giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,149
|
Post by giramomma on Sept 12, 2014 21:02:24 GMT -5
OK. If that is your choice, that is your choice. However, i have 3 kids as well and looked into it. It seemed more sensible to me to bank that money for college or retirement instead. There are lots of ways to supplement public education. And if you werent' working all that extra time, you certainly could supplement them yourself with materials that you find interesting and challenging for far less money and it would decrease your stress level and improve your quality time with your kids. But, again, if that is the route you wish go, then you will have to find other work to pay those bills.It isn't paying the bills that's the issue. It's replenishing our savings. That's the issue. And I'm betting I wasn't very clear on that. I don't cope well only saving 5-10% of our income outside of retirement. Before the 3rd came, our savings rate outside of retirement was between 20 and 30%. That high of a savings rate has saved our butts over the 18 months or so.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2014 21:03:46 GMT -5
Carl, Well, since I'm doubting you have much experience or knowledge on homeschooling, I'm not too worried about your opinion, for yourself. I'd hate to have you perpetuating myths however....
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2014 21:05:21 GMT -5
It's hard to break away with what you grew up with, Gira. The thing is, visibly, you and DH grew up in very different circumstances. But, it's also not right of you to deny him his privileges, or your kids their privileges, because of your discomfort with their wealth, because you grew up differently.
I had similar issues, but frankly, I decided to just embrace it and not look back. In a sense it taught me a LOT more than working for every penny so I could take care of it myself would have. It taught me that that money was there because generations made it, and future generations made it too, but THEY ALSO WERE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE MONEY THEY HAD BEEN GIFTED.
For better or worse, THAT is why I went into rental RE. Because I knew I could never earn that money, and I wanted to honor what previous generations had done, and be a good custodian for that money.
My outlaws told us, separately, don't pay us back, instead, strive to pay it forward.
That statement made a HUGE impression on me. But I could never have done it by working myself to the bone by working 3 jobs. So I did it in rental RE instead. My ex doesn't have to worry about that, he'll inherit plenty. But I felt I needed to do good too.
Hugs and good night (it's way past my bedtime LOL).
|
|
TheHaitian
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 27, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -5
Posts: 10,144
|
Post by TheHaitian on Sept 12, 2014 21:07:29 GMT -5
Carl, Well, since I'm doubting you have much experience or knowledge on homeschooling, I'm not too worried about your opinion, for yourself. I'd hate to have you perpetuating myths however.... Lol, bless your heart!
|
|
TheHaitian
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 27, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -5
Posts: 10,144
|
Post by TheHaitian on Sept 12, 2014 21:09:42 GMT -5
We might not have told someone to tap into their 401k but we sure as hell would has told them to "back off" a bit from contributing to it. In your case you are not contributing to it, you made the lump sum investment from the get go with your husband inheritance. I don't see why not take out 5k to cover a year shortfall and lower the financial stress vs worrying yourself silly and looking for more work. $400/month is $4,800/year. You really think your lifestyle in retirement is going to go downhill over 5k?
Sometimes I think people forget that money is a "tool" and you need to put things in perspective. Our retirement is going well. I should be able to retire by 60, actually. Right now, between my pension and my 403b contribution, I figured that work and myself are contributing 16% to my retirement. DH is also putting money away into deferred comp, plus he is also contributing to a pension. We are almost to the point where our retirement specific accounts and the taxable are getting closer in amount. We also have other monies to tap. I would prefer not to. Thank you, TheHaitian, for this. You have both missed and made my point! Good night child and I wish you nothing but the best!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2014 21:14:44 GMT -5
Carl, Well, since I'm doubting you have much experience or knowledge on homeschooling, I'm not too worried about your opinion, for yourself. I'd hate to have you perpetuating myths however.... Lol, bless your heart! Insults are generally the purview of those lacking a substantive argument.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,245
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 12, 2014 21:38:40 GMT -5
Actually you just did.There's a bit of a rumor that I won't have one of my jobs, effective immediately. Last week, I knew it would be cut down, because of financial issues. We would be down $200/month. But, that we could handle.Something changed between Monday and Wednesday. It's a swing of $400/month, which covered DD2's preschool and a few other misc bills. I've started applying at a few jobs, secretary type jobs that you don't need any skills for and haven't heard anything back. There's a few more I can apply for.I'm working on marketing my studio, and I'll network. I usually pick up a few kids this time of year. I've been taking some professional development courses, and all that shit is due Monday. I still have about 20 hours worth of work. I'm not sure when I'm going to have time to finish my course, work, and apply for jobs. Plus about a million forms to fill out for school and what not.So I just called the exec director, and of course I can't get a hold of her. I don't know if this is just for the first semester. Which makes the other job hunting an issue.Of course, my ILs are out of town, too. If they could take the littlest after preschool on Tuesday, I could jockey my hours and we wouldn't need the babysitter one day a week. That would save of $200/month. And, then we'd be OK.We just were getting on our feet. To the point where we could think about a nice trip next summer to Maine. Where I could add money back to our accounts where they should be in the next year or two. F*ck. I won't be on much after this. I have a child to read to me, and put to bed, assignments to turn in, and trombone to listen to. I know in the grand scheme of things, we'll be OK. And, these are still first world problems. But, I'd like it to stop. It sucks, it sucks, it sucks, and in general realities everywhere are under construction more[/py ] than usual. Just a gut/
Reality difficulties on my end. FWIW, I think you should try to let go and let the Divine/whatever, until at least Oct. 1. The last of 5 supermoons just occurred Sept. 8/9 and the weather in Princeton yesterday and today caught me by surprise. I was scheduled to work from 8 to 2 today, and two other people I'm not sure who they are were scheduled 8 to 4. But, unknown beknowst to me, we went through the heavy bump of course book pickup/sales rush on Wednesday and Thursday so the staff went back to normal business hours which was opening at 9.
I'll spare you the freak stuff about the fog, unusually light traffic(not the beginning of classes apparently) but the bottom line is I lost hours of work/pay and I struggled to make it home without accidently doing a slight fall asleep too long... Yesterday due in part of the weather and work I was optimistic and had all these plans, by the time Tiger Transit bus finally showed up that could take me back to my car I was very hot and grumpy as it was way more than the 15 minutes advertised.
I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I expect chaos, stress, and to earn my keep projecting calm and finding things out. My normal PT temp job has just sealed off where the reception desk was during the week and now we will be operating in a construction/renovation mode which by the nature of how they walled off "half" the building, is going to be more stressfull and piss more people off. The brand new maintenance dept head which either started last Th has already quit by yesterday. So far, reason unknown.
Sorry for my vent, but I changed my plans to see a movie and hang with friends at the last minute because I didn't feel driving there and back was a good idea. At least it turned out to be the right decision as I was correct in that I need to shift all my basement stuff by Sunday to make sure I get the prize spot in the basement the longtime resident in the building promised me... theres more like not knowing the guy who lived with her passed mid -Aug
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,245
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 12, 2014 21:44:50 GMT -5
Short version, I'm cracking out my candles since its almost fall anyway here and apparently early fall by my Dad, who hopefully got his furnace fixed as evening temps might be in the 40s. (Unseasonably cool!)
So I'll light a candle for you and me plus putting you on my prayer list... daily prayers...
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Sept 12, 2014 22:51:52 GMT -5
I'm sorry that this is going on, Gira. I know every $ 100 counts. I'm hoping that you'll be able to get some help from the IL's, that your Dh's job makes up some of the slack, and that you can figure out how to make up the remaining shortage. We're doing the same thing right now . So far, we've saved $ 275 on DH's former student loans ( we got them forgiven because he's on SSD disability and he fits the forgiveness criteria because his loans were thru Nelnet - I learned about the forgiveness program on this board ), $ 80 because I cancelled my cell phone contract ( luckily, no penalty ), $ 120 per month because we're going out to eat less ( once a week now ), $ 100 a month because we're buying less at stores (I've taken over much of the marketing) , and another $ 50 - $ 60 in savings on odds and ends. It sounds good, but on the flip side, we're down $ 2414 per month due to my retiring a few months before my S.S. starts ( wanted to spend the summer with DH - he just got over cancer last summer after some rough treatments ), plus the cost of my cobra premiums. My S.S. will start in Dec. and will replace one of my paychecks, and the savings make up for about 2/3 of the other, but the cobra cost eats that up, so we'll be down around $ 1000 per month beginning in December. The rentals have needed a lot of repair/maintenance this summer, so we have anted up a lot of our spare dollars to keep the tenants happy. Hang in there.
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Sept 13, 2014 7:36:03 GMT -5
I'm just throwing out options. We considered private school. In the end, it was not worth the more expensive house, tuition and hours we would have needed to work to pay for it. In her situation I'd probably see if inlaws wanted to contribute to private school. And almost anyone can homeschool. Wanting to is a different story. Still though, sending out alternatives. My impression is that homeschooling requires patience, organization, and discipline that not everyone possesses.
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Sept 13, 2014 7:39:39 GMT -5
OK. If that is your choice, that is your choice. However, i have 3 kids as well and looked into it. It seemed more sensible to me to bank that money for college or retirement instead. There are lots of ways to supplement public education. And if you werent' working all that extra time, you certainly could supplement them yourself with materials that you find interesting and challenging for far less money and it would decrease your stress level and improve your quality time with your kids. But, again, if that is the route you wish go, then you will have to find other work to pay those bills.It isn't paying the bills that's the issue. It's replenishing our savings. That's the issue. And I'm betting I wasn't very clear on that. I don't cope well only saving 5-10% of our income outside of retirement. Before the 3rd came, our savings rate outside of retirement was between 20 and 30%. That high of a savings rate has saved our butts over the 18 months or so. Gira, it sounds like you are doing great. Try to relax--money isn't everything. At a certain point, time becomes much more valuable, and time with your kids while they're still kids is very precious.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2014 8:09:52 GMT -5
I'm just throwing out options. We considered private school. In the end, it was not worth the more expensive house, tuition and hours we would have needed to work to pay for it. In her situation I'd probably see if inlaws wanted to contribute to private school. And almost anyone can homeschool. Wanting to is a different story. Still though, sending out alternatives. My impression is that homeschooling requires patience, organization, and discipline that not everyone possesses. I literally know hundreds of homeschooling families. I help run a local group, evaluate and work as an advocate if needed. My kids say I'm always 'recruiting' ... No two families do it the same way. They all vary in levels of patience, organization and discipline and the importance they place on those those qualities. None of them are wrong. It's really a lifestyle thing more than a 'schooling' thing. I'm perfectly ok if people choose not to homeschool. But the idea that they 'can't' is one I have a problem with.... I've met very few people who are actually incapable of supervising their own child's education.
|
|
tloonya
Junior Associate
What status?
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:22:13 GMT -5
Posts: 8,452
|
Post by tloonya on Sept 13, 2014 8:16:20 GMT -5
Well, the problem with DH working full time is that our daycare costs go from 500/month to 3K per month. With private school, we'd need him to net 4k a month. I am amazed when people all stressed out about money and there is a private school...
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 13, 2014 8:53:56 GMT -5
I somehow not only survived but thrived going to gasp PUBLIC school, omg! And, my kids are in public school! Oh no! As for homeschooling, I absolutely could homeschool, but I don't want too. And, I personally don't think it is the best thing for my kids so to each his own. And, if private schools are for you then that is fine too but it comes with a cost. I guess my point is ask yourself if that cost is worth what you lose in other areas in terms of your income and time?
But, these are first world problems. We decide that private school is a "need" when in reality it is a want. And, again nothing wrong with pursuing wants. But, you have to keep things in perspective in terms of your finances.
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Sept 13, 2014 10:18:58 GMT -5
you have to keep things in perspective in terms of your finances.
When life/circumstances change you need to change also.
The only constant in life is change.
As the wind blows ...... if flexible you will bend, then stand up straight when things calm down. If rigid, life has a tendency to smack us up side the head.
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 13, 2014 10:21:04 GMT -5
Yes. Look reality square in the eye. If something is no longer working, then you have to tackle it. I dont' see how private school is some boon to children if it stresses the family finances and keeps mom and dad away from home working all the time.
|
|
giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,149
|
Post by giramomma on Sept 13, 2014 10:50:31 GMT -5
Yes. Look reality square in the eye. If something is no longer working, then you have to tackle it. I dont' see how private school is some boon to children if it stresses the family finances and keeps mom and dad away from home working all the time. But private school doesn't. Didn't you read where I was with my kids 20 hours a week during business hours during the summer? DH isn't away from home working all the time. And I understand that most people don't break down tasks by efficiency. I do. Because it makes the most sense. I also understand that people don't understand urban education issues unless they actually have to deal with them. I don't think I'm a bad parent because I don't want my kids sitting next to a black male who will likely drop out of school at some point or end up in jail. Or I want my kids to be in a class, where, statistically, more kids can read at grade level than not. Right now the reading proficiency in grades 3-5 at our public elementary school is 12%. I know tests don't test accurately for everyone. But, I don't think that's causing the number to be THAT low. Not everyone has housing and daycare costs that line up with norms for COL. If I could wave my hand and reduce housing costs in my city, I'd love to. Sure, we could send our kids to public school, but that would mean moving to a rental. Our housing costs now are 800+utilities. Moving to a rental house would be 1500-2K/month plus utilities. Or if we bought a house our mortgage and taxes would double. I'm not sure how prudent it is to take a 200K mortgage out, plus pay 900/month in taxes on salary of 65K (my dayjob salary and DH's salary). They don't build apartments or condos in the best neighborhoods. You know, to keep low income folks out. Actually, we have a plan. If I switch around my work hours, and ask the ILs to watch the littlest 2-3 afternoons a month, we can drop her daycare provider. That will make up most of the shortfall. Getting a few new students will make up the rest. Plus, in December, we're done with paying DS's first phase of ortho. Which is another 100/month. I might just pay it off early to be done with it. I understand I have control issues, am rigid, etc. This is actually good for me. I've actually been far more tightly wound.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Sept 13, 2014 12:26:08 GMT -5
Well, the important thing is that you have a good job and have ways to alter your circumstances, Gira. And, obviously, you're doing it, so I'm glad that you've got a workable solution to these changes.
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 13, 2014 13:05:43 GMT -5
Gira - Don't read into what I am saying. I am not saying "bad mom" or anything like that whatsoever. I am just making a point that it is good to truly think about your money decisions and priorities. I am probably a bad mom for not homeschooling or whatever. I think it is great to have choices and if you are really happy with your kids' schools then that is great. But, there are times when people have financial difficulties that they simply need to regroup and reevaluate their finances to get their house in order. You are not in that situation and obviously you have the resources to keep them in schools you are happy with. But, this is a good time to truly evaluate and take a look at what is important and where you really want to spend your money, that's all.
|
|
muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
|
Post by muttleynfelix on Sept 13, 2014 15:42:55 GMT -5
I somehow not only survived but thrived going to gasp PUBLIC school, omg! And, my kids are in public school! Oh no! As for homeschooling, I absolutely could homeschool, but I don't want too. And, I personally don't think it is the best thing for my kids so to each his own. And, if private schools are for you then that is fine too but it comes with a cost. I guess my point is ask yourself if that cost is worth what you lose in other areas in terms of your income and time? But, these are first world problems. We decide that private school is a "need" when in reality it is a want. And, again nothing wrong with pursuing wants. But, you have to keep things in perspective in terms of your finances. I think it is really unreasonable to harp on the Public school thing when it is area specific. Gira knows her public schools. Yes she could move, but she realizes she isn't saving any money by doing so because of housing costs. I don't think Gira is saying all public schools are bad, just hers in particular. This PSA brought to by a public school graduate whose children will be going to public school.
|
|
muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
|
Post by muttleynfelix on Sept 13, 2014 15:44:09 GMT -5
Gira - I understand looking at finances and saying what you are saying and going how are we going to make this work. Hugs to you. You are a resourceful woman who can conquer this.
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 13, 2014 15:47:21 GMT -5
I somehow not only survived but thrived going to gasp PUBLIC school, omg! And, my kids are in public school! Oh no! As for homeschooling, I absolutely could homeschool, but I don't want too. And, I personally don't think it is the best thing for my kids so to each his own. And, if private schools are for you then that is fine too but it comes with a cost. I guess my point is ask yourself if that cost is worth what you lose in other areas in terms of your income and time? But, these are first world problems. We decide that private school is a "need" when in reality it is a want. And, again nothing wrong with pursuing wants. But, you have to keep things in perspective in terms of your finances. I think it is really unreasonable to harp on the Public school thing when it is area specific. Gira knows her public schools. Yes she could move, but she realizes she isn't saving any money by doing so because of housing costs. I don't think Gira is saying all public schools are bad, just hers in particular. This PSA brought to by a public school graduate whose children will be going to public school. Math is numbers. The numbers either add up or they don't.
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 13, 2014 16:02:49 GMT -5
Yes. It is annoying to have your ducks in a row and then get way layed by the sucker punches of life! For sure. And, nowhere am I suggesting to immediately drop out of private school, blah, blah. But, the best approach to money in my opinion is to always consider all of your options, even the ones you are not crazy about.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2014 16:29:04 GMT -5
I think it is really unreasonable to harp on the Public school thing when it is area specific. Gira knows her public schools. Yes she could move, but she realizes she isn't saving any money by doing so because of housing costs. I don't think Gira is saying all public schools are bad, just hers in particular. This PSA brought to by a public school graduate whose children will be going to public school. Math is numbers. The numbers either add up or they don't. 12% reading on level, etc... Are pretty compelling numbers...
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 13, 2014 16:30:30 GMT -5
People can choose to be prisoners of their circumstances or not.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2014 10:20:00 GMT -5
Rukh is on fire today!
|
|
Shooby
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2013 0:32:36 GMT -5
Posts: 14,782
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1cf04f
|
Post by Shooby on Sept 14, 2014 10:22:52 GMT -5
I think there is a danger in minimizing the contributions of a lower wage earning spouse.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2014 10:25:00 GMT -5
Reading through the whole thread - I agree with others. Take things down a notch and pull a few buck out of the accounts to cover things. think about the level of anxiety you are having about this - it is not equitable to facts. Considering working on this as a real issue you ned to address, maybe even getting some outside help on it. A few other points: What is DHs career ambitions? I don't think he should be boxed in not pursuing these because "it doesn't add up" and he has 250k (?) or something in his inheritance account. The money should allow him to pursue that FT job/career if he wants to. i think this is only honoring the grandparents who bequeathed it to him. He should be allowed to make these choices. I think it is off of you to say "black male" in your post on public school issues. I'm sure we all would like to shield our kids from sitting next to budding offenders, gang banger, violence criminals. race and gender need not impact this.Your circumstance in general are much more favorable than I had imagined giving some of your postings. You acknowledge needing to work on your emotional issues with money - but is that really just a cop out? Are you actively trying to change? making progress? Or is it just an excuse to say - yeah I have issues - but then continue on with the same behaviors? And how fair is that to the DH? I was very tempted to point that out when I first read it, but I thought it might be received better coming from someone else. Thanks for being that "someone else".
|
|
giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,149
|
Post by giramomma on Sept 14, 2014 14:10:16 GMT -5
I think it is off of you to say "black male" in your post on public school issues. I'm sure we all would like to shield our kids from sitting next to budding offenders, gang banger, violence criminals. race and gender need not impact this. Actually, it's well known in my city that a black male has a 50% chance of graduating HS and a 50% chance of ending up in jail. The school district puts out graduation rates, every year, by gender, race, and socio-economic status. This particular statistic is cited at least once every other month in the local news. 80% of the white kids from the middle class graduate HS. The gap has existed, though, not quite this badly, for the past 15 years or so. Nothing the school system is doing is working or making it better. The racial divide here in my state is actually just as bad as the deep south. I'm too lazy to pull all the reports done right now. My public school system has not figured out how to teach poor African American kids. They know how to teach Latinos. And dare I say, it's very "in" right now to help the Latino population. And, yes, I completely agree that 7 hours of schooling a day can't completely undo parenting. But, why, again, would I make the choice to put my kids in a class where they will one of a handful that can perform at grade level?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 16:26:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2014 14:20:42 GMT -5
I think it is off of you to say "black male" in your post on public school issues. I'm sure we all would like to shield our kids from sitting next to budding offenders, gang banger, violence criminals. race and gender need not impact this. Actually, it's well known in my city that a black male has a 50% chance of graduating HS and a 50% chance of ending up in jail. The school district puts out graduation rates, every year, by gender, race, and socio-economic status. This particular statistic is cited at least once every other month in the local news. 80% of the white kids from the middle class graduate HS. The gap has existed, though, not quite this badly, for the past 15 years or so. Nothing the school system is doing is working or making it better. The racial divide here in my state is actually just as bad as the deep south. I'm too lazy to pull all the reports done right now. My public school system has not figured out how to teach poor African American kids. They know how to teach Latinos. And dare I say, it's very "in" right now to help the Latino population. And, yes, I completely agree that 7 hours of schooling a day can't completely undo parenting. But, why, again, would I make the choice to put my kids in a class where they will one of a handful that can perform at grade level?
Well, they'd have a great shot at a really high class rank at graduation which would help with college admissions and scholarships, and they should be able to get in all the AP and dual enrollment classes they want. Not saying your decision for private isn't a good one, but there are advantages to being a kid with involved parents in a school without much competition.
|
|