Yesterday kicked off Catholic Schools week and we spent it going to our local Catholic Church about 4 blocks from our house. They were having an Open House and we figured it was time to start thinking about where to send Kristina for Kindergarten in Sept 2012.
As we entered the campus, there were lots of people mulling around and lots of kids in their school uniforms. We must've looked like lost parents letting a 4-year old lead us around when one of the mom's asked if we were looking for the Kindergarten room. We finally found it and as we approached the door with a welcome sign, I suddenly got all teary-eyed. I mean, I really had to hold back from tears streaming - how crazy is that? (I was a mess on Kristina's first day at PreSchool -- I can't even imagine college someday...)
We were greeted into the only Kindergarten room by older students. We looked around at all the lessons and artwork on the desks and walls, and then met with some other current Kindergarten parents. We also talked with the current Kindergarten teacher who gave us the low-down on routine, etc. Everyone was nice but we have several things to consider:
* There's a K-5th grade public school one street away from us which has Blue Ribbon and other awards and gets 5/5 stars from parents.
* The catholic school kindergarten class student/teacher ratio is 34/1 (plus a full-time Assistant). Sounds a little high. The same star-rating website rates the catholic school 3/5 stars (mostly because of the student/teacher ratio).
* I love the ideas of uniforms. I grew up wearing uniforms and actually liked it at the time.
* The catholic school costs moola -- not only tuition but a family fundraising requirement, required gift to the Endowment Fund, required family service hours each month, etc. But really -- our angel is worth whatever choice we feel is best for her -- even if it takes a lifetime to pay off!
All I can say is I am so glad that we don't have to make any decisions right now. We still want to enjoy our *little* girl a lot longer.
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| Kristina at the entrance to the Kindergarten room. |
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| Kristina LOVED the computers in the Kindergarten room....and yes, that's Jesus looking down over Kristina! |
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| Kristina showing daddy just how smart she is! |
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| "Sign me up" - the playground passed Kristina's requirements! |
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| Love is sharing. |
4 comments:
Sounds like a lot to think about. Maybe you can schedule a visit at the public school too. They should do that. As for me, I'd choose public school but then again I'm a teacher. You need to do what is best for Christina but I have a feeling she'll do great wherever you send her.
Melissa
Our boys are in private school and I understand the sacrifice. If it means cutting back on extra stuff to keep them there (as long as we feel it's where they should be), then we will! When your 5 year old comes home from school and you ask them what their favorite part of the school day is and they reply "Learning about Jesus," you know you've made the best decision! ;o)
You have big decisions ahead. Prayed for clarity. For now.... enjoy.
It's crazy to think we are already thinking ahead to kindergarten but we are doing the same here!! I, too, went to Catholic school so I see the pluses but so much to consider ... especially the $$$$ and for us it's x2 ... We are very very thrilled with the Montessori school Roman is going to ... it's all we hoped it would be and he's getting such 1 on 1 attention with his teacher that he is doing great. Thankfully ... we have another year before we have to make the BIG decision ... public vs. private ... ahhh ... the decisions we parents have :-)
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