Lawrence.com

It's that time of year. That time, each spring, where uncertain preschoolers around the city step inside the doors of their future elementary schools, recite their ABC's, and get a taste of what the world of public schools holds for them.[Kindergarten Roundup][1] is next week in our household. The girls are confident in their academic skills, but a bit unsure about the prospect of talking to a bunch of people they have never met. One of my daughters even asked me if I would teach her the ABC's in sign language just in case she didn't feel like talking that day. Despite the nervousness, I'm sure they will be fine. I hope they will be fine.As a parent sending a child to kindergarten for the first time, I have to admit that roundup season is a time filled with more uncertainty than I had anticipated. It's motivated me to do a bit of research (so what are the [test scores][2] like at our school?), it has compelled me to tirelessly compare notes with other parents (so where will little Johnny be going?) and ultimately, it has forced me, for the time being, to solidify my philosophy and approach to education for my children. For now, we're a public school family, supporting the neighborhood school.Like other big decisions in parenting, the way parents choose to educate thier children tends to evoke strong emotions and sweeping judgements from people. For every parent who firmly believes that sending their child to a private school is the best choice, there is someone who thinks private schools shelter kids and drain the pocketbook. Some people don't think twice about transfering their child to a "better" school in the district. Others feel this a betrayal of the neighborhood school. Some people want to keep their kids at home in order to be their main influence. Others think homeschooling impedes socialization. The way you school your child is ultimately a personal decision that is based on what is best for the child and the family. But educational choices can also be politcal statements. Nancy Cayton Myers, a local parent with a bit more experience in all this than me, was generous enough to write an essay for [ Free State Family][3] about her family's deliberation over whether or not to send their kids to a private school or the neighborhood school(and their neighborhood school ain't Quail Run). [Give it a read][4]. If you have a similar story with a differnt ending, drop me a line. We're always looking for writing from from local parents. [1]: http://www.usd497.org/parents/" target="blank [2]: http://www.usd497.org/schools/" target="blank [3]: http://www.freestatefamily.com [4]: http://freestatefamily.com/articles/" target="blank