Public School Issues

My oldest son is due to begin kindergarten in two months.
This has caused some inner turmoil. Let me explain.

Our family lives in a big american city on the east coast. This city, like most big cities has a large amount of violence, voluntary segregation between races and religions, and crummy schools.
We live within a crummy school district. Sure, it’s not one of the very worst, but it’s not very good either according to greatschools.net. It falls well below the state averages in reading and math. Also, only 1% of attendees to this school are children of our ethnicity.
The reason for mentioning averages in school subjects is obvious, but what about ehtnicity?
For me, school was much more than just learning basic subjects. It was learning that you get singled out for ridicule by other children if you are different, whether that be because of skin color or personality. For children who are more sensitive (as I was) this can have lasting emotional consequences.
I have decided that if I do not choose to send him to this school I will homeschool him until we can move into a good school district. A private school is not an option at this stage in our lives.
This article addresses some of the advantages and disadvantages of Homeschooling and I believe it is something I am prepared to take on for my sons first year of school.

I want the emotional and physical well being of my child first and foremost.
But is this reason enough to further contribute to this city’s problem of voluntary segregation?

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July 2, 2007 | Filed Under Kids, Motherhood | 8 Comments