private vs public
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We live in Jacksonville, FL (Mandarin). I have a 2nd grader and a K currently in private school and am considering public school. Any thoughts?
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Parent Answers to "private vs public"
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Forgot to mention - the best high school in Jacksonville is public - Stanton. It is a better school than the best private school in the area - The Bolles. Both in terms of most Merit Scholarships awarded per year and in terms of number of graduates going into top IVI leage universities. If your concern is that you can no longer afford a private school - I would not worry about that at all. Private does not imply better than public. Nor does public imply better than private... Good luck...
Private schools tend to "cater" more to parents and their kids. Of course, kids of significant donors tend to get more attention in general. Public schools are similar in this regard, but instead of considering how big parent's financial contributions are, public schools value parent involvement in terms of hours spent, significance of committee membership in terms of time/contribution, etc. Sorry, if I sound a bit cinical, but this is just my opinion...
Finding a good public school in Duval county is difficult without driving around town - the best schools are in the Downtown area - JWJohnson (middle) and Stanton (high school). Mandarin High is the best public high school in Mandarin. I am not sure about middle schools. Loretto is a good elementary school.
I disagree that the best way to make a decision is to visit a school. The best way to choose a school is to do research on many schools in the area and choose the best based on academic results. This site is a good starting point. You can also go to the Duval County Public Shcools site www.duvalschools.org/static/ou
Finding a good public school in Duval county is difficult without driving around town - the best schools are in the Downtown area - JWJohnson (middle) and Stanton (high school). Mandarin High is the best public high school in Mandarin. I am not sure about middle schools. Loretto is a good elementary school.
I disagree that the best way to make a decision is to visit a school. The best way to choose a school is to do research on many schools in the area and choose the best based on academic results. This site is a good starting point. You can also go to the Duval County Public Shcools site www.duvalschools.org/static/ou
You don't say why you're considering making this switch. If it's to lessen expenses, then of course switching makes good sense - the cost of private schools these days is almost shocking.
But if not for that reason, it would help to know your other reasons. There are certainly differences between all schools and certainly between private and public schools. The best way to know what to do is to go and visit your public school - you have that right. Spend a morning in their classrooms. See what you see and see if you like it.
But if not for that reason, it would help to know your other reasons. There are certainly differences between all schools and certainly between private and public schools. The best way to know what to do is to go and visit your public school - you have that right. Spend a morning in their classrooms. See what you see and see if you like it.
Hi Anon,
Only you can know what is the right "fit" for your children. But many parents are taking a second look at public school options and making them work better by volunteering, donating time and money to the schools.
Have you been to your local public school? Does your area offer enrollment options like magnets, charters, or other public school choice options?
Only you can know what is the right "fit" for your children. But many parents are taking a second look at public school options and making them work better by volunteering, donating time and money to the schools.
Have you been to your local public school? Does your area offer enrollment options like magnets, charters, or other public school choice options?
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