life or death

Why does choosing a kindergarten for your kidlet feel like a life or death decision? In Seattle, you can choose any school in the district, with priority given if you live near the school you choose. I live in a very culturally monochromatic neighborhood these days, and although the schools are very good in my "cluster", there's virtually no racial diversity here, and since the kidlet is bi-cultural and bi-lingual, and currently goes to school with kids of all colors and family backgrounds, I'd like to preserve that if at all possible. I thought I had one picked, but now one of the Alternative schools has caught my eye. It uses the Expeditionary Learning/Outward Bound framework, which I'm just learning about, but appeals to me very much. Just wait until it becomes time for him to go to college...

Comments

[Cowtown Pattie]

My children had no option other than a public school education. They faired just fine, with three out of the four having one or more years of college. Two of the four could read on a greater than first grade level when they entered kindergarten. The more of the basics they have under their belt, the better equipped they are to succeed and feel good about themselves before starting formal education. I wish you much luck!

[nina]

This IS public school! I'm a big believer in public school. The Seattle system is such that you get to choose (with some qualifications) which school you want, so that's the dilemma. Plus I just have such a great pre-school situation, I know I will miss it, and the parents there, too.