VB public schools- really that good?? (elementary school, moving, kindergarten)

[stltova]

We are thinking of sending our son to Kindergarten at Alanton elem. instead of the parochial school (pre-k thru Gr 8) he is registered at currently.

Are VB public schools really good? Of course I have checked out the SOL's (and frankly their reading scores for 2007 were horrible!!!). Beyond test scores though- that is also what I want to learn about- atmosphere, discipline, extra things you can't be tested on!!!!!

The school he might leave offers spanish, music, art and of course religion to all grades. Do the public schools offer courses for the lower grades other than the standard ones?? I called the school for some info, but I forgot to ask some questions and wondered if anyone here had experience???

[janeannwho]

Originally Posted by stltova

We are thinking of sending our son to Kindergarten at Alanton elem. instead of the parochial school (pre-k thru Gr 8) he is registered at currently.

Are VB public schools really good? Of course I have checked out the SOL's (and frankly their reading scores for 2007 were horrible!!!). Beyond test scores though- that is also what I want to learn about- atmosphere, discipline, extra things you can't be tested on!!!!!

The school he might leave offers spanish, music, art and of course religion to all grades. Do the public schools offer courses for the lower grades other than the standard ones?? I called the school for some info, but I forgot to ask some questions and wondered if anyone here had experience???

Not sure about here, but if you think you can get your child into the parochial school after kindergarten why not try the local public school and make a determination based on your experience there? It will give you a chance to find out who the teachers are, if you like the administration, etc. I had my boys in both public and private over the years due to moving and/or programs offered. For example,the local Catholic school did not offer a strong gifted program and my son was incredibly bored, so we put him in the 5th grade gifted program in the public school and he blossomed.

[beach kat]

Hello. I would recommend VB public schools. If you find that your child is gifted, they do have gifted programs that start in the second grade. As far as special additional classes, they are not usually offered. Some schools offer clubs. As far as Alanton specifically, I have that on my list of schools that were good when we moved into the area. I haven't heard anything bad about it. I do believe each elementary school has a gifted resource teacher who comes into the classes and pulls out students for additional studies and testing. The schools are great about discovering talent in their students. I am certainly pleased with them. Good luck in your decision.