Private vs Public school - how do we decide?

Though, I'm not a parent, i might be helpful.

Bullying. If your son is constantly bullied, I believe a smaller school population might be better. Everyone usually knows each other and are friends in those type of schools.

Education. Private school actually does push the kids more toward the academic side. If your kids can attend after school programs, I did this before, the REACH program, helping me with my social skills, since i was a quiet shy child. Anyway, maybe an academic clubs, like UCMAS which is open for students from Ages 4-12, I believe. My sister, in Grade 2, is attending this, it mainly focuses on Math skills, though, every saturday. I think it's free, but go to google it.

Catholic School. Though i am not catholic,i do not think the religious view in the school makes much of a difference. I am not experienced in this, it doesn't really protect more than any other schools. The Catholic part is to teach you more about this religion and have events including this. If you want to educate you kids more about being Catholic, then this is an option. But not necessary.

Friends. This I am experienced with. My brother and sister, Grade 2 and 4, left from one COUNTRY to another, and actually made MORE friends. I think moving to a catholic school will make you children more friends, since they are allowed to get to know each other more, and have more in common. Kids, especially younger ones like yours, adapt very quickly.

Teaching. Public school teachers are a bit lazier than private school teachers, but this is actually very rare. The job for teachers is to motivate them and teach them. If you see that the teachers in your current public school are lacking, then go ahead and switch off. Whatever makes you more comfortable.

Your kids. They are young, I know. But if you ask them here and then how they feel about the school they are in, maybe this might help you decide.

I hope this helps. I'm not sure about the money issue, this is your choice, but i think you should choose now and not later, because once they grow up, especially junior high and High school, they won't adapt as quickly.

If I were you, I would first of all, try and get a proper diagnosis of a learning disability/special needs. Then, meet with the principal/your sons teachers at their current school and talk to them about what kind of measures they might be able to put in place to help them. Compare that with what the Catholic school said and go from there. I honestly don't think you're more likely to get better teachers at the Catholic school. There are good and bad teachers everywhere and religious belief only drives a teacher to teach religion. It doesn't change how successful their teaching skills are. Really, what you need to make the decision based upon is who is going to do the most to help your children develop to their full potential, hence why I suggest you talk to the current school, before you make your decision.

I would check with the local catholic schools for their curriculum and availability of extra help or special classes for students with learning disabilities. Do they do testing on students? What do they do with those results?

When my neighbor was diagnosed with a learning disability her parents actually took her OUT of the private (catholic) school she was attending and put her into public schooling because there was more help available for students with learning disabilities.

If your children like the school their in, my first option would be to reach out to them and find out what can be done - testing, extra help, extra classes, different grouping, whatever.

(Then again, I am not Canadian. This 'knowledge' is of the American school system...)

Nah, Catholic schools won't do anything in terms of helping a student (or students) who are strugglign with anything. They just spend more time harping about religion, but not necessarily are 'better' at teacher kids.

Of course, a private school would be your guys' best bet, but since that's not financially feasible, I would suggest sticking with their current school and meeting with the teachers/principles (if you haven't already) about creating a plan to better help/assit your kid that's having difficulties.

You look at the school in question on its own merits. Being "public" or "Catholic" doesn't determine whether a school has teachers with integrity, or will put effort into helping a child with specific learning issues.

But I'd have to be _very_ sure that the new school would be better for them before I moved a child who loved the school he/she was at.

My suggestion to you is try private schools. Majority of private schools offers much more advanced education and gives students opportunities to be part of extra-curricular events. I know this because I have been a student of a private/catholic school for 5 years back in high school. It was one of the best experiences ever and until today, I still look upon it as the main source of my learning.

I am a bit confused. Are you their parent or not? You ask for pros and cons. Are you unable to think? If so, how do you expect to make a decision? If not, why can't you inform yourself on the relative advantages and disadvantages? Who do you expect to do a better job than you and your husband?

I take strong exception to your attitude. The number one job of a parent is to provide the child the support they need. Anyone claiming that their children "seem to have learning disabilities that are being ignored" should be reported to child protective services. Hopefully they can find a family where the kids are viewed as glasses half full, rather than victims half empty. So, obviously the best thing for your children would be for you to find them a loving family where they will be supported, encouraged and nurtured. I don't see where talking trash is part of parental responsibilities.

Secondly, you seem to imply that it is all or nothing. Both have to go to the same type of school why?

Thirdly, I am at a loss to understand how it is that you are unable to observe a 2nd and 4th Grade classroom for 30 minutes on a couple of different days and determine the quality of the teaching.

Why would that be?

Finally, isn't it true that a C student needs MORE advantages than an A+ student? And that the worse the student, the more important the quality of the education is? How does the student performance compare between the two schools?

Improve your attitude. A parents job is to be an advocate for their child, not a critic. Cheer do not criticize. You should seek professional help. It is quite possible that one reason your kids are not living up to their capabilities is YOU.

go private if you want stuck up spoiled kids with a superiority complex

go public if you want a socially normal kid with diverse friends

You should go with public school

Just curious at what point will your kids get integrated into the real world?