Here's my two cents on the subject. You must be happy with the choice you make. Not your friends, not your neighbors, or your sister-in-law who doesn't approve. Only Moms and Dads know what is right for their family. I want teachers who care about the success of my child in the years to come - not just that semester. I want teachers who are trained in what it is they are teaching - and current, a Safe environment where the staff is pretty familiar with all of the students. Meaning if the principal walks through the halls he knows the names of the kids and a little bit about them. I want a school that is current with today's technology and can offer a wide selection of class offerings (high school). And I want many choices for extracurricular, clubs, etc. And I don't want to have to drive my kid very far from home to find all that. Kids need to have friends from school living close by so they can have fun time with them too.

I believe schools are really what you make of them... if a student is driven, all things are possible. Hence you can find successful people from most any school you choose, there isn't just 'one' school that claims this title.

To quote a young man from this area who became quite successful: "you get what you put in...and people get what they deserve." -KR

Oops... is this for moms only?? :-/

All opinions are welcome, Dennis! Glad you chimed in!

As an educator, I think parents need to do their homework when selecting a school. However, keep in mind that schools are full of humans (and therefore flaws are possible and mistakes can be made). You won't love every administrator or every teacher in the building - and that's not necessarily a reason to walk away. Examining school test scores can be helpful but sometimes misleading. Word of mouth is a good way to get some leads if you're looking for options outside public school, but I agree with Tracey. You always need to do what WORKS FOR YOU. Your child is not like every other child and you need to consider what situation best meets his/her needs. In some families, I've seen one child at a public school, one at a private school and another home-schooled. While that may sound slightly crazy, it was what was in the best interest of each child.

My advice is to check out all possibilities with an open mind. Talk with the teachers and administrators as much as possible, discuss as a family. Make pros and cons list, like all big decisions. Once we did all of that, the number one choice became clear. Just do your homework so you'll feel good about your final decision. We are so glad we chose Utica Community Schools. Monfort Elementary was awesome for our kids!

For me who has two very intelligent children who are far above grade level, but also have some unique challenges a number of factors went into the decision. After going through a divorce and clealy knowing the school district I was in was not what not the one we moved into (they cut the gifted program, class sizes, etc.) I went looking within 100 miles. I settled on 3 which had good reviews from educators and parents, great test scores, many current resources available to the kids. I have realized that even within that district there is good and bad, and even in my own home school, and am disappointed with many of the decisions districts are forced to make due to budget cuts If I had the resources, I would probably go private as my children need an environment more suited to their needs, and one where my dollars could directly have a say in how they are spent. I will continue to encourage my children to be the best they can be and be very involved in their education. When they were younger, both were in for 1 year private parochial pre-schools and I loved it. It it as others have said what works best for your family.

Enough said above, it's a personal choice and lots of thought should be put into it. I agree with Tracey's comment "You must be happy with the choice you make. Not your friends, not your neighbors, or your sister-in-law who doesn't approve. Only Moms and Dads know what is right for their family."

My son had/has OT and Speech issues, our orginal plan was St. Peters in Macomb, however with his issues, I found the public schools could offer him more and less out of my pocket. I was upset at first but later have found that for him, this was the best choice. Others may find that St. Peters and private therapy would be better for their child.

Meant to add to Dennis- and to any others reading- all are welcome and encouraged to respond. We moms love all the input and want to learn from you!