We did Catholic preschool two years for my son, but he switched to public school for kindergarten this year. We are not even Catholic, but I really liked the faith-based education and small class size at the Catholic school. However, we have been very satisfied with public school as well. It's the same school system I graduated from, and his school is just awesome! I adore his teacher! The class size was a shocker at first (30 kids) but the teacher manages it well and has a full time aide. My son has learned so much this year.

@ek620, That’s truly awful🤯 I know with our school they had already been teaching our older children, so were aware in advance we had a son with a brain injury. When we enrolled him he qualified for Pre-k and so they actually seemed quite excited to be taking him as it was a first for them. They were pretty eager to learn and find out what avenues were needed to get resources in place. It makes me sad to think some schools would not accommodate children with special needs. We’ve been met hurdles like this just never in the school system.

@beakymcspence, I’m sure there are many that are helpful and willing to accommodate all students, but they’re not required to be so there’s no guarantee a child with special needs would get the help they need from a qualified person. I know of several families who were told that their child’s IEP would not be honored at several private schools nor would any accommodations be made for the child. Like I said, I’m sure they’re not all like that, but some are. 😕

@ek620, wow it sounds like your private schools aren’t overly helpful! Our son has special needs, and they weren’t as prepared for him but after several meetings with the school board they had all his resources in place. The school board also agreed to put his daily care provider on payroll so she could be his aid at school also. That way he could have his tube feeds etc taken care of without one of us having to leave work. They really worked closely with us to ensure he had everything set up and in place.

@klazaro, I think it’s because we have three children there, so we get a touch of a price break. I believe for just one child (no siblings) it would regularly be $8,000🤔 I’ll have to look on their website lol

Another thing to also consider — If your child has special needs or would need an IEP, your options are more limited in private schools vs public schools. Private schools do not have to follow special education law.

@wendydarling, Yes from K-12 and it helped when I applied for university, and wasn’t wait listed as long. A lot of the private schools are very flexible with payment schedules, as we pay monthly then the rest after tax season. Our son has special needs so they were not as set up for that as say a public school, but after meetings with the school board they quickly got things in place!

@wendydarling, I’m sure your husbands parents played a big role in how educated he is. Maybe you can both compromise and agree to a year of private school and decide after that if you’ll continue to move forward with it.

@Becky that's how much the tuition is for the private school I'm interested in as well. That's awesome that you learned to sepak french at such a young age.

Thank you EK I definitely want to look more into the private school I'm interested in. We live in the area where I grew up so the public school is the same one I went to. They just built a new school. I completely agree with you about be involved in your childs education. My parents both only hold a high school diploma and never helped me with my school work or homework. Whereas my husband father was a teacher and held a bachelors degree and his mother was also college educated. I think that had a lot to do with how academically successful he was at such a young age

@ek620, Wow that’s insane I didn’t know that, our private schools are run by a school board and all have the same accreditation’s as public schools. I know though that the montasori schools here the teachers aren’t required to have the same qualifications.

My children go to a catholic private school, and they take their classes in French but also English as well. They learn to read and write both languages etc. It’s a very new wave school, but small class sizes with more one on one. It’s pretty expensive at $5,000 per year per child, but that includes uniforms, school fees, trips and their supplies also. I went to private school also that was French emersion and it was an added bonus having the second language for acceptance into university. My kids love their school and it’s not as strict and tightly run as when I attended.

Also, another question to consider when looking at private schools — Are the teachers in that school certified and trained educators? Private school teachers do not have to adhere to the same standards of education, training, qualifications, and certifications that public school teachers do.

Research shows that the best predictor of academic success is parental involvement. I suggest researching your public schools and talking to parents who have children who attend them. Also talk to parents who have children who attend the school you’re interested in. Use all that info to make a decision with your husband. You’re already invested in your child’s education which means he/she already has an advantage over many peers. Whichever option you choose, staying active and involved in your child’s education will be what’s best!

I feel exactly how you feel. My husband went to catholic private school since kindergarten and I agree he surpasses me in all the areas you mentioned. I would love my son to be able to attend private school. I think if you can afford it, I would try everything in your power to make it happen. The student to teacher ratio is so much better in private school.