Hi ER, yes we live in Carmel Valley, and no we do not send our kids to a religious school. We initially went the private school route when our first child had challenges in preschool. Advanced academically, but behind socially. Needed a lot of individual attention. So when we went to visit our local elementary schools in preparation for kindergarten, we found they were pretty much one-size-fits-all (a quote: we don’t need a gifted program, all of our students are gifted).
At the private school that our kids go to, they have gotten LOTS of individual attention. They are able to accelerate in the areas where they can, which I think is critical to avoid boredom and turning off of the whole school experience. At the same time, they receive individual support in the areas where they need a little extra help. A downside is the “bubble effect” that you mentioned. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with sheltering kids during those early years. I really like knowing, for instance, that recess is VERY closely monitored, and the slightest hint of bullying is immediately dealt with. I think pop culture has very little of value to offer kids when they are young, so it is great that the school really limited their exposure. They can come up to speed with the “real world” later, when their values are more fully-developed. And they feel so much a part of a community…they like being where “everybody knows your name”. The principal isn’t someone you only see when you are in trouble, it’s someone you see literally every day, and who sits in all of the teacher/parent conferences, and knows you very very well.
My first child is now in high school at Canyon Crest Academy. Made the transition to a large public school with no problem, and is doing excellently with all the AP classes etc. that are available there. But also, has a wonderful peer group and able to interact well in social situations. I am not sure that would have been the case without the investment we made in private school.
I am a product of public schools, and I want to support my neighborhood schools. But even more than that, I am selfish. I want my children to have what I believe is the best education I can provide them. And if that means us living quite a bit below our means, that’s fine with me.
