Absolutely. Why this is an investment for the child's future, then I say why not. Make the best of it as you drive like discussing issues of the day, having the child read you a book out loud (this can be their 20 minute reading entry for their school reading log), discussing a bible verse, and so many other relationship building activities and discussions. Remember, at times it will be overwhelming for you, but make the best of it. Also, have an emergency plan with other family members as to who will pick up the child in case of an emergency. Good Luck in your decision!!

Sure.. y not

My daughter's GREAT school is 20 miles away and well worth it. We talk together, listen to music, read, or sometimes do homework during the drive.

Actually, if I could find a "good school" in this area I would hire a private jet if I had too. A 20 minute drive is well worth it, for a good school that your child is o.k. with.

Yes, this was in response to an extremely rude answer to my question, so I apologize for my posting and I've removed the other answer so mine might not make too much sense. Thanks for all the other great postings, there's a lot to consider and I appreciate all the feedback.

mashufeldt,

Don't worry about asking somewhat rhetorical questions aloud. Clearly for those of us who've done it, we're going to tell you it's well worth it (and some drive over an hour each way!). On the other hand, you're right to at least ask the questions because in the end, group projects get challenging, play dates get complicated, and with more than one child, you could spend *hours* schlepping them all over creation as they end up at different schools in different grades.

My daughter's elementary is 15 min in one direction. My son's high school was 15 in another. Thankfully, they were only about 20-25 apart using another freeway. With different drop off times and pick up times, one in sports, another in violin, there was always somewhere to be--and they often overlapped. Thankfully my husband and I work from home and we could divide and conquer.

Given all the craziness, I would always advocate for a phenomenal school. But don't go into it blindly. You can hope for carpools, but realize a lot may be dependent on you. And hope (encourage) your child to do group projects with kids on your side of town, or the driving gets worse. And I won't kid you. Now that my son is in college, and we only have to focus on the younger one's transportation, there's a definite feeling we're enjoying the lighter load. :)

Good luck!

Wow, too bad you ASSume so much from my question really. I care a lot about my kids' (three of them thank you) education. My son and daughter both started out in a cooperative preschool and kindergarten that required a lot of my time. We've recently moved and when i visited the school that would be our home school I was horrified by the principal. So I immediately started off in search of other schools. Perhaps my question left a lot to wonder about the specific circumstances. Ultimately I'm trying to think about everyone involved. Packing up my 1 year old for 45 minutes twice a day, getting my son to school on time and making it back to my daughters co-op on my days to parent-teach.....

I would go ahead and assume that anyone on this website obviously cares a lot about their childs' education and when we work so hard as parents and care so much the last thing we need is people like you ridiculing questions that do mean a lot for our life circumstances. There are so many pressures on parents these days, if you're not going to be supportive, get off of this site.

I am going to transfer my kids to a school that is the same distance, 20 minutes drive, but that is a lot more worth it than the one they are going right now. Education for my kids is first and if I see that 20 minute drive can make a difference, then go for it.

I drive an hour each way for excellent schools. The elementary school is public and the preschool (not a daycare) is private and pricey. And the drive, the efforts and the price are well worth it!

I'll second MsBear's sentiments. Some of the best conversations I've had with either child was on the way too or from school. You'll just fall into a bit of banter and before you know it, you'll realize what a great experience it is--for both of you.

Yes. I'm sort of doing that. (in my case, it is on my way to work, so it is not extra bur driving time from home to her school is about 25miutes). I even use that time productively - have long conversation with my kid how her day goes, what she learn. Sometimes doing some learning game(spelling, math, etc.). Mos

yes because you have value the best education for your child

Definite yes, if I had this chance, I will drive the 20 minutes if the school is worth it.

YES!!

Yes, if it "a great" school. Make sure to check most of the things about the school before you sign in.

Good luck!

I echo the same sentiments as everyone else, and don't regret shuttling my son 20 minutes each way for a great school experience. The school my son attended even had a "carpool list" where parents who wanted to participate could find other families in the area to share the drive. Some parents alternated driving "weeks" while others alternated days, and still others found it easier for one family to do all the morning pick-ups, while another family would drive them home.

If this school is one that will have your child come home each day looking forward to going back to school the next day - then, yes, it's certainly worth a 20 minute drive there and back again.

Speaking as a mom who's done that for one son for 13 years (he's now successfully living on campus in college), and a daughter who's in second grade, ABSOLUTELY.

There are people in rural areas that have to travel that far or farther for average or ok schools. If you only have to drive 20 minutes for something that rocks the socks off your kid, then by all means, do it!

Absolutely!!!!!!

In a word, YES!!!!

If all you all to do to provide your child with a great school is drive an extra 20 minutes per day -- do it and smile.

We drive 20 minutes each way, 4 times a day and I'm not complaining. :)