private school for us!
You may think this odd, as your child is preK, but decide between public or private high school now. I liked private elementary but disliked private middle and we are at public high school. My first two did private elem/mid, public hs and the adjustment was difficult. Third went to public for middle and will have no issues adjusting at all.
School is what your child makes it. A child that wants to learn will do well anywhere. One that has problems may actually do better in public school where there are resources to help them.
My boys did public hs honors classes and are doing better material wise than their friends in private hs (have friends at Ryken, Kings, and Grace).
In the end its a deeply personal decision made on family faith and finances.
Our children attended a Christian Preschool where they received a wonderful education at their advanced pace (which was what they needed at the time, and even now).However with the smaller class size, our son could adapt to his peers at his own slower pace. He was shy. Our children thrived and learned how to treat others, respect their teachers and their world, as well as a great understanding of academic subjects with a theme each day or week. Preschool is generally about letters, numbers, following directions, and learning to get along, but a Christian Preschool provides a foundation of Faith. It's gradually introduced and thus they are not just going through the motions when a child is brought to Mass. Children /students are taught on a child's level about the Mass, and thus behave well during Sunday services where they are comfortable with what is happening. the lessons are at their level of understanding. They ask questions and receive answers. GREAT values are taught. Some of the things our children did included collecting food for the hungry, being thankful for their own snack and saying a lunch prayer, having a classroom "job", and making cards for family members. They learned songs to teach the values and read books.
Our children currently attend a Catholic Private school, which we LOVE. The small class size is great for getting extra attention, however it's also great for TEACHING the individual just as much as the class. A Teacher can take notice of the child as a person, teach faith oriented values, and give a child a "gift" which lasts a lifetime no matter where they go next. Our school is K-8th grade and so we know they will be well taken care of in middle school and be challenged accordingly. Lastly, just the idea that they CAN talk about Christmas, say the Pledge, and Pray for the sick, is comforting. It's not a strong PUSH for faith, rather it's faith directed education. Not all of our students are Catholic. They all fit in and share belief of God. First Communion is individual, not as a class. Parents support each other and the school. In rough times, you have each other. You pray for sick family members. It's community.
Parents can tell you why they chose our school and yes, it is a personal choice that takes time like any other important decision...visit schools and ask lots of questions. Don't judge a book by it's cover either. Bells and whistles do not make a school. We learned that twice.
Visit Our Lady Star of the Sea School sometime, and see what we are all about.
Best to you..