Schooling Decisions {Poll Discussion Post}

There are many decisions to make as a parent, but decisions surrounding schooling decisions can really put a stress on you. I have observed over the years of talking to people that most of them say, “I loved my experience.” We feel comfortable with what we know, and what we know is our own personal experience. Some people would have liked things to be different, but by and large, most are satisfied with their lot in life. This is comforting as a parent because if you are mindful as you make these decisions, your child will likely be fine and also be satisfied with his/her experience. That doesn’t mean you can send a child who isn’t ready and there will be zero problems. You have to be mindful. 

 

 

 

With that in mind, let’s discuss the decisions you have made thus far in respect to schooling. This can be a hot topic among parenting circles, so remember to keep your comments respectful toward others who have chosen differently than you have. You chose the best option for your child and so did they. When listing your reasons for choosing something, labeling children who have taken a different path is not respectful. Discuss the merits of what you chose rather than the negatives of what you didn’t. 

 

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put “N/A.”

 

1-Did you send your child to preschool? Why or why not?

2-What age(s) did you do preschool?

3-Where did you decide to send your child to official school (Kindergarten and up)? Public, homeschool, charter school, private school…Why?

4-Did you send your child to Kindergarten “on time” or did you hold your child back? Why?

5-Any additional thoughts? 

 

Thanks so much for participating! I am excited to read the answers. 

 

3 thoughts on “Schooling Decisions {Poll Discussion Post}”

  1. 1.My son attended private half day preschool. He was an only child until he was 5 so I thought it was important for him to be around other kids. As a former elementary school teacher, I am also a huge fan of exposing them to a play based preschool prior to Kindergarten. 2. He started at 2 but only went two mornings a week. Looking back I may have started him a little early as he struggled with the transition. 3. My son will be going to public school Kindergarten. While I'm a fan of both private and public school, I'd like to try him at the public school to see how he does. My husband is also opposed to paying for things he can get for free �� Many of our friends have chosen to homeschool but I do not believe that would be the best decision for my son and for me. 4. We held our son back from Kindergarten for 1 year. He turned 5 Aug 9 and the cut off was the 31. There are many year round schools in the area and if he attended one of those he would have started at 4! He also had some social and communication delays and needed the extra year to grow and develop. I am so happy with this decision (I really agonized over it) as he grew so much during that year! He attended a 5 day, half day Transitional Kindergarten and it was such a great fit! 5. I am a huge fan of redshirting kids. Even if they seem ready at 5, just think about middle and high school! Plus, Kindergarten is not what it was when I was a kid. The expectations are much higher. My second child has a July birthday and I will most likely flow the same plan for him even though he is a social butterfly. I think maturity wise the extra year will be so good for him.

    Reply
  2. 1) I have two children, a 4.5 year old boy and a 2 year old girl, neither have been to preschool and I don't plan to send them. I chose/choose not to send them for multiple reasons. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked/observed in preschools and feel that I can teach the same things at home with less hassle. Another reason is we live far enough out from any preschools that my drive time and gas money would be a hardship on my family. 2) My son did start AWANA at Church at 3 and preschool Sunday School at 2.5 and my daughter will too. I know this is not the same thing as preschool but it does/will give my children a chance to be part of a classroom setting.3) We have chosen to homeschool and will be starting a relaxed kindergarten program with my son this fall.4) My son will turn 5 in September. If I was going to send him to public school kindergarten I would have to wait until Fall 2018. Because we are homeschooling and I feel that academically he is ready we will be focusing on reading, spelling and math this year. Maturity wise I know he is not ready for regular kindergarten.

    Reply
  3. 1-Did you send your child to preschool? Why or why not? Yes, we aim for 2 years of preschool before kindergarten, or 1 year of preschool and 1 year of pre-k before kindergarten. I've found this is best for really getting the child used to being away from home, obeying classroom rules, managing themselves in a classroom environment, etc.2-What age(s) did you do preschool? As stated above, we start around age 3. 3-Where did you decide to send your child to official school (Kindergarten and up)? Public, homeschool, charter school, private school…Why? We do public school because our public schools are excellent and less than 0.5 miles from our home.4-Did you send your child to Kindergarten "on time" or did you hold your child back? Why? On time. All our kiddos are January & February babies so it just worked well.

    Reply

Leave a Comment