O.k. - Let's talk Dayton public schools (Green, Montgomery: home, neighborhoods)

[willabee]

My son is three and my wife and I are considering choices available for his schooling.

Now, please spare me the "Dayton schools are absolutely horrible" lines unless you can give specific experiences that quantify "horrible". I've navigated Los Angeles Unified School District and New York City public schools. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. To me a "horrible" public education system is one where the "good" kids have to lay low for fear of gangs, the school system lacks basic resources such as books and qualified teachers, and the buildings are in horrible dis-repair. My experiences in LA and New York were nothing like this, I just want to place a definition on what I consider "horrible" and say upfront that I doubt Dayton schools are "horrible".

To me, with concerned and involved parents, most any child can achieve acceptable education - even in austere circumstances. I do give due diligence to state report cards, etc - but am very skeptical of their true value and objectivity. Also, I wonder at times if they reflect the parents more that the district.

With that said, I am considering public schools, charter schools, private schools, and home schooling.

I welcome your input. Please don't tell me to move to Oakwood cause I live in Dayton and am quite happy my current living conditions.

[willabee]

bump

[Daytonnatian]

Sorry I didn't catch this thread earlier

Anyways, Stivers is great for HS, along with the new STEM school they are building by the base for students in Montgomery and Greene counties.

I don't know as much about individual elementary elementary or junior high schools within Dayton, but there are a couple of forumers here that would have good info: DMM Forum - Index | Dayton MostMetro (http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/forum/ - broken link)

Charter Schools are also a good option, and DECA (Dayton Early College Academy) is head and shoulders above the rest, along with the Miami Valley School.

[willabee]

Thanks!!

[visant]

I wasn't planning on posting anything, as I am just reading the threads because my husband is evaluating a job offer in Dayton, but I just had to add something here.

People tend to forget that the most important element in a child's education is the parents. Countless studies have proven this, one even measuring that 80% of a child’s academic success is a result of parental involvement. I see proof of this all around me. I know plenty of people who went to "horrible" schools and went on to great success because that was what was expected of them by the adults in their lives, including teachers who saw their potential. I also know people who didn't do well in school because of light learning disabilities, but had such a great example of a strong work ethic that they went on to have wonderful success in their lives.

In the end, I think we all just want long-term happiness, success, and a high quality of life for our children, our children's children, etc. This starts at HOME.

I agree with the original poster, safety is important- you don't want your child in an unsafe school. But other than that, if the environment is safe and the school is on pretty much on target in regards to what skills children should have at each grade level, I honestly don't care if it's #1 or #300. Teach your kids that learning is fun, find ways to answer their curious questions (with the internet nowadays there's no reason not to), read to them, take them to museums, encourage their interests, teach them discipline, and they will be happy and successful, no matter where they go to school.

I actually stay away from #1 schools...I went to one and the pressure and competition got to many students. I remember kids crying over a B. My husband went to a "horrible" school, and he holds a Ph.D. If we end up moving to Dayton, you can bet I'm moving into one your beautiful historic neighborhoods, my kids will go to a Dayton public school, and I'll find ways to become involved. Okay... that's all, excuse the rambling, this is a hot topic for me! Getting off my soapbox now…

[willabee]

I really appreciate your insight and encouragement. Thanks for posting here and I really hope your family moves to Dayton - we need more folks like you!

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by willabee

I really appreciate your insight and encouragement. Thanks for posting here and I really hope your family moves to Dayton - we need more folks like you!

I SECOND that, Visant!!! That's really it in a nutshell. There certainly plenty of other issues in education, but (as the spouse of a teacher) I truly believe "Parental Involvement" is more than 90% of the battle.

And I believe far too many people reject Dayton public schools too quickly because of that...

[willabee]

Thanks for the insightful and helpful posts. We have decided to start pre-school in DPS and see how that goes.