There I was, huddled in a cozy corner of the kindergarten house, sounding out “blends” in certain words with a 6-year-old beside me. It was 1999, and we were in Reading Club. A peaceful, yet busy buzz filled the kindergarten as all around, other moms and dads were ensconced in reading activities with youngsters. One of the charms of that kindergarten was that it was in a quaint, little white house. I loved that my firstborn child had that experience. That we were able to give her a sweet, genteel educational beginning meant the world to her dad and me. Reading Club happened every day for the kindergarteners, and while I often fretted about finding the time to be there, I always cherished the hour I went, chatting with other moms before we started and getting to know each of the children by name and personality. It was a fun time filled with learning and milestones, and I can still see the faces of children delighted to discover reading for the very first time. I realized then, and still do, that absolutely nothing is more important than your child's educational beginning. It's up to parents how that beginning takes place. Sometimes your budget dictates your choices, and if that's the case, let me encourage your efforts to go the distance for your children. Three of my four kids started in private school, but by the time my oldest was graduating from sixth grade we were busting out of a small house and busting out of our budget. We moved to a larger home in a better public school district. Today, we are determining how we can get back to private school. We may have to move into a mud hut. You see, I miss private school for my kids. While they are all currently enrolled in what are considered excellent public schools, I know the difference. So just exactly what is it?

I miss the way the teachers were THERE for us. Don't misunderstand me, there are incredible teachers in both public and private schools, but in private ones, the teachers are hired to deliberately work with students and their families toward the best results.

I miss the community of parents who made us want to be better people.

I miss the competition! In private schools, kids are encouraged to win at being themselves. They are encouraged to be thinkers and to strive to find answers to their questions. Kids are challenged to challenge themselves and it is not OK with the kids themselves if one among them isn't trying!

I miss the character building. From the moment my children started going to public schools, they were influenced by many kids who dress sloppily, some who use foul language openly and others who make it a game to “get over” on teachers and parents. Ever since public school educators kicked prayer our of school, I have lamented that many children have no convention for getting in touch with their better selves on a daily basis. Don't shoot me. I'm allowed to have an opinion.

I miss the leadership I found in private school. The incredible head of school that we knew was a clear-cut decision maker who met frequently with a parent board to discuss school direction, curriculum, goals.

I could sit down and have coffee with you and talk about this further, but truth be told, I want to see if I can elicit your response here! I welcome your input and would love to receive your opinions on this subject. As we move forward into 2008, what will you do for your child? Will my husband and I move our children back to private schools? It really is up to us. And what about you? What are you doing for your kids?

Send your input to me at susan@daycommail.com.