We changed our daughter from private to public when she was 6. When she found out she was no longer going to be going to school with the kids she had known since she was 2 years old, she cried every day. It was excruciating. We even paid the deposit to send her back to private, but the first day of first grade she jumped off the bus with two new friends and has never looked back. She was actually BEHIND the kids in public school, but she is now (mostly) caught up. Hope this helps! It is REALLY hard.

My two children attended public school and did very. When they completed 4th grade, I switched them to a private school thinking they would do even better, but I was wrong. The public school was much better. Their result for nys ela/math tests dropped from 4's to 3's. The school gave them minimum homework or none at all, and parents involvement was very poor. My children are twins and they were very popular in the school and they have many friends.I had no choice but to withdraw them after just 2 years.They are going to one of the best charter schools in the country this fall. I talked to my children that they will make new friends at this school and they can still be friends with their former school mates.
So private school is not always the best. Good luck to you and your children.

Thanks for great answers so far!! I am probably more nervous than my 1st grader ! I had such a horrible time when I was in school that I worry my kids having a hard time. My oldest is shy and I am afraid that he is going to be bullied (not that bullied would not have happened at his christian school). I also worry about the class size. hes going from group of kids (13) to 20. My youngest is almost four, and he's a tough kid and I think he will be more adept to handle the bullied but he is adopted and bi-racial. My oldest is not adopted. We live in area that is somewhat "red neck" ! I have a lot of emotions going through me right now. Im hoping that the school my oldest goes to, will put some of my fears to rest.

I moved my 4th grader from private to public 3rd qtr last year. I took her to the school to look around and meet the teacher ahead of time, this really helped. Mid-year is difficult, starting the same time as others should be no problem. Don't use the term "public school", as I found it carried a stigma her mind. Just say going to a new school. We talked about all the new opportunities to meet new friends instead of the same ones she'd gone to school with for years. Then we talked about her day every afternoon. I would encourage her every morning to meet one new friend that day, this really seemed to help! So did praying for her friendships every day!!!

Momof2boys45, at your son's young ages, I wouldn't worry about their transition ~ I have a feeling you're more nervous than they are...At this stage, everything is new, and all of the kids are going to be making new friends, learning new academics, etc.

When older kids are making a transition, after their social groups/friendships have already been formed, then you move to a different environment, it can take more time to adjust. Upper grade kids already know a bit about who the "jocks, brains, etc." are, and may be more "cliquish," (doesn't matter if you're a new kid from a private school going to public, or public student entering private) but at the early grade levels, everyone is fairly accepting.

I would encourage all parents to get involved in PTA at whatever new schools their kids are attending...by meeting other families, and getting to know about the activities, it will help you feel more comfortable.

Hi.. I dont have an answer. I am somewhat in similar situation. My oldest boy, now 6 is transferring from private school to public school next week. It was hard on me because I want him to stay at the private school. However, my husband has felt from the get go that both of our boys should be in pubic school. I finally gave up on trying to convience him that private school is better. Im really nervous!!!! Any thoughts on this??

sounds Great...i will definetly look into it further :)

As far as having your children haveing interaction with others there are programs that are offered. My son will be in one that's called Homebuilders, and they have more interaction as far as field trips and get togethers than public schools have. All the parents get together at a local church to present the kids awards and have refreshments,,,it's alot of fun. It's a very close nit group of parents that help each other,,,,and our children reap the benifits,,,,,

thanks,i checked out their website from your previous email...sorry i didn't catch that before..i have little ones and need them to have that interaction with other children...i will keep them in mind when they get older :)

Well I really don't know how to tell you everything, because there is so much, so I would just go online and check out there web site. That's what I did...I just felt good about it, and my son is excited too. He will be going in the 8th grade.

WOW....glad your child is no longer there...i would like to learn more about your charter school...my girls school is computer based and brand new...so all the children there will be new to each other...so i am hopeful..

I had my son in private school for his first 5 years, and it was Hell on me and him. This school is supposed to be the best around and growing fast, but the teacher had ther "pets" and it was very appearent to me and other mom's. The parents that were wealthy and could help out more with there time and money got special attention. I am a single mom just getting by and didn't have the time to put in like the other "stay at home" moms....and my son was picked on. Long story, but knowing what I kow now???? www.k12.com is the only way to go. It's a public charter but easy to manage. it's all on a computer and the parents "coach" with the assistance of there full time on line teacher. It's a charter, and they also provide your child with a computer and all the extra programs, check it out.

I am also making the move from private to public and have concerns as well....i'm enrolling the girls in a charter school...uniforms, small campus,so it still has the feel of private school. I do know that i worry about it far more than they do..as long as the education level is the same or hopefully better...all will be well :)

It will definetly help,Because when my son started public school he didn't know how to make friends,nor liked school on that part.Now after 6 months he's very enthusiastic about school,Also his grades have improved along with making friends besides.

Parental involvement in school work is required much more with public than private. It's a bit like self-serve v. full-serve, but the outcomes can be extremely good with public...so long as the parents are committed to putting in their time at home outside of school.

public school children tend to have a better relationship with each other than private school kids.
Being in the public school has helped him tremendously.

We LOVE private school. My 8th grader has attended since 2nd grade. He may, HIS CHOICE go to public HS. We don't know yet. He likes it quiet, with rules he can follow, and great friends. His social skills and behavior are fabulous as well a study skills and academic talent.

If you are moving to Florida, I would not recommend public schooling.

We know a few kids around our neighborhood that go to the school, and they play with a few of them, but they aren't in the same grades. I did explain to them though that the new friends they make at school will most likely live very close, so it won't be like private school where the kids are spread out all over the SC Valley. Making friends has never been an issue for either of them before, so I'm hoping it will all work out OK.

I wish all goes well for you and your family, calimommyof3. Are you encouraging your boys to play with the kids in the neighborhood who attend the public school? Do you have friends with kids at that school?

I am in the same boat. We are moving from Santa Clarita Christian to public this year. I'm very concerned about how my boys are going to adapt, but I think I'm more worried about the move than they are. I'm going to take it day by day and just give them all the support they need. I'm just praying they make friends quickly and that the transition is smooth.

Hi. How old are you children/what grade/what gender? What are your specific concerns? What kind of private school were they attending? (A religious-based school, one for gifted kids, one for kids with learning difficulties, etc?) Are you moving, or staying in the same neighborhood?

In general, children are fairly resilient. If you're going to be in the same area, you can reassure your kids that they'll still have opportunities to see their old friends, as well as meet new ones.

Great topic! Question, what is prompting your move?