What Parents Say About Making Schooling Choices

"I am an actively involved parent of two daughters. I have a daughter in eighth grade, and a preschooler about to enter kindergarten. I have seen first hand how relatively smart children get passed over everyday, because of the demographics from which they live and attend school. My eighth grader is graduating salutatorian second in her class in June, so why was she not choosen to attend a selective enrollment high school of her choice. I also had my four year take an exam to attend the classical and gifted schools in chicago, and she was not accepted. To my disappointment, I decided to move to the suburbs and not allow the system to determine if my children would recieve a decent education or not.

The question remains why do we have to move out of the city for our children to get a decent education, when there are good schools here in the city."

Winded by the Windy city, parent
Chicago, IL

“My children attend a Christian school located in South Holland, Illinois. I first chose a Christian/Private school after my son attended 1 year of public school. I was not happy with the environment. He would come home telling me how kids disrupted the classroom while the teacher was teaching and or kids would just get up and walk around and the teacher not say anything. I felt that my son could not learn in that environment.

I am pleased with my choice of private schools because the teachers are more patient, the classroom size is much smaller and my voice is heard. My children will continue to attend a private school although it is a huge financial sacrifice. As much as I would like to see the money in my pocket, I know that my children will benefit in the future and my kids are my future.”

Lynna, parent
Calumet City, IL

“My name is Cassandra. I was so excited when I was asked to share my story. My son Joe attends [a non public school] in South Holland, Illinois. He has been there since the fourth grade; he is now in the seventh grade.

At the beginning of the school year, we applied to the school. My son had been in the public school system all the years before, I am not knocking our public schools, but I just wanted my son to have a Christian education. Of course, I could not afford it, so I applied for a grant. He was accepted, and tested for entry to [the new school]. I got a call from the principal. Joe did not meet their academic requirements. I was devastated, but I did not lose hope. I got another call and they accepted Joe on academic probation. Needless to say, he did very well and continues to do so.

I think about where we would be without [his new school]. My son is healthy, spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. My son has been given a chance to use his gifts; he is one heck of a writer!

The other reason is the most important one. The world is so full of gangs, violence, and drugs, our children don’t have a fighting chance without our voice to represent our children when it comes to a choice in the matter of education. I am not saying going to a private, Christian, or even a Catholic school would be a deterrent, but I am saying we should be allowed a choice for our children’s education. Since my son has been attending [his new school], he is a responsible young man with a bright future.

My son says that, “since I have been going to [my new school], my whole life has changed. The extra-curricular activities are great…and the teachers are sometimes strict, but they are nice just as long as you do what you are supposed to do. I am currently in 7th grade and I am steadily improving my grades and I wrote this just to tell you how much of a better person I am and just how much [my new school] has done for me.”

Cassandra, parent
South Holland, IL

“Prior to attending University of Chicago Laboratory High School (The Lab School), I attended public elementary school for 1st-8th grade. My parents made it very clear that private or catholic school was the only option. I participated in the theatre program, ran track, and was involved in the Black Student Union. But there was an environment offered by the Lab School and opportunities that I would only come to appreciate when in college and now as an adult. The Lab school fostered autonomy, freedom, independent thinking. Students were expected to behave, expected to have good ideas, expected to perform to a certain level of excellence, and by in large, they met those expectations. An air of self-motivation was fostered. Unique and independent thought was encouraged. Students were given the room and support to explore their own interests and passions.”

Inger, graduate of University of Chicago Laboratory High School (The Lab School)
Chicago, IL

“I have children that attend two different public schools. One of my children, selected through the lottery attends a [magnet school] in Chicago, Illinois. My other child, who was not selected through the lottery, attends a traditional public school in Chicago, Illinois.

I choose to take advantage of the lottery opportunity because the teachers/administration are more prepared, better qualified, and express a concern about the children’s learning progress at [the magnet school].

I have considered sending all of my children to private schools; however the issue of financial assistance becomes a factor.

I believe ALL children deserve a quality education, regardless of financial means."

Demetria, parent
Chicago, IL

"I am a parent of a child who was selected through a lottery. The advantages of my child attending [his new school] are not available at his assigned school. The advantages are a safe environment, a staff with teachers who care and a productive learning environment. The disadvantages of my child attending his assigned would mean being in an overcrowded classrooms, where he may not get the attention he needs to progress academically, at a higher risk of having disciplinary issues as a result of protecting himself and not being academically prepared for high school. I am a proud parent at [his new school] and thankful for the lottery program."

Aisha, parent
Chicago, IL