Last week my son scored in the 99th percentile for math – in the nation. He’s in second grade. I knew he was smart, particularly when it comes to numbers and STEM activities. He’s been building the 1,000+ piece lego sets by himself for a couple of years.
But I would be lying to say I wasn’t shocked at his math scores.
Admittedly, I’m also terrified. My responsibility to ensure my son stays challenged and doesn’t fall through the cracks in public school has been magnified. I considered private school when my kids first attended Kindergarten, but the thought of absorbing that cost every month for both kids overwhelmed me and we opted for public.
What If They Don’t Want To Go To College
Furthermore, I’ve been a big proponent of not forcing children into attending college, even though I value my college educational experience. I feel there are other avenues to make a living that if my kids don’t want to go to college, I want to be able accept their choice without judgment. If they would instead pursue a trade education or take the entrepreneur route, I wonder if I would be bitter for spending over $100k to get them through their lower education. I’ve not been able to answer that question that question honestly with a yes, so I’ve chosen to keep them in public school.
Alternatives To Private School
Now anyone I talk to at this point goes down the road that I can homeschool the kids to challenge them more, or I can do additional activities at home to boost their learning. NO!
I do not like to teach. I don’t enjoy it and it would be a disservice not only to myself but to my children. They deserve a professional. Bless all the teachers out there. I don’t know how they do it on a day-to-day basis, much less with children that aren’t their own.
And so, here today, I find myself researching private schools and debating the pros and cons of private school education with my husband. I wouldn’t balk at the thought if I only had one child. But doubling the cost is tough for me. And I don’t think it’s fair to send my math gifted child to private school and leave my equestrian obsessed daughter in public.
What Does Private School Cost?
I’ve narrowed my options to three schools in my area. One is the elite school in town. It also happens to be the most convenient location wise. The cost is $16,000 per year. If I enroll my son next year and he stays through 12th grade, that’s $160,000. Multiply that figure by two kids. That’s $320,000! I just can’t fathom the reality of spending the same amount I would spend on a house, on schooling.
The other two schools run roughly $10k per year. That would put me around $200k – that’s a 37% savings over the elite. What I’m unclear on is the difference in educational quality and can I get a math-focused program for my son.
What I Plan To Do Next
At this point, I don’t know the answer to the question – is a private school education worth the cost? More research, discussions with his teacher and principal, along with other parents in a similar situation, should provide an answer.
Currently, I’m doing a lot of number crunching, as accountants are apt to do.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you sent your children to private school? Do you feel the educational benefits are worth the expense? Truly, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Â Let me know in the comments or if your shy, reach out through the contact page.
Read more:
What Tax Breaks Are Available To Those Seeking Higher Education?
Children’s Education Funds (CEFI): RESP Choices Explained
Highest Paying Trade School Careers
Kate Fox is a former CPA, with twenty years of experience in public accounting and corporate finance. Born and raised in Alaska, Kate is currently based out of southeastern North Carolina. She loves coaching others on personal finance and spends her free time traveling with her family or relaxing by the pool with a good book, probably about money.