Have you moved your child from a private school to a public school and realized that they were far behind their peers? Do you know why that happened?

Introduction to the Challenge: A Personal Insight

Dude, I’m fricking excited for this one because it hits close to home. I have an IQ of 178. Yet, I also have ADHD and depression with psychotic features. That second one has since been identified more accurately. It's something that can be described as lasting depression but is more controlled. I’m not Catholic, I’m pan. So, you get the picture. I’m not doing so well. I’ve read that a lot of people felt behind from other answers, but it’s the opposite for me. I’ve always been ahead of my classmates. By the time people were learning to add decimals, I was already studying algebra. While some students were reading “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” I was reading Dracula and Dante’s Inferno. At fifth grade, I had a reading level equivalent to a first-year college student. Why the fuck my public school never moved me up a grade is beyond me. Anyways, I was worried that I would fall behind in my new school thanks to my ADHD and a plethora of other issues, so I forced myself to study as much as I could. I’m still ahead of my classmates. One of only a handful that you can carry a philosophical conversation for more than an hour. So, I’ve actually never fallen behind. Yes, I’m impulsive. I had a Dungeons Dragons DM call me dumb, he was also my ex-boyfriend but that's a different story. I’m not dumb. I just feel like it. Girls, if you like to read and you know you are smarter, don’t think any less of your selves because people say you are one thing. I'll say this once. You are smarter, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Public School Drawbacks: A Comprehensive Look

The public school system often tries to make itself look better than private education. However, public schools pull a lot of crap. They fail to give many special ed kids the services they need. IEPs and 504 plans are often followed verbally and emotionally abused students. There's an overabundance of homework, and principals might not be very welcoming. Some principals discriminate against certain groups of students or parents they don’t like, favoring some kids over others, and offer rewards to specific students, often while knowing full well that every parent can’t afford snacks, ice cream, or participate in events like carnivals.

In some cases, students with packed, healthy lunches have been thrown out because they’re considered “unhealthy.” Parents who can’t afford these snacks or ice cream experience mistreatment. More disturbingly, some schools have been caught forcing kids to eat in front of others, with known cases of lunches being thrown out for being packed. Additionally, public schools have been known to mistreat parents who can’t afford to pay for extra services, which is unacceptable.

Advantages of Private Schools: A Balanced Perspective

Private schools offer many programs for students to enrich learning. They provide advanced classes, field trips, carnivals, spelling bees, and special ed services, including IEP and 504 plans that are followed. Private schools also have guidance counselors that students can talk to, who may need someone to talk to. These counselors do not yell at or bully students. They also offer flexible payment plans that work with parents who are on low incomes. Sometimes, there are scholarships and financial assistance programs that can help pay for tuition for parents under a $50,000 income bracket. Catholic schools have specific programs like the FACTS financial assistance program to help lower-income families.

In my experience, attending a Catholic school was an enjoyable experience. The school was very welcoming toward everyone, regardless of disability, race, or religion. They could even attend without being Catholic. They offered pajama days, fund-raising field days on the last day of school, offered parents refreshments, chili nights, and book fair nights to involve families in the learning environment. They helped reduce costs through Lands’ End with significant discounts on uniforms. They also provided free or reduced bags of school supplies or found ways to help those who need it the most.

Conclusion: The Imperative of Fair Access and Support

Public schools across the United States have significant shortcomings, especially in providing the necessary support for students with special needs. While private schools can offer more comprehensive and tailored services, they can also be expensive, excluding students from lower-income families.

It is crucial for the education system to ensure that all students, regardless of their circumstances, receive the support they need to succeed. This includes appropriate special ed services, a warm and inclusive environment, and flexible approaches to financial assistance. Only then can we create a fair and just education system that nurtures the unique strengths and abilities of every student.