Elementary Schools another Public or Private question (Roseville, Golden Valley: rent, homes)

[amitd79]

Hello,

We are looking for an elementary school for my daughter next year. I work in the Roseville, MN area and we currently rent in Golden Valley. I am looking at school options - public, charter, private and we are willing to move for a good school.

Is cost the primary reason most people choose a public school here in MN or are there other reasons? What if you could afford the tuition?

I am also curious why the Wayzata public elementary schools are ranked so high. Are they in the same league as Blake and Breck?

Thanks!

[Citykid3785]

I can only speak for myself, I think cost not being a factor, MOST private schools have smaller classes, smaller schools, and less gov't intervention which just allows them more overall focus. Rather than focusing on being a catch all safety net, they can focus more on accelerated education.

But in MN, we have some of the best public schools in the country. So, cost does end up being the deciding factor, because by forgoing private schools (and the cost), you aren't having to "settle" as much as you would in other parts of the country.

Don't confuse private schools with Charter schools however, which are no cost as well and tend to have a particular bent/focus (STEM, athletics, etc.)

I think the last factor, and it's a big one for many, is the religion/belief system. I'm a Christian, and in my circles, many don't want their children to grow up with secular teachings and influences (public school), thus they pay for a private Christian school (or homeschool). Not trying to make this into any kind of debate, just making you aware of this driver as well.

[amitd79]

Thank you for your thoughts. We are not Christians but want our children to have good values and be good citizens. We also want them to have a well rounded education and have opportunities to try arts, music, a second language etc.

Having said that, is it true that in public schools, they will have limited opportunities to try extra curricular activities given the class sizes?

[Citykid3785]

Originally Posted by amitd79

Thank you for your thoughts. We are not Christians but want our children to have good values and be good citizens. We also want them to have a well rounded education and have opportunities to try arts, music, a second language etc.

Having said that, is it true that in public schools, they will have limited opportunities to try extra curricular activities given the class sizes?

No, if anything I'm thinking a public school will have more extracurricular options. That said, if you are referring to "making it on" a sports team in a school the size of Wayzata, then yes, there is more competition for spots at a large school. I do know parents that moved to somewhere with a smaller highschool simply so their children could "make the team" at the smaller school.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by Citykid3785

No, if anything I'm thinking a public school will have more extracurricular options. That said, if you are referring to "making it on" a sports team in a school the size of Wayzata, then yes, there is more competition for spots at a large school. I do know parents that moved to somewhere with a smaller highschool simply so their children could "make the team" at the smaller school.

There will be more extracurricular options at one of the more expensive private schools (Breck, Blake, Minnehaha, SPA, etc.) just because they have a bigger budget for them. These schools also offer significant financial assistance so cost need not be a barrier.

Also a little different view on the desirability of a Christian school. Rather than an attempt to isolate our child from a secular world, we choose Minnehaha Academy to ensure that her education was infused with Christian values and teaching. We also knew that the teachers are all Christians and saw great value in surrounding her with Christian adults.