It really bothers me that some people think that private school is so much more highly regarded than public school. I went to private school for 9 years and here's my take. I definitely think that private elementary school is a good option if economically possible. I grew up with manners, respect, integrity, and honesty practically shoved down my throat. I feel like I was so sheltered from bad habits at a small private school of 40 kids per grade that I grew up at a nice slow pace-something very rare now. In 8th grade I didn't even know that high schoolers drank and smoked for fun, I had never even met anyone who did anything like that.
Talking with people that went to public middle schools, it seems that they were definitely exposed to drinking and smoking at a younger age- not to say they did it that young but they definitely knew about it.
On the other hand, I think that private high school is a total waste of money. Freshman year I went to St. Francis and quite honestly hated the private catholic education system. There were rules for almost everything and I had some of the worst teachers I've ever had. To take AP and honors classes you had to test into them-if you didn't pass you couldn't take the class.
When I came to Los Altos I felt like I could finally be myself. I could pick exactly what classes were right for me-without testing into them. I felt a sense of freedom and responsibility and could make my own choices.
I hate when people say that private school is "better". In my experience, public school may even be "better".
I agree with this 100% that catholic high school, especially in this area is a complete waste of money. I get it if you live somewhere where the education system is lagging, but the MVLA district is one of the best we see, often times seeing students go to better colleges than those at St Francis. My sister goes to St Francis as a freshman and my family has already seen a ton of problems with the way the school is run. My sister's best subject is math and she has always been a year ahead in math but can't take honors because she didn't get a high enough grade on the test to get in? It just doesn't make sense. Los Altos has so much to offer I feel like compared to schools like St Francis that there is no need to have to pay 10k to go to those types of schools when Los Altos is a completely perfect option.
ReplyDeleteNot that I have much experience with private schools, but, from what I've heard about Saint Francis, it's great for the "Best." For top athletes, students, and those who achieved great thing with certain talents (like music) it was great because the school's reputation added to their college application on top of their achievements. For most of the schools, the regular students with normal grades and skills, the fact that they went to a private school contributed very little to their application. The best people took the spots at high ranking colleges and the other, even with paying for a private school, were left without any real advantage.
ReplyDelete