Will Your Child Be Attending Public School?

Hi, N.. We homeschooled our eldest through her kindergarten year; I thought 7 hours a day, 5 days a weeks was just too much for a 5 year old. We decided to give public school a try for first grade and I was terrified that she wouldn't fit it, would have a hard time with the rules, wouldn't make friends...a million little things worried me. Plus you hear so many negative things about public schools. I sobbed like a baby for the first two days after dropping her off.

She loved it. I spent all that time worrying for absolutely nothing.

We said we'd take it year by year, whether to homeschool or attend public school. On the last day of school Madison told me "I will be going back to Armstrong for second grade."

I'd still love to have her home with me and secretly hope that she says she'd like to homeschool again. But as long as she likes school and continues to flourish, I'm happy.

I don't think you'll stop worrying and your anxiety will surely reach a crescendo the night before the first day of school, when you're trying to sleep. But I'm sure you'll be fine and your baby will adjust well and love it.

My daughter is going into the second grade and is in a public school. I love the school and I totally agree about getting involved. I was room mom last year and really enjoyed it. I was not at her school everyday hovering around, but her teacher knew that whenever she needed anything I was happy to help. This gave me a chance to get to know the teacher as well as the kiddos in her class. She loves school and is counting the days to return:)

Hi Natalie,

My oldest attending private school K-2, then my twins attended the private for K, when it was time to enroll my son in Kindergarten, we just came to the conclusion that we simply couldn't afford private school with all four kids(even though I taught at the school and received a small discount). I was petrified of putting my kids in public. We put our house on the market to try to move to a "better school", not that I really knew anything about the one in our neighborhood. Well, the house didn't sell and so we prayed and prayed and decided to stay and give our neighborhood school a shot.

I got myself involved in the PTA and was up at the school as much as I could possibly be and for the last four years it has been a wonderful experience for my kids and no regrets for us.

The key is your involvement and knowing exactly what is going on in your school. The teachers love volunteers and they quickly figure out who is willing to help with anything.

As a former public and private school teacher (high school) its really the parent involvement that determines how your kid will turn out, not necessarily the school they attended.

Good luck in your decision!

:) I just got hired to teach KG at Pearson! My kids will hopefully be going there next year too. They were going to Liberty Grove because it's by my house and my daughter went there. However, I'm trying to switch them so we can all be at the same school. I hear it's a great school. The principal and assistant principal are awesome. I've only met a few teachers, but they seem sweet. I went and checked out the school and my new room this week. The school is pretty new and in good shape. Don't be scared. :) This will be my 4th year teaching in GISD. It's a great district. I've also taught in Mesquite and Rockwall. I've been very pleased with all 3. She will meet friends. It takes time at any new school, private or public. One thing you can do is go up to eat lunch with her every now and then. Then, she can invite a friend to eat with the two of you. You'll get a chance to get to know her friends and maybe set up a time to play. Also, volunteer if you can. You'll get to know the kids and teacher a lot better. At meet the teacher, let the teacher know you are interested in helping out. Soon, they will have forms for you to fill out for PTA, and you'll be on your way and involved. I hope this helps! I'll see you up there!

Hi N.,

Not knowing what your circumstances are, I'd like to throw out another option. I'm a licensed teacher and have 10 years teaching experience in public schools, in addition to having operated a preschool out of my home. We have teenagers who have attended both private and public schools, now our son is beginning kinder this year, and I will be homeschooling him and taking in other kids. If that sounds interesting to you, I'd love to visit with you. We live in Rowlett. Best of luck whatever you decided!