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public school questions and answers

More information about public school at Education News.

Q: What is the difference between a boarding school and a public school?
Which school is better in terms of discipline? Education? If you have gone to both or if you just have information I would be glad to know your experiences in them! Also, why is a boarding school better than a public school? Why is a public school better than a boarding school? Star if you like the question!

A: Hi Tony I study at boarding school before and a lot of my friends study in public school. for my own opinion i think boarding school is better then public school. because of the following advantages: Students at boarding schools have a better experience in high school than do students of a similar profile in public and private day schools. Students at boarding schools are better prepared for college and attend more prestigious colleges and universities than do students of a similar profile in public and private day schools. Student study in boarding schools appear to advance more quickly in their careers and are more active philanthropically. Hope this help Regards -- Eric http://game2p.com

Q: How does transferring from home school to public high school work?
Long story short, I've been homeschooled from 7th grade to now [9th grade]. But my family and I are moving to South Carolina sometime between spring and summer of '09, so I planned on going back into public school there. I need to know how being homeschooled in one state, then moving into another state and being enrolled in public school worked, as far as high school credits go?

A: Contact the counselor at the school you plan to attend for accurate info. Because it is high school, it's not likely that they'll put you in a grade that is higher or lower than the one you "belong" in based on your age. But what courses you receive credit for, and what you still have to take, will depend on what you know, and they may measure THAT with some placement tests. For example, if you're from another state, you may not have taken South Carolina history, and that may be required. Chances are excellent that you will be in good shape academically. South Carolina is very friendly, so go in with an open mind and you will make friends fast. Best of luck.

Q: What is the best way to return children to public school?
How can I help my children adjust to public school after homeschooling? I have a 5th and 4th grader who have been home-schooled for the last 2 years. One of them is really stressed due to being a tad behind, only because at the beginning of this year, we had a tragic death in the family and school got pushed to the back burner. They are struggling to adjust to hours of homework after school, compared to a few hours of school a day. How do I make this transition easier for them? (please, no horror stories) Thank you so much.

A: I don't know what curriculum you are using, but are you absolutely sure you need to stop home schooling and put the kids in public school? Most home schoolers go at their own pace, and it really doesn't matter if you "get behind". In fact with most home schooling there is no such thing as getting behind. Since many home school kids are so far ahead of their public school peers your kids will probably not be behind in their learning and in fact most likely will be ahead of what the other kids are doing. This will cause another problem, they will become bored with school. Ultimately it is your decision, but make sure you explore all options.

Q: How easy is the transition from Waldorf preschool to public elementary school?
I am planning on sending my child to a Waldorf preschool. I am not sure if I want to commit all through elementary school, since the tuition is more expensive than the very good public school (that is even closer to home). Has anyone done this and what were your experiences. Would you advise such preschool knowing that I might send to public elemntary school later on? Thanks.

A: My son went to a preschool that followed Waldorf method and now is a very well adjusted first grader in public schools. I had the same concern and my son has exceled. His kindergarten teacher commented that she could tell that he had been in preschool and asked where because he was adapting so well to school. That being said, he did not know all of his letters and did not know how to hold a pencil correctly, etc. His kindergarten teacher acknowledged that even though most children have problems, our school system expects them to know certain things upon entering school (that are not necessarily age/developmentally appropriate). By Christmas he was caught up academically and was reading above grade level by the end of kindergarten. Hope that answer helped. Like the other post, please ignore the first comment.

Q: Are public school districts legally allowed to host events in community churches?
I know that given certain circumstances, public schools are allowed to rent out space to religious groups, organizations and churches (as well as non-religious groups and organizations) whenever classes are not in session. However, my question concerns the legality of a public school district to host an event, for employees or students, at one of the community's churches. Feel free to add additional, related insight. Okay, thank you all. I just wanted to be certain. Given the plethora of other viable, large buildings in the city, I found it peculiar.

A: I can't imagine why it wouldn't be legal. Certainly, as long as they aren't endorsing or prosletyzing for the church in question. Just as a school is just another building, when school is not in session, a church is just a building in between services.

Q: Can a public school in Texas ban hugging between students and give a student punishment affecting their grades?
At a public elementary school in West Texas the faculty and teachers have banned hugging between students in the 6th grade and have begun handing out referrals and other notes that affect the students report card grades. I think this has got to be against the law in so many ways but i want some proof so I can do something about it. Thank you.

A: I don't think it is against the law to ban public displays of affection in school. Which law would that be? In "real life" (outside of school) an employer would fire you because of the risk of being sued for a hostile work environment (sexual harassment), so the law would probably more support the school administrators.

Q: What is wrong with public high school teachers today?
My daughter has a book report due soon. She is in 9th grade in one of the local public schools. The book that the whole class has to read is about a bunch of married people having affairs on each other. I found out about this last night. Should I go to the school and tell them this immorality is not allowed in my daughter's head? Out of the 10 or so couples, 1 person is not cheating on their partner, the rest are! How can I teach her morals and faithfulness to her future spouse when the school is trying to diminish them?

A: go to the school and ask them what this book has to do with reading writing and arithmetic.

Q: How do you know if a public school is good?
We have a child who will be school age in a few years. We're wondering if we should stay in our neighborhood, where the public schools are pretty good, or move to a nearby area where they're excellent. The trouble is that those ratings are based on standardized tests, and the "excellent" area populated by the type of parents who value education and help their children do well. So I don't know if the school itself is any better, or if it's just the parents. If it's the parents, we can do that ourselves without moving anywhere. How can I evaluate the schools?

A: Check teacher/student ratio, new teacher turn over/long term teachers and the same for prin. and superintendent, teachers with BA/Masters, ethnic ratio,financial stats of students,school finances and funding, etc. Specialized classes for gifted and talented-spec.ed. -reading resource- science mini camps or weekly program for students gifted in science. Will art, music, & band and computers be weekly, biweekly, 1/2 sem., full yr., PE requirements and do they really have a disciplined schedule?,tutoring, library, aides with HS diploma/ged/college, grading system( as a teacher I had to give every student a base of 50% even if they just put their name!So they really could pass with only 20% of the knowledge that the school/state required. It wasn't a good measurement of their learning or an effective way to teach them.),school testing, counciling, nurses/meds procedure, safety & procedures for incoming and outgoing students each day, restroom procedure- are students going alone and where is it located, students walk alone in halls or with teacher/aid to other classes or lunch or recess, lock up proceedure for emerg, are parents allowed in the classroom and how undesireables are kept out, textbooks up to date and have plenty for all students, supplies in general, how the prin. handles reg. discipline and how they discipline students who make it unsafe for all children, classroom disciplineprocedure, parent/teacher communication schedule, parent activities to join, and then you may know enough to make a satisfactory decision. Good luck and it is nice to see a family interested AND acting in their child's best interests. Please don't go by standardized test scores because they don't reflect what the child is learning at school, just how well the test was taught (and learned by the kids ). Most of those tests are designed for the perfect classroom filled with technology,in a rich neighborhood, low student/teacher ratio (10-14 /1), with classroom aides in every class, one level of students in each classroom (so the slow won't hold back the ave. or gifted or get left behind because the teacher only has so much time to teach so she teaches to ave. students), teachers with Masters or above that really care, have many teaching methods & are paid well to stay(also bonuses & incentives).

Q: Can a California public school restrict students to enter a non-school site after school hours?
Is it legal for a public school in California to prohibit students entering a non-school site (for example, a city park) after school hours?

A: No I believe not after school every day I see kids from a Public School going to the library (not that the school cares, but I have never heard anything about I went to a private school so I can't say.

Q: What are the Positive and Negative things about Public school and Home School?
Im 14 and homeschooledand want to go to public school and want to know what is good and bad about both being homeschooled and going to public school...I know one positive thing about Public, you get to be with your friends!!!

A: Why can't you spend time with friends and home school? My kids get their school done by lunch usually which frees them up to spend time with friends or do activities they are interested in. They would never have as much time to socialize if they where in public school. Pros for us are: Learn at their own rate, usually far ahead if than if they where in school. Safe and peaceful environment, no bullies or "drama" to distract them from being themselves. Far more free time, no time wasted dealing with discipline issues, lining up to go places, taking role, ect. Exposed to real life and a variety of people, not just grouped in a same aged group and being told what to do and when to do it. The ability to take time off when we choose to. The ability to participate in extracurricular activities (some WITH the local public schools btw) and volunteering opportunities they wouldn't have time for otherwise. I could go on, but I think I got the big ones. Pros for Public school: Hummmm.... would be easier I suppose for the parent, no having to plan ect, BUT the trade off is simply not worth it for me.

Q: What would you do to improve the public school system?
What ideas do you have to improve our public schools, from pre-K through high school? I'd like to hear from parents, teachers, and students alike. What things do you like about the public schools and what should we change?

A: First of all, thanks for asking the important question. I read the responses, and I mostly agree with cold fearrr's answer. I am an elementary teacher in Western NY by the way. Definitely more exercise and movement is needed. RECESS! I disagree with departmentalizing kids into career paths in 8th grade. More than 50% of college students change their major within the four years they take to get a Bachelor's degree. What makes us think an 8th grader is sure what they want to or should do with their life? I do think that we need to stop obsessing over Math and Literacy in the elementary grades. Don't get me wrong, I obviously see their importance, but many students aren't getting their first social studies lesson until third grade! The teachers aren't given any creativity anymore. We are forced to teach programs that have regimented lessons each day with scripts. This makes school repetitive and unenjoyable for students and teachers. State testing is out of control. Either federally mandate something so we are all on the same page and can gather some real data, or let communities come up with their own programs! I love that some elementary schools are making guidance a required special for all students. I worked in a school where full classes met with a guidance teacher that helped them deal with sibling and family issues, friend problems, and school troubles. They need more music and more art. The U.S. should be doing massive amounts of research on education programs that work abroad. England has a decent program, as does Sweden. LOOK AROUND!

Q: If i'm in the middle of 8th grade in public school how do I get out to be home schooled?
I am currently in public school in 8th grade thinking of becoming home schooled. I was just wondering how do you go about getting out of public school. I live in California.

A: California just tried to require homeschooling parents to have a teaching credential, but it didn't go through. If you can stand to wait 3 1/2 months, another choice would be to take classes at one of the great online high schools in California. choice2000.org is one of them. It serves the 5 southern California counties. www.k12.com/cava serves most of California and it is for all grades, but you can't start in the middle of the year. If you are being bullied, or have a problem with a teacher, be sure to let someone you trust know about it. I had a terrible time in 8th grade, but we moved to a different town, so I went to a better school the last 2 months.