations, the dance of the lemons, etc.), and the PTA president lamenting that she would put her kids in private school if she could afford it.

We toured several private schools (many were less appealing to us than our local public school), looked at moving to ''a better district'' or even out-of-state, and ultimately decided on a private school that has been an amazing fit for my child and our family. She wakes up on the weekends wanting to go to kindergarten, the class is a diverse mix of kids with families of all different backgrounds, and they are learning amazing things in a way that is not limited by state testing requirements. They also have fabulous classroom assistants, an amazing array of resources (books, learning materials, math manipulatives, science equipment, etc.) in a clean, well- maintained facility. Our local public school still has a number of classes in portables that have been there ''since I was a kid'', as one father in his early forties proudly mentioned at an open house event at the school.

Money is an enormous concern for us, but we ultimately decided that our children's education is a priority for us. If they can get a good, strong foundation and be at a place that instills a love of learning from the start, then we feel we have received something priceless. We don't care if it's at a private or a public school, just that it happens. I think another BPN parent wrote that if their child gets a strong academic foundation and slowly but steadily develops a love for learning up until high school, then they will have the skills they need to navigate the courses, et al. at a public OR private high school and later on, university. That's our plan for now.

I wish you the very best in this process. My final recommendation is that you trust your gut when it comes to your child's education.
fellow parent

We visited many public and private schools in the Berkeley area. I strongly suggest that you observe in the upper grades to get a good feel for the academic environment. Many kindergartens, especially in the fall, make a gradual transition from nursery school to kindergarten and so your visit may not be an accurate snapshot of the kindergarten curriculum. Ask for written curriculum guides to get an idea of the academic foundation they provide.

Ultimately we chose a private school (Tehiyah Day School, a non-affiliated Jewish school) precisely because we felt that for our children the academic environment, the emphasis on values education and the Tehiyah community were worth the financial sacrifice. Although we are not religiously observant, to our surprise we fell in love with the school. (The range of observance is very broad and my children have had classmates who were not Jewish). Our children have made wonderful friends and through them we have made good friends that are an important part of our family's life.

The teachers and the curriculum are impressive and the thought and care provided for each child is touching. In private schools most if not all the kids come from nursery school and so academic preparedness is pretty uniform. We felt that in public schools my son (who was a quiet child) would be overlooked because he was at or above grade level and there would be other children who would need more guidance and help.

Our son was an easy student until third grade when became a ''problem' in the classroom. We were flummoxed by the change and became angry with him because he was getting into constant trouble. His third grade teacher suggested he get a neuro-psych evaluation. To our complete astonishment he was diagnosed with some very subtle learning differences. I fully credit this awesome teacher who nurtured my son and who recognised the difference between ''bad boy behaviour'' and his really painful internal struggle. It was precisely because this teacher was able to give him her full attention that he was diagnosed. She couldn't have been more caring and thoughtful.

The school (head, teachers and school psychologist) met with us regularly (usually every 6 weeks) over the course of his stay at Tehiyah developing and evolving his lesson plans. Because of their care and hardwork our son did extremely well at Tehiyah and was admitted to several private high schools. Ultimately he decided to attend Berkeley High and is now a junior. (I have to put a plug in for Tehiyah's athletic program. My son (not athletic) had never touched a basketball but in 7th grade decided to tryout for the j.v. team. The kids and the coach encouraged and supported him and in 8th grade he was voted most inspirational player by his teammates!)

We had our son evaluated by BUSD before entering high school he was deemed not eligible for help by the district. He's getting some outside help with his classes.

We find that the Tehiyah kids at Berkeley High are well prepared for the ''real world'', both academically and socially. He has retained his close Tehiyah friends (many are at BHS). Upon graduation they go on to great academic institutions. (His freshmen friends from Tehiyah are at Harvard, U. of Chicago, Northwestern, Haverford, UCSC, etc.) Because Tehiyah also emphasises creating thoughtful morally-concious graduates, we feel confident in our son's ability to make the right choices out in the ''real world''.

I have 2 other children at Tehiyah , an 8th grader and a 6th grader. Although my 3 kids are very different from each other, with very different learning styles, they have had a great education and, as if not more important, are genuinely cared for by their teachers and peers. We feel that they have educational opportunities that have been really extraordinary. My 8th grader just came back from a week in Washington,D.C. and spent a morning in conversation with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg! (I am so jealous.) Our daughter is going to BHS next year and I feel totally confident that she'll succeed there too. Our children also played soccer, baseball, ballet, took music lessons, etc. so they've made friends outside their private school niche. I wish you luck in your decision.

''1. been in small classes with engaged peers (ethnically and economically diverse);'' It Depends on how you define ''small'' but my kindergarten-age daughter is in a small class (under 20) and my son is in a class of 25 (4th grade)

''2. had teachers with boundless energy, hands-on strategies, interesting projects and fieldtrips;'' With one exception, I would agree that this has been the same at our public school. We have been very fortunate to have wonderful teachers and my kids are both excited about school.

''3. experienced afterschool staff who make the best summer camp counselors look lazy and boring in comparison;'' I am a SAHM so I don't utilize the after school program but I don't think our after school staff are quite this energetic. They are competent but not that perky.

''4. school grounds with composting and recycling and play structures that do not get vandalized or left with trash after a weekend;'' We have a brand new school generously funded by taxpayers and a crack team of janitors. We have also won recycling awards. I would say this is comparable.

''5. a parent community who pitch in when someone is in need, and who volunteer above and beyond the 20 hr/year commitment, and who are commitment to the school's mission;'' This is absolutely the same in good public schools, particularly those where a lot of the kids from the neighborhood are attending. I probably volunteer a minimum of 20-40 hours per month at our local public school and I see many other moms (and dads) pitch in to help. We also have an informal support network going if someone has a new baby or is at home with a sick kid, they just call another parent and ask for help. I have been the recipient and the provider of this kind of assistance.

''6. organic,local produce, hot friday lunches served by volunteers that supports financial aid programs;'' I don't find W. County district-provided lunches all that appetizing so we make our 2 kids' lunches every day, that way we know they are getting healthy food.

''7. service learning projects in the community that range from planing trees to tutoring to serving meals;'' Our student Council raises money and does a warm clothing drive every year for a local homeless shelter. They also jumped in to provide relief for Hurrican Katrina. I think service learning is pretty standard in public schools now.

''8. administrative leadership that is truly committed to honoring each child's gifts, and who ensure that the school operates from its ambitious mission; and

9. a real love of learning.'' I believe this is also true. Our administrators are committed to ensuring that each child gets a good education, whether they are gifted in some areas, average, or have learning disabilities or physical handicaps. Whatever level they are at, they try to bring them up a level. They also have many, many resources for kids who truly are struggling--much more than you will find in the private schools.

''This last point is what is most valuable to our family -- how to continue to instill a love of learning, a curiousity in the world around them, and the tools to be smart and engaged citizens.'' Ditto for us as a public school family. We are a modest-income family living in the Bay Area so the money we save on tuition allows us to take the kids to a lot of local arts and culturural stuff. We are also able to afford the occasional family vacations. The money we save on tuition also enables us to afford theafterschool enrichment provided on our public school campus for a fee--music lessons, art, dance, etc.

I personally think the gap between good public schools and private schools is narrowing but it really depends on the school
-happy public school parent

In the five years I have been a public school parent, I have never heard a teacher suggest that it was the fault of the previous school a child attended or ''blame'' anyone for areas that my children are struggling in. Instead, we have developed good working partnerships with all our classroom teachers and this has helped our kids improve academically, socially, and in other ways. If and when a child is really struggling (far below grade level) in a single subject or multiple areas, teachers will refer children for testing and additional services are offered. These can include small group pullouts, one-to-one referrals for private tutoring, or free after school academic tutoring. My son's fourth grade teacher took nine student study trips with her class last year. She also worked hard to support a science program so that elementary school students could do hands-on science experiments with college students. We have a wonderful music and arts program that supports the core curriculum too. I feel that all of my childrens' teachers have very high expectations for every student and they get results.

To say you tried one public school classroom in one school in California and then decided public school doesn't work for you is like biting into a rotten apple and deciding that you'll never eat apples again.

Is private Kindergarden worth the cost?

I realize the private vs public school quandary has been hashed over many times but I have a more specific question regarding this general topic. There is little doubt in my mind that the very best private school is better than even the very best public school for what I want for my children, i.e. rigorous academics, small classes and avoidance of disruptive behavioral problems in the classroom. The essential question is whether the cost of private school education (~15k/yr) is really worth it in the first few years of elemtary school? In other words, if you believe that private schools indeed offers significant advantages over public, how critical are the first few years of schooling? Given my finances, I was hoping that I could send my child to public school in Berkeley for K-3rd grade and then send her to private school in 4th grade when academics become relatively more important and academic variability between students becomes wider. I get the sense that many families start out in private school at Kindergarden so as to avoid the possibility of not getting into their school of choice later on, e.g. 4th or 5th grade. Now that I have to decide which school to send my child next year, I'm starting to wonder whether my line of reasoning is flawed. I would be especially curious to get feed back from teachers and/or parents who have been in a position to see the effect of early school environment on their child's academic development.
confused parent

I would encourage you to take lots of tours and keep an open mind
public school mom

The student council chooses one project to raise money for each year and the entire school participates. We also have anti-bullying programs and ''buddy'' programs in place which pair up older mentors with younger students for special class projects. Our public school has strict discipline policies and because our hardworking staff can't be everywhere on a large campus, parents are encouraged to step in any time they see potential problems before or after school (esp. rough play that might lead to fighting or teasing that might lead to bullying). My children both feel safe and secure in their public elementary school and we have a close-knit parent community.

There are only slight differences between a good public school with strong parent involvement and a private school in terms of the academics, social environment, parent community, and approach to education.

The biggest differences between private and public schools are the student demographics (fewer minorities and low-income kids attend private school), the access to free special education services (in most private schools, parents are obliged to pay for these on their own), and, of course, the tuition.

Worried that public kindergarten will be boring

My daughter absolutely loves her preschool--so much that on weekends, she asks us when she can go back to school! I am concerned because I have heard that kindergarten can be a tough year because the state mandated curriculum isn't great-- too much required at too young an age resulting in lots of memorization drills. I've also heard that for children who have attended preschool, it can be boring due to the kids who haven't attended learning to catch up with skills such as standing inline, raising hands, etc. I'd like to hear from parents about these issues and how they affected your child's love of school and learning. Was there anything you found useful to improve the situation? Any helpful advice will be appreciated. anon

Private vs. Public School and Teaching to the Test

Hi, We know that these question got asked before, but the most recent post on this subject was early 2004. Could we possibly get more recent opinions on the subject of private vs. public school? Can our children still get ''good'' education from our public schools? Can our children learn to be independent thinkers, to critically analyze situations, to solve problems logically, to express themselves artistically, to grow up to be good members of our society (with understanding of responsibility, honesty, respect, tolerance, etc.) if we send them to public schools (and we do our part at home as good parents should)? What does it mean when parents say that they send their kids to a private school because they believe public schools tend to ''teach to the test''? What does ''teaching to the test'' actually mean? What major factors differentiate private schools from public schools, especially for public and privates schools in Albany/Berkeley/Kensington/El Cerrito? Have schools changed very much since a couple of years ago (when public schools were considering eliminating the K-3 class size reduction and there was a teacher/parent uproar?)

By the way, we live in Kensington and our child is now in a private school. We are considering the possibility of moving our child to Kensington Hilltop for financial reasons. Of course, our questions are focused on Kensington Hilltop as our public school choice for the time being. However, we are also thinking ahead about Albany High School and Berkeley High School. Choosing a school is such a stressful undertaking. We appreciate any insights you have. Thank you. Stressed Out Parents

His public school does emphasize math and reading as their ''core curriculum'', both of which are tested. Beginning in upper grades the standards-based curriculum incorporates science which is also tested. However, there are many opportunities for students to take art classes, music instruction, and do student study trips while at school. These things are not tested but add to the overall richness of the school experience. Most of these are subsidized by parent fundraising.

From my perspective, private schools offer parents an opportunity to feel somewhat ''insulated'' from social problems. That is not the case in public schools where you are obliged to mix with families that may not share your parenting style or values. Our family income (approx. $75K/year) would probably enable us to send one child to private but not both so that was a factor too. We may do private for middle school or may not depending on where our local middle school is when we are ready to take that step. We also put money away every year into a college savings account which we couldn't do if we paid for private school.

I hear other parents on my son's soccer team agonize about the 10% hike in tuition every year for their private school and feel sorry for them. Every year, a few parents end up transferring into public because they ''hit the wall'' financially. Also, there are standardized tests in private schools too but you won't see the results published in the local newspaper. For me, public schools in partnership with supportive parents do a good job preparing kids for college and for life. Private schools do an excellent job preparing kids for college but don't give kids as many ''life skills''. I see benefits and pitfalls in both. W. County public school parent

I hold a teaching credential although a credential is not required by many private schools. The private school I taught at had very little knowledge of how to accommodate ''differently abled students.'' I also raised some hackles trying to increase training on issues of sexual harassment. On the other hand, the small class sizes allowed me to do more detailed projects with the students. I was responsible for about 45 students per semester. Each test could have an essay question on it. The students wrote a 15 page research paper and presented a power point based on it. The Health Science class I taught was far more liberal and far ranging than what I am allowed to teach in a public school. For example, for years someone from Good Vibrations Education Division visited and did a talk with visual aids. A parent who worked for Planned Parenthood supplied me with condoms to distribute to students. We were able to dis! cuss gender issues much more openly and the school had an openly gay and lesbian population among both students and faculty. The public school I teach at now is much more conservative. However, I taught to the state standards equally in both schools and the students probably learned a similar amount of information, did labs, had to analyse results, etc. At my present school, I am responsible for grading close to 200 students, teaching 6 classes of about 32 students each. It is taking me longer to get to know my students and I cannot give them essay exams. The projects I assign are less detailed and more superficial, but the students learn the same skills in public speaking and power point presentation. Instead of just lecturing as I often did in private school, I need to divide the period into a number of varied activities. If your student is bright and can work in a large classroom, they can probably achieve a higher G! PA at a quality public school. For example, BHS offers many AP courses. The private school may be more challenging in curriculum, I don't know if they really can get into any better colleges. One of my students at the private school was very bitter because he had a 2.4 at the private school whereas he felt like he would have had a 4.0 at a public school. When he was trying to get into his first choice college, he may have had thoughts about whether his parents' money was best used for a private high school.

I have two elementary school age children so I am interested in these questions. Disclaimer: I can only speak to the schools in which I have taught. kathryn

If you are considering public school, I suggest that you talk to some parents who have kids in the school you are thinking about. If you don't know any, find out about the PTA and make contacts that way. Unfortunately, most of those who wring their hands about public schools have dismissed them without making any inquiry, other than, perhaps, test scores, which is a whole different subject. Suffice to say, if your kid is testing well, it doesn't really matter how other kids are testing. If your kid is not testing high but doing well in school, then maybe he/she doesn't perform well on standardized tests. No big deal-- -that's what Kaplan is for before taking the SAT. glad you asked

The disadvantage/advantage of the public school is that your child will need to learn to share materials and a culture with children from many backgrounds, including children from at-risk situations. We are working with my daughter on being accepting of other children, while staying assertive about her own needs and values.

The set curriculum of the public school is also an advantage/disadvantage depending on your point-of-view. For example, the teacher is unlikely to be able to devote weeks to involved social studies or science projects. On the other hand, you know that when your child arrives in high school the will have the prerequisites to succeed. Some students moving from private K-8 schools to high school, have difficulty with both the social and academic demands. My child, has often come home and been excited about topics or skills they are learning in her class; so my sense is that many of the teachers are able to balance the ''fun'' projects/topics with meeting the state curriculum. The advantage of a private school is that your child will be in an environment where the other children are from similar backgrounds (they may differ in race at the more diverse private schools, but they will rarely differ significantly in class background.) This means your child may get more attention, depending on the teacher. Some private schools are able to accomodate children with learning issues smoothly (but be sure to check, because learning issues sometimes don't become apparent until 2nd or 3rd grade.) Private schools provide greater opportunity to specialize whether in art, music, language, or religion. My impression is that the parent communities at private schools are also closer, which for many is an advantage. Visit schools and think about your child's personality. Where would they be comfortable? Where would it be a stretch but worthwhile? Don't make a choice out of fear of the public schools. anon

Question: Can our children still get ''good'' education from our public schools?

Answer: An emphatic "yes." Having visited dozens of schools in the East Bay, I can tell you that thousands of students are learning to be independent thinkers, to understand civic responsibility and to love learning. Parents do and are playing a critical role by reading to their children and by creating "teachable moments" at the dinner table. Equally importantly, parents can let each child know that learning is important and that s/he can succeed at school.

Question: What does ''teaching to the test'' actually mean?

Answer: "Teaching to the test" can mean either teaching students the content (e.g. the facts and skills) that will be on the test OR teaching students test-taking skills (e.g. how to approach a multiple choice question that follows a 3-paragraph essay). In the past few years, the state of California has changed the test that measures student achievement and school success. Currently, the California Standards Tests (CST) are the tests given the most weight (or credence) by the government. The CSTs measure if students have learned the content (i.e. algebra skills, writing techniques) described in the California Content Standards. As a result, local public school teachers who "teach to the test" by teaching students the content that will be on the CST are helping their students. [For more clarification or for guidelines on how to distinguish "good teaching to the test" from "bad," contact me directly.]

Question: What major factors differentiate private schools from public schools, especially for public and privates schools in Albany/Berkeley/Kensington/El Cerrito?

Answer: When comparing schools, you can look at - Student outcomes - Educational approach - School size and structure - School norms, culture and religion - Cost There is tremendous diversity among private schools as well as between public and private schools. Before visiting and comparing schools, you may want to decide what type of school environment will be best for your children and for you. Then, you can compare public and private schools. Debbie

Middle school: private or public?

Our 6th grade daughter has attended a small private school for the past seven years. She now is making the decision of where does she go for middle school. Does she continue at the small private school, does she go to a charter school that we, her parents like, or does she go to the large public middle school (900 pupils) in our district? In two years She will be attending the public high school of 2,000 pupils in our district. Any advice on how she can make the best decision would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
Needing Sound Advice

I have a daughter at King and a son who is just finishing at a private school and is moving to Berkeley High next year. I also am a writer coach (an in-school tutor) at Longfellow, and BHS, which is to say that I have some experience with the work the students are doing in English, at least, and have witnessed some of what goes on in the classroom.

I've only experienced one classroom at Longfellow, but the teacher was spending more than half her time just trying to keep some semblance of order. She was ignored by most of the class, ''students'' were answering cell phones, having conversations with each other, getting up and walking around, sleeping, leaving the classroom without asking permission, fighting; you get the idea. Essentially no learning was happening.

There are discipline issues with some of the kids at King but the classroom environment I've seen there is much more conducive to learning, and I'm reasonably happy with the education my daughter is receiving.

I think King is OK, otherwise my advice would be to keep her in private school until she enters BHS. She'll be better equipped to succeed.

Finally, moving up to Berkeley High is also, I now think, problematic. Though my son will be there next year, I'm beginning to regret the decision to send him. My thinking is precipitated by the fact that that they've restructured the entrance procedure for the college-preparatory track (called ''Academic Choice'') so that, though 100% of the kids in West Berkeley were admitted, less than 30% of the applicants in the Hills were admitted. They scaled back the size of the program considerably to achieve this "socioeconomic balance." (There's an article on this topic in the most recent BHS Newsletter http://bhs.berkeleypta.org/newsletter/0506news01.htm , which contains a list to the actual statistics.)

Last year, anyone who applied could participate.

Leaving your child in a private school will give you more options when it comes time to consider high school.

Anonymous

Editor Note: several people wrote in to correct the statement above about Academic Choice. See Is Academic Choice the College Prep program at BHS?

Staying calm with the school crazies (OUSD)

I'm a mom of a preschooler, and am starting to wonder if I'm going to really do a disservice to my child next year by not sending him to private school or moving to Lamorinda for the schools. We live in Oakland, and he can go Montclair school, based on where we live. I believe that there are pros and cons at every school, and a lot is dependent on the family environment, and your child.

However, just about everyone (that has a soon-to-be- kindergartener) I have come in contact with at his preschool, the park, the grocery store seems to be frantically trying to get their child into a private school, or is moving through the tunnel or into Piedmont just to get into a good school district. I grew up on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel and do not consider sending my kids to school there an option for our family. Ugh. I also don't see how we can come up with the thousands and thousands of dollars that it takes for private school, even if we got accepted to one. It seems like such a frenzy, this school thing! Is it like this everywhere in the US? Am I nuts to think that my son will get a decent education in the Oakland schools? Will my child suffer later in life for not getting as good an education as someone in Orinda or at Head Royce, etc.? I'd love to hear from Oakland public school parents that are happy about their decision to send their kids to an Oakland school. Thanks. --nuts about school

There are lots of roads to a good education and different children thrive in different kinds of environments. In Oakland, there are good public schools and bad public schools, and good private schools and bad private schools. But mostly it's about the student, and the family, and the particular teacher(s) involved. Some kids really need the focused individual attention of a private school environment in order to thrive, and others find it restrictive to their spirit of inquiry and imaginations, and even hard on their capacity to have a good time and feel good about themselves.

(Bottom line, your child's success in school -- by test scores, grades, or any measure -- is best predicted by YOUR level of education, YOUR family income, and YOUR reading and learning habits and attitudes about their school.)

Our children actually started their education in a private school, but we switched them to Joaquin Miller Elementary in Montclair before too many years. There was nothing WRONG with the private school, but we were worried about the small universe it represented. With only 50 or a hundred kids in a school, you can have small classes but you will also have fewer choices. That may be okay depending on what your choices ARE, but we didn't feel like our boys were being stimulated enough by the unexpected. Everything in their world was something we had put there and controlled. For parents, that can be a comforting feeling, but long-term I question whether it's in the children's best interests.

There are many things that some public schools may be BETTER equipped for than some private schools. For example, Joaquin Miller was better equipped to diagnose and treat a learning disability in one of our sons, which saved him a lot of grief and frustration -- I imagine they would have caught it eventually at the private school, but they didn't have specialists in this. And we didn't have a clue until we started working with the learning specialists in the public school system.

Our kids did the Joaquin Miller - Montera - Skyline path. All three were good schools (though I question how good a middle school CAN be, given the difficult age.) If you look at hills elementary schools test scores, they're exactly the same as other schools with the same socio-economic background, public or private. In the schools we attended, there were good teachers and bad teachers, interesting experiences and boring ones, successes and failures. Just like life.

Now, we notice that our kids' friends who graduate from Skyline are going to the same colleges as their friends who graduate from Bishop O'Dowd. They seem to have the same kind of academic background in terms of AP classes and opportunities ranging from international travel to scholarships. Anecdotally, we hear that kids who do really well in a large diverse urban public school are more scholarshipable than kids out of homogenous suburban schools or private schools.

The thing that makes us happiest, though, is the sense that our kids have had a lot of exposure during years when we were here to help them filter it. They're entering the world more confident and savvy than we did. They've known all kids of kids and experienced all kinds of diversity -- not just ethnic diversity, which is hardly worth a comment any more in our town. They have gone to school with rich kids and poor kids, smart kids and dumb kids, achievers and trouble-makers -- they've been exposed to many languages, religions, cultural behaviors. They've always had a strong family caring about them at home, but they know kids who don't, so they understand the value of it a little better than we did at that age. They know how negotiate a bureaucracy, how to resolve a conflict, how to communicate with people very different from themselves. They are unlikely to feel overwhelmingly uncomfortable in a new environment, and we feel confident that they will get along in the world as good citizens of the 21st century. One is a junior now in the UC system, and the other is applying to a dozen excellent colleges and is full of anticipation and excitement about the opportunities ahead of him, for which he is eminently competitive.

I strongly encourage you to visit whichever of the Montclair schools would be ''your'' elementary school. Go to a show or a concert, or a spring fair or walkathon, and take your child. Talk to parents of kids in the school. (Don't automatically believe the doom-and-gloom anti-public school crowd. Most of them have no actual experience in your school, in your situation.) Then whether or not you decide that private school is the best thing for your child, you'll have made the decision with knowledge, not just based on fear, and you will feel good about it. And believe me, your child will be more successful if you feel positive about her school. Kathy

In short, you child might get a fine education at public, but in reality, private schools really just provide better opertunities for children. Amy

I attended a small Christian private school in Southern California from first through fourth grade and while the academics were more challenging (we got pretty good at memorizing bible verses), the social environment left a lot to be desired. I was elated to be able to transfer to the local public school in 5th grade. The public school was larger, had more electives and activities, and more opportunities to meet people who didn't look like me (caucasian).

Basically, I wanted a wider world to conquer and I enjoyed having friends who were Asian, Black, and Latino which wouldn't have been possible in the private school I attended because they didn't exist.

Public schools mirror the real world and private schools can become somewhat insulated which feels protective and comforting for some kids and suffocating for others.

Also, if you can afford it financially, great. However, if mom and dad are so stressed about paying for private school that they can't afford to get the family car fixed or won't be able to save money for college, it's not worth it. For us, it was better to save the money that we would have paid toward tuition and put that into a college savings account.

If you want to stay calm about choosing a school (or almost any parenting issue), it's best to avoid parents with dogmatic views on the private vs. public school issue.

Do your own research and make an informed decision. anon

Some kids would perish, socially, at certain public schools because of their size and chaos while other kids absolutely thrive on the vibrance of a school that has an energy reflective of disparate learning and social styles.

Another consideration about selecting schools is diversity--racial, socioeconomic, scholastic, etc. The public schools in the upper middle class neighborhoods (Piedmont, Orinda, Lafayette, etc.) and the private schools have much in common with the largely privileged student and parent population they are serving. Would it bother you to have your child largely surrounded by upper, middle class kids and the good and bad stuff that goes along with that? This is a question that I am asking myself as my child is likely moving on to a high school whose price tag is $23k/yearly.

Some private schools feel that tracking is a dirty word and, so, where does that leave the kid with tremendous math endowment who needs to be challenged. King Middle School, a mixed bag, invariably sends their talented 8th grade math students to Berkeley High to take Honors Geometry, early in the morning. Ind. Schools don't do that. Lowell High school and Berkeley High have the most rigorous Math and Science around, more than the Independent schools such that there been years when AP Bio students, in one class, have scored nothing less than a ''4.'' At the same time, BHS has poor English, mostly, mediocre modern languagues, and superlative Latin. Just some examples of the contradictions that can co-exist in the same school.

Finally, the ind. schools cannot provide the learning specialist and services (such as occupational/speech therapy) that the public schools can. And, contradictory to a lot of parents' expectations, private schools, too, can have a bullying culture. Paying tuition doesn't eliminate human frailty, certainly.

My kids are in private school for psycho-social reasons more than any other reason. They are very bright, easy learners, but inclined to a healthy reserve that is better served in a smaller school. I think that if a child does not have any acute needs, learning-wise, for example, school selection should be very sensitive to who the child is psycho-socially. A happy child who likes his/her school, feels safe and happy at school, will learn in that school, be it public or private. Public school educator, private school parent

Anxiety about choosing a kindergarten

I need an advice to decide what to do with my son's Kindergarten next year.

My son lives in a district of Madera school in El Cerrito. While we heard very good thing about Madera, I am considering applying for a transfer to Kensington Hilltop school since most of his preschool firends will go there, but none of them will to Madera. In order to make a decision I wanted to visit both schools, but found out that they do not allow any visits. They have open house days in Februrary and March.

While thinking about public Kindergarten, we also wanted to visit private kindergartens in our area too. They do allow us to visit starting from October. However, the last day to turn in an application is in January, which is before public school's open house. Off course it does not guarrantee our acceptance to a private school, nor do we know yet if we can afford it or not. However in order to consider it we still need to turn in an application.

Frist, I grew up in Japan, so I do not have the feel of what both public and private schools are like. For my son's prechool we could visit most schools , even a city-run preschool, to decide. In this case, first, we cannot know about public schools. Second, even though we can know about private schools through visits, there is no way for us to compare them to public school. Third, we still need to take some action without having any way to know which school would be best for my son. Even if we do take some action, we still do not know whether my son can transfer to Kensington, or he can get into a private school or not. (Well, I just realized,,,, the only thing we know is that he can definitely go to Madera Kindergarten since we live in its district,,,.)

Part of my worry probably comes from normal anxiety that any parents are having when sending their kids to Kindergarten for the first time. However, on top of that I think my anxiety comes from not growing up here, thus I just do not know how public Kindergarten is run in this area. I just do not have a clue. I am also frustrated because in the past when we needed to make some important decisions, we tried researching in depth about them, educated ourselves, and came to our final decision. In this case, we cannot SEE the program of public school. We can only rely on other people's opinions about those schools. We cannot have OUR OWN opinions because we cannot SEE the program.

I do not know what I am asking here, but I wonder if anyone can consult me to deal with my frustration and anxiety toward this issue. Thank you very much. Worried mom of 4.5 years old boy,,,

I know it's a pain to have to apply before you know for sure what you want to do, but it always seems to me to be better safe than sorry. Worst case, you've spent an unnecessary application fee or two. On the other hand, if you don't apply and later want to, you've got no options. I agonized for 2 years about kindergarten, so I have some idea how you feel. (My son has a late birthday, so we didn't know when he'd start). Good luck! Kathleen

Private schools are doing intensive recruiting right now. Check out the Neighborhood Parent's Network Private School Directory for a comprehensive listing of schools, their website is www.parentsnet.org. I know Prospect Sierra, Crestmont School and Windrush are in your neighborhood so call them about attending an open house and getting a school tour. The more schools you look at the savvier you will get at seeing what you want and what would work for your child.

We ended up deciding against public school because we feel the emphasis on standardized tests was shaping the curriculum in a way we didn't like. Schools are under enormous pressures these days to score well on tests, sometimes at the expense of creative and innovative teaching methods. That said, there are a lot of really terrific public schools and you're right in thinking you need to visit to really know if you like either of the public schools you mentioned. After visiting private schools you will have something to compare to when you visit the public schools. You can compare the curriculum and the extracurricular activities (physical education, art, music, dance, other languages, school aftercare programs, etc).

Personally in your position I would register for Madera, apply for a transfer to Kensington Hill and visit and apply to private schools. I would cover all my options while I bought myself time to meet up with other parents and ponder what I think would benefit my child. It is hard to picture what your child will be like a year from now - that's where the preschool can come in handy. They could probably make some recommendations as to what type of environment he might do best in (for ex. I have a really active boy so I chose a school that lets the kids get up and move around a lot in class). I know just how overwhelming this can be so I wish you the best in making your decision Good Luck!

Kensington is supposed to be a very good school -- everyone said so. However, you're quite right -- we don't get to see the classroom in action before we make the decision about the school. We had to rely on the comments out there, and that made me a bit nervous. In addition, Kensington Hilltop has a half- day kindergarten program. My husband and I both work full-time. This makes the after-school program very important to us (since our daughter will be there for half a day). We visited the after-school programs and I was disappointed at what I see. There is nothing wrong really. I just hope for more -- more meaninful, fun activities, less like ''after-school'' and more like ''the place to be''. My husband thought the school and the after-school program were all right, but I was not at all happy. In fact, I was depressed about it. I want a happy place for my daughter to learn. Somehow, I couldn't see it at the combination of Kensington Hilltop and the after-school program. I know that there are many happy parents at Kensington and that it is a good school. I just want more. At the time, I couldn't express very well what ''more'' I want. I just felt that something was lacking; I just felt lost. Now I know. I want a place where my daughter learns many things, most importantly, how to grow to be a good member of our society. Also, a place where everyone knows her name, where she can have fun, where she can be herself, where she is encouraged to speak up, where respect for others is emphasized, where I can feel comfortable that someone cares about her. That's not too much to ask, is it?

By the way, I forgot to say that I am also an immigrant. I have never been in Kindergarten, in this country or in the country where I was born. I had to do research to find out how the elementary school system works here. Not too hard for me because my husband is Caucasian and he was born in NY. However, the fact that I've never been through an elementary school in this country makes it a bit harder for me to visualize how life would be for my daughter in school.

So, I started the private school search in September 2002. I was doing the private school research while my husband did the public school research (that was the time when the Governor was going to cut the public school budget, increase class size, etc.). It was a very stressful time for us. My husband attended many parent meetings with the West Contra Costra school district. The more we learn about this school district, the more depressed we became. We then applied to a private school in El Cerrito. We applied, got on the wait list, but couldn't go further. We then looked at Pacific Academy in Richmond. This time, we got in. Our daughter is now in Kindergarten at Pacific Academy. We have the world's best Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Christine Trotter. Our daughter is learning reading, writing, music, PE, art, Spanish, ballet. This month, the kids are learning about the ocean and they are going to Steinhart Aquarium next week. (I've volunteered to chaperone the kids on this field trip -- something I've never done before! This should be fun!) Our daughter has good friends. Parents are wonderful and friendly. Cultural diversity is very apparent and honored. In addition to the academics, the school is teaching the kids about school values such as courage, compassion, responsibility, honesty, etc. This is especially important to me. There is a school assemby for K-3 children and teachers every Monday to talk about these school values. How cool is that? Although Pacific Academy was our 2nd choice in private school, we are very happy here and our daughter is also very happy.

Pacific Academy was founded by Mrs. Faith Nomura and her late husband. Mrs. Nomura is still involved with the lower campus. (The School has two campuses -- K-3 on Carlson, Richmond and 4-8 at Hilltop.) In fact, she is teaching my daughter and her friend to read during the after-school hours. She does this with the kids whenever she has time. There are a lot of Asian families at the school (maybe because the school was founded by this Japanese couple?) But there are also non-Asian families. Our Kindergarten classroom is quite diversed -- Chinese, Japanese, Mixed (two families of Asian and Caucasian), Persian, Caucasian, Indian, Latin. All are welcome at the school and all kids are treated with loving care, as far as I can tell. Japanese is also taught as an elective language for K-8 (you can pick either Japanese or Spanish). I don't know the upper campus (4-8) very well, but will learn about it soon.

I am not advocating for private schools, or for Pacific Academy. I am only sharing my experience. Private schools are expensive and the financial burden is a real burden. (I'm feeling it every pay check.) I respect what teachers in public schools are trying to do with limited resources. (I cannot say that I respect the administrators of this school district.) I understand the good reasons why parents send their children to public schools. We have friends with kids in Kensington Hilltop and they are happy there. For me, at least for now, I find what I want for my daughter at Pacific Academy. Every time my daughter tells me about things that happen in her class or teaches me to sing, I am overjoyed. For now, I decided that we made the right decision.

Oh, financial. Private school's tuition runs around $12,000 - $15,000 for the 10-month school (this includes the ''building fee'', the insurance tuition, the book). There is a private school in El Cerrito (not the one I applied to) that may exceed this range now. Pacific Academy is on the lower end of that range (around $12,000). After-school programs are additional (around $2,000-$3,000). Extra classes for the after-school hours are additional (about $125-$150 per class for a 10-week class at Pacific Academy). Summer camps will of course be additional. This is expensive, no doubt about that.

It is hard to make a comparison between private and public schools. We didn't quite figure out the best way. For the public school, we used the reputation and the experience of other parents as a guide. We used our interaction with the school district to enhance our thinking. For the private school, we read the website, toured the school, talked to people with kids in the school. Then, frankly, I followed my heart. Oh, I also prayed A LOT. I was in tear; I was desperate. So, I prayed and prayed and prayed. God was listening. We got a good school!!

It might make you feel better to know that you're not alone. I was there last year. I experienced the pain (yes, it was painful!) I wish you and your son all the best. If you want to talk to me some more, you can e-mail me at kabmommy98@yahoo.com. Good luck! Anonymous

Choosing the right educational approach and school for a child involves consideration of factors very particular to that particular child and family. First consider your child as a person and as a student in terms of learning style, academic ability, personality, and personal passions, gifts and challenges. Then consider your family in terms of its structure, lifestyle, ethnicity, economics, politics, geography, religion and educational philosophy and value system.

A strong school match exists when the school's strengths, expectations, approach, culture, and cost (in time and money) matches the abilities, interests and needs of your child and of your family.

The process is made even more daunting by dueling calendars and deadline dates, school fairs, visits, assessments and interviews. It is fueled further by the decline of the public school systems, a failing economy, the proliferation of new alternative educational choices, and the shared angst of social relationships among us all.

With all that going on, what's a parent to do? Stay calm and breathe. Every child ends up in kindergarten somewhere and has great stories to tell about it…really.

Some suggestions:

Get clear about which choices make sense for you and your child by talking about your educational ideals and needs as a family.

Get clear about what schools fit your framework by networking and asking other parents about their experiences, by being open to the input from your preschool providers about what they would suggest for your child, and by visiting lots of schools and asking lots of questions. (You can learn as much from watching a school's play yard or stopping at its front desk to make a quick inquiry as you can from sitting in the classroom on a prearranged tour. You will also learn as much about what is right for your child by visiting a school that you think you do not want, as you will from visiting the one that you believe you must have.)

If you are still completely overwhelmed by the thought of it all, call an educational consultant. The BridgeWorks Group conducts group seminars to coach parents through the Kindergarten admission process. (If your preschool requests it, The BridgeWorks Group will send out its KinderPrep facilitator to conduct a 45-minute session for parents called "Twenty-two Questions to Ask of Schools, Your Child, and Yourself." Wanda Stewart, the facilitator, has 22 years of experience as an independent school student, trustee, and admission director – most recently at the Bentley School…where my child ended up.

My personal experience with Ms. Stewart was beneficial to my entire family and, from what I can see on an almost _daily_ basis, the many families that have come in contact with her. If you'd like to contact the BridgeWorks Group, the number is 510.665.1665. Good luck to you! You and your family will make it through this. stinson

I, like you, found myself getting more and more anxious. We took tours of several private schools which we really liked, then took a hard look at our finances and decided it wasn't worth having me go back to work and put my toddler in childcare 30-40 hours per week in order to afford private school for my oldest. Sadly, our one income family budget just wouldn't stretch to afford even the least expensive private school without MAJOR sacrifices (light, water, groceries).

Our designated nh school is Harding. I did the research and discovered what many parents do--that Kensington Hilltop is one of the top rated elementary schools in the nation. It's only 10 minutes away and in spite of the fact that they discourage classroom tours, I was able to talk to enough parents to feel confident in applying for a transfer. Well, 2 years later, we're still on a waiting list and at this point, my son has had such a great experience at Harding, that I wouldn't consider sending him anywhere else. He's had 2 excellent teachers (Ms. Smallfield for kindergarten and Ms. Shinsako for 1st grade), he's made friends, and I've become quite attached to at least 3 other moms at the school who I regularly exchange playdates/pick up/drop offs with. Plus it's 3 minutes from our house so we really feel part of our local community. Best of all, my son is an excited and enthusiastic student who loves going to school.

So public school can be very scary from the outside but really all it took for me to be more comfortable was to get in touch with another parent in the nh who volunteers in a classroom and she got me in for a classroom visit. I was so impressed with Ms. Smallfield's classroom management and the eager, bright, enthusiastic kids that I felt much more at ease.

Finally, you should know that Madera is a highly desirable public school. So you are in a win-win situation. If you decide to enroll, the money you will save on private school tuition can be used for after school enrichment activities or put into a college savings fund. However, if you find that you can afford private, there are a number of excellent private schools to choose from. Best of luck with your research. --W County parent

PS I have heard that Kensington Hilltop does not allow visits during class time. I heard this was written into the teachers contracts. I think this is very strange. All the other public schools in the area that I know of do allow visits and in fact encourage parents to visit. Private schools too. Maybe KH feels they are so desirable they don't need to allow visits because parents will try to get in there sight unseen.

All my experience with public schools (12 years) makes me think you might be mistaken about the ''no visiting'' policies. Please call again and ask to speak to the principal, or go to the school office and explain that you want to visit before you enroll your son.

You should be able to make an appointment to visit a kindergarten classroom and speak to the principal about any concerns you have. Good luck, Sue sues

Deciding between public and private

There was an excellent article in the Nov 2001 issue of the Neighborhood Parents Newsletter called: Observations from the Field: A Teacher's Perspective on Public and Private Schools, by Sarah Comey Cluff. The points covered there could easily be about the El Cerrito Schools. Here are the basic points, with my own opinion after some. My child has been at Castro for 2 years.

1. "Public schools offer more diversity."
2. "Private schools provide smaller classes. " My child is in a class with 20 kids. To get 20 kids doing the same thing requires a good teacher. His class has a parent volunteer each day, but still the amount of time in the day spent on transitioning everyone is significant. For my child, it is something I have had to let go of, and I don't think it presents a problem for him, he just sits it out.
3. "Public schools are better able to meet special needs. " Castro is the school for the district that mainstreams the disabled children. So, many classes will have an aide assigned to be with that child the whole class day. My son has learned a tremendous amount from some of these special needs kids.
4. "Private school curriculum is more challenging because of the selectivity of student admissions." There are many complaints at Castro that the curriculum is taught at the level of the mid-level achieving student, so it is a little too slow for the high achievers. This is something that bothers me a lot and my son's teacher does not group the kids by ability at all. So I am committed to doing a bit more at home, tho I also recognize that academics is only one part of school; he does not complain of being bored and he is learning so much about social relations.
5. "Public school teachers are professionally trained and better paid."
6. "Private schools have superior supplies and physical plants." Castro school has no PE, art or music teachers. The teachers include it as they are able and within the curriculum guidelines. For example, this year, my son's teacher includes PE instruction twice a week, there is a parent volunteer who does music once a week, and art is done at the teacher's discretion.
7. "Public Schools are free." 8. "Private school curriculum is free from the constraints of local school board politics. "The curriculum for west county school district is the same for each school, so Castro, Kensington, Madera all have the same curriculum. I feel that in many ways the curriculum is pretty dull. What differs between these schools in my mind is the level of parent involvement. Castro has the least amount of parent involvement of these 3 schools, but those who are involved get a lot done.
9. "Public schools build the local community. " This has been very dramatic for our family. From not knowing too many of our neighbors, to being able to walk to school and know so many neighbors now. That has been one of the best things for us.
10. "Private schools offer a broader choice to parents."

Good luck in your decision.

I've just completed school tours for private schools as well as our local public school in Oakland. I started the process rather non-plused thinking there would be more than enough schools that I would be impressed with and that we'd have no problem getting into one of them. The reality is that there is only one school I really like and another one my husband likes. I'm fairly convinced that I don't think the 3rd, 4th and 5th private schools on my list are better than my local public school (Hillcrest). Incredible anxiety has now set in which I hadn't anticipated. I would like advice from other parents on the following: 1) how many evaluations can you realistically expect a 4 year old to go through, 2) what are things that I should be doing that aren't on the school provided checklist (eg. should I have friends already at the school put in a 'good word' or should I write a letter stating this school is the only school I want for my kid), 3) what is the reality of racial diversity in private schools (our daughter is mixed race, many of the classrooms we're seeing don't appear to have the racial diversity I expected given all the lip service it's given in school presentations), 4) for parents that left/changed private school after kindergarten what are things in hindsight you think you should have evaluated more closely (could you have prevented the mismatch?), 5) beyond the marketing presentation you get on a school tour, what questions should I really be asking, 6) what is the best way to set my daughter's expectation about what's going to happen in a school evaluation and 7) how do I convince my husband the school I like is better than the one he likes? Thanks.

Hope this helps. Good luck!!! And don't drive yourself crazy. We all want to make the right decision the first time, but if you make a mistake it's not the end of the world - you can do something about it.

Obsessing on OUSD public vs. private school

Hello parents, I have a son who's almost three, and we just moved to Oakland, near Mills College. We bought a house there because it was one of the only places in the East Bay that we could afford. We weren't thinking too much about school districts, simply because a more expensive house in a better school district was out of the question. But now I am really beginning to obsess about schools. From things I've read on the list, and conversations I've had lately, I'm beginning to feel as if it's standard practice to send your kids to private schools unless you live in a wonderful district -- and people seem to give up a lot to do that. They rent instead of own, or have an only child, so that they can afford a private school. Aren't there other people out there who send their kids to public schools in Oakland? Am I the only one to plan seriously on doing that? Am I going to ruin my son if I do? I am terrified that we have really screwed things up. If there are any students or professors reading this who are in the education department, or studying the sociology of education, I would love to hear what studies say about the relationship between public / private schools and how kids do later in life. I read one study years ago that said that attitudes and habits at home override school effects, and he has two parents who love to read and learn. Am I just rationalizing? Are there parents out there who can tell me reassuring stories of sending their kids to public schools and having them turn out just fine? ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS SUBJECT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Middle school appears a different story unless you can get your child in one of the "college prep" middle schools like Montera or Claremont. The average Oakland middle school has no electives like music or foreign language or art and they are heavy on the harsh discipline model. Class sizes are usually too large, can be very chaotic and loud in the average middle school and often little learning can take place compared to the elementary school. I really feel for the kids who want to learn but find it difficult to in this kind of environment. They really broke my heart because they are losing out because of others.

You really need to carefully check out the school your child will be attending to see if it will meet your child's needs. You also need to champion your child to get them out of problem classes and into the better classes. Close contact with the teacher and monitoring your child's work is essential. cwynne

There's a very common misconception, in my opinion, that every private school is better than any public school, especially in urban school districts.

If you are interested in Oakland Public Schools and your child is going to be school age, now is the time to act as intradistrict transfer periods are coming up soon. The OUSD website has information about this here: http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/default-ad.htm

So, I feel for you. You really do have to decide to live elsewhere where the schools are better and your cost of living is higher or you stay put and pay for a private education. Plus, there is the stress of hoping that your child will even be accepted to the school of your choice! Good luck, you have my sympathies.

Please do not take the word of one or two people who say "Oh that school is really bad". Go check it out for yourself. I've found all too often that people choose not to go to their neighborhood school because of what other people say, never having been there themselves. Do your research....find out what's available that will seem to work with your child. I once read an article titled "Private vs. Public". Essentially the article said that if you can only afford to send your child to private school for a limited time, do it in high school....that is where they will need the more positive role models and peers. By the way, My 1st grader is at our local public school and is doing well. Our 5th grader did great at that same school till 3rd grade when he was really bored and not being challenged. In 4th grade he was in a private school and is thriving. You'll find out what is the best situation for your child. Guaranteed if your child has a loving home and parents who are involved in his/her education they will not be ruined even by a less adequate public school.

Good luck, and again, please don't fret about it now. June

You can apply for an inter-district transfer to school that you choose ( I think you get to choose three) and most often you'll get one of them. There are several good schools in Oakland, such as Redwood Heights, Crocker Highlands, Thornhill, and others - although not all accept inter-district transfers every year. You need to check with the school district.

Of course, when you go private, you don't have to deal with any of that. Nor do you usually have to deal with discipline problems - it's a much more sheltered environment. They are very careful about who they accept. Most private schools do an admissions interview, even with Kindergarten age children - which I found to be bazaar!

I have to admit that I moved to Albany because their schools have such a good reputation and a very supportive community. I found the transfer system in Oakland a little scary - you often don't find out until the 11th hour which school your child has been accepted to - which was unnerving for me at the time. So good luck in whatever you choose!

My theory is that much of a school's (or district's) reputation has to do with the success of its students which in turn has a lot to do with the parents rather than the school.

It may be true that your son will be bored at times in the Oakland school system or you may be frustrated. But I doubt it will do much damage. Your values are important, too. Would you rather be a force for positive change in your son's public schools or put that energy into a private school? When I was a kid, my parents helped organize an alternative class within the public elementary (although admittedly in Sonoma County, not Oakland).

I don't know what the charter school scene is currently like in Oakland, except that I understand that New Village went under. But this is another possibility for a public school outside of the traditional Oakland public schools. Some are highly commercial, but others are more democratic and parent run. Again, I don't know what's out there in Oakland. Peter

I sold the house in '98. I was willing to rent indefinitely in order find a decent school district. We moved 3 times in 10 months. Eventually we accidentally lucked into a duplex in Berkeley. My daughter goes to Berkeley public schools now. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but its our story. Tavie

My advice would be to start looking now at schools in the district in a calm and methodical manner. Do some homework on the different focuses some of the magnet and charter schools have, too (wish someone had told me that when my child was 3-1/2). Doing this with some time on your side will help you later in the school "hunt" for kindergarten. If you know now what you might like/dislike in a school, this will help you narrow down the search. Also find out and become familiar with what the OUSD requires for completing transfers. Better to be ahead of the game!

Good luck and go public!

Here's my opinion: your child will be fine in public school, assuming the school is not in a constant state of crisis. This is especially true if you stay involved (get to know teachers, do the at-home stuff you do, etc.) When your child gets older, make sure to give him/her opportunities to participate in out-of-school learning activities that help nurture his/her talents and interests. If s/he has the misfortune of having a bad teacher, don't hesitate to hire tutors or other people to help with these challenges. (It'll still be cheaper than private school tuition.)

In some cases, children do slip through the cracks at public schools, as there are many pupils with a lot of needs, and limited resources to address these. I find that children with involved parents are seldom among those who fall through in this way.

Hope this helps, Ilana