Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy in Chicago is where I send my preschooler. They have full-time music, art and phys.ed. teachers and go on field trips. Also, Dual Language pre-k through 8. One of Chicago's most improved schools due to hard work of involved parents, teachers and administrators. Also, still currently have openings for Dual Language Pre-K.

If possible, it might help getting together with other parents with your views and actually doing something about it. I truly believe problems we see in the children come from parents not caring or getting envolved. I've noticed the schools putting a $ value on everything really could care a less what happens to these kids. But, then again, it takes more than one parent. I wish I could help. I just can't understand what these people think school is about. Sorry, I'm just shocked. It's your legal right and peace of mind what your hard earned money is being used for. I'm sorry, I just need to say this, my daughter has gone to the same private school and is in her last year there. I paid my tuition and whatever else needed for her. They kept asking for help with this and that. Before I ever even considered giving anything else I wanted to see for myself where my tuition was being used. It took a while and they were shocked, they never asked for much of anything else again and the administration has a different way of doing things. You will be surprised how much of the money these school takes in going for education. It's really scary. On a positive note, I think I'm going to miss my daughters school more than she is, only because they have a different attitute. You can make a difference. Most administrators don't know what goes on or if its wrong. Most parents don't question. good luck.

This is my first time in finding a school for my daughter. Public vs private. I really would like to know what the difference is? I'd like to know who has the right to take away from our children. I've really been out of touch. All I see on the news are problem kids and no one seems to have any answers. You guys just answered most if not all. Is this at all or just some schools?

@mykidisfirst01

I was going to reply basically the same as Magnet Mom and I'm frankly appalled what your response was. The fact that your local PTO advocates for Field Trips being a higher priority that an Art or PE programs baffles the mind.

Although my son started K this year, we've had to PTO meetings and a very vocal and proactive group of parents. Yes, we do fundraising, but the priorities are PE once a week, Art Program, once a week, and now continued funding of a new Science Lab for the older grades. Field Trips are very low priority!

I feel for you and your distressing situation!