We got the call today from the Head of Admissions at Pea’s new school that she got in. And she got the schedule we’d been hoping for. I am so relieved that it’s over, that we’ve found a great little school for her where she’s going to thrive.
But I’ve mentioned before that one of the main reasons we moved to Utah was the public education system. I’ve been told that the elementary school in our neighborhood is the #1 public elementary school in the entire state. That was a defining moment for us in choosing to move to this quaint little town. But then we started the search for nursery school programs and just kept striking out. This town is heavily steeped in Montessori, a program that I admit I was all for when we were looking for schools in Fort Worth, but my husband couldn’t get on board with it. After visiting a Montessori school, he was bothered by the large number of kids in the class and that there were varying ages all in one room “teaching” one another and that the kids were basically allowed to call the shots. I understand that he grew up differently than I did, my household as a kid was a little more… ahem… liberal than his. Different strokes, you know? But we were at least able to agree that we both needed to agree on the program we chose for Pea.
Anyway, it was beginning to seem like we weren’t going to have much of a choice, and then we stumbled onto this little private school. And I liked it. And my husband liked it. And Pea? She really liked it. But it’s so tiny. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1, and they cap it at 12. And the public school across the way from us? The ratio there is 28 to 1, and they cap it at 30. Wow. Big difference.
My husband and I are both products of the public education system. We are huge supporters of the public school system, so admittedly it freaks me out a little bit that we’ve done a complete 180 here. But what can I say? I want the best for my kid, don’t we all? I mean, this school starts teaching Spanish in nursery school! Nursery school!
When I was about 12, my dad and his second wife had a little girl. They lived in NYC, and I swear that my half-sister was still in utero when they were trying to get her into some swanky all-girls school. It was obnoxious. Even as a 12-year old, I knew it was obnoxious. And I was worried during this process with Pea that I was becoming my stepmother? You know, working so hard to get my kid into the “right” school? Well, turns out it was easier than I thought, so I’m not feeling that angst any longer. Yup, I’m biased, but my kid is cool. I knew after our first visit she was a shoe-in. I just wish that they hadn’t made me sweat it out for another week before letting me know she was in…
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Josh just got into the preschool of our choice and it is SUCH a relief. It’s good to have that feeling you and Pea are in the right place. Congrats!
You know, the bottom line is that at the beginning of your kid’s school morning you feel OK about leaving her there and secure in the knowledge that she is safe, happy and learning in this place. Don’t worry about becoming your stepmother. You are not. All you are is a CONCERNED mother who is trying to do what she thinks is best for her child. This is private schooling you will be splurging on and not something frivolous. Think of it in those terms.
I’ve always thought that about the best legacy we can gift our children with is to give them the most excellent level of education possible. I believe this because my own parents put everything they could into giving my sister and I the best schooling their money or effort on our behalf could buy. I have benefited immensely from their decision to sacrifice for my gains in knowledge. Mind you, that doesn’t necessarily imply private schooling always. There are superb public schools out there who carry more prestige than many private ones. That in Pea’s case it was a private school trumping a public one should give you no further cause for concern. You’ve done what you needed to do for your child and there is absolutely nothing obnoxious about your decision to do so. Felicitaciones on Pea’s admittance. I’m glad you have peace of mind again.
You know, you had me totally sold just by mentioning that they teach Spanish at the nursery level.
Congrats! It seems silly but finding the right preschool is so important. I’ve seen some bad habits and behavior problems come out of some of the mom taught preschools.
Wow! You’re in Utah too. I come from an exceedingly crummy school district which has defied even its own lack of expectations in becoming progressively worse….which is why I started a charter school. The idea of sending my own children through the local public school system was literally terrifying. I now actually work with several charter schools throughout the state of Utah. Glad you were able to find a school that works for you and your family.
Saludos!
Java
Congratulations!! There is nothing more important than finding the right learning environment for your kids! A close second is finding a good hairdresser in a new place…. but, anyway! YAY PEA!!!
Congrats!! It is such an amazing feeling to have that “preschool process” settled. I’m so happy for you.
Yeah Pea! The most important thing is that the love of learning is instilled early. I am freaking out because my second is going into K and one of the four teachers is a nasty drill sargent like person. Can you imagine being 6 with that type of energy all day. Needless to say we will do all we can to prevent him from getting THAT teacher.
Glad you found a school you are happy with and congrats on the move.