For those with kids in private school, how do you deal with people who get offended by your decision?

Question

I went to private school and I plan on sending my children to private school as well. (and by private school, I don't mean catholic school)

Each and every time my husband or I mention this in conversation we are met with the same annoying responses

-"but WHY? P.S. such and such has such small classes it's just like a private school..." Yeah, um OK. That does NOT make it anything like a private school!

-"but your kids will be in with a bunch of snobby rich kids..." As opposed to offspring of all of the town drunks, absentee parents, and the teenage gun toting gang members

-"i know a kid who went to private school and he didn't get into college..."

It's so frustrating!!! Do you have any witty comebacks for these folks? Granted I understand they are just being defensive. I think they think that if we send our kid to private school it's saying that the education their child is getting is substandard. But still, any tips to get these folks to SHUT UP!!!!

Answer 1

snobby rich kids is a myth, most of us rich kids dont make friends easily due to the fact that we are judged right off the hop. so we are with kids of our own peers. those parents are jealous of a few things.
#1 they cant afford it, because they have low paying jobs from not getting a good education or their spending habits are on them selves and could not save enough for their children.
#2 that you have control in your childs life and YOUR child will attend the school. they may not be able to get their uncontrolable child to agree.
#3. they have not been taught what a priority is
#4. who gives a **** what they think

send them i went my son went and i would not change it for the world, i had the best expericences in life during my education, i didnt have to worry about being shot at, made out to look or feel stupid, i had one on one teaching from some of the best teachers in the world, i learned how to respect adults and society. my education got me, a 1/2 million dollar home 2 corvettes a brand new truck..and the ability to make a living to support my louie vuitton habit.. not only that, but i am respected and i have friends from all over the world that i keep in touch with even now. SEND YOUR KIDS TO THE SCHOOL and feel good about it. you will know that your one day grand children and great grand children will also have the education..just by you sending yours. good luck and remember one thing if nothing else...its your life and you live it how you want to live it....your kids will learn to be indipendant by you doing this.

Answer 2

I went to the best high school in my state - and it happens to be a public school. It had the highest rate of college enrollment and success in college in Michigan. My cousin attends private school, though he could attend the same high school as I did, because his parents want a religious experience in school for him. While I regret the long hours of commute he has to put in, and the fact that his friends live hours away instead of around the corner, I understand that his parents want to respect family tradition.

I think that parents should choose the best school availible to them, regardless of its being public or private. Look at the records and opportunities that the students at those school have, and then make a decision. Everyone around you should respect your decision, no matter if they agree.

However, that being said, the reason that public school kids and their parents say mean things to you about your choice is because private school people often have an attitude of superiority. Your comment that all children at public school have "abentee parents" or are "teenage gun toting gang members" is proof of this. Frankly, that's just not true; see my life history for proof of this. If you want respect for your choices, you should demonstrate repect for those of others.

Answer 3

Yup, I know exactly how you feel! I also went to private school & we sent our kids from Prep all the way through & always had to field these sort of comments! Some comebacks to deal with these people (who I think are just jealous that they think they can't afford the fees, but in reallity are usually just selfish ie. prefer to have big holidays every year & enjoy nice life styles etc): "I would go out & scrub floors to afford the school fees if I had to as the quality of tuition & opportunities the kids get is so far superior than state schools" or " Did you know that the percentage of 2 income families in private schools is ...." check this out you will be amazed, or " Actually the kids will have friends who's parents are just like us .... working hard to be able to afford the fees & wanting the best for thier kids!". Research your chosen school's acedemic success & quote it back to them..... be honest & don't be afraid to defend your choice! Good Luck!

Answer 4

I've got my son in a small christian private school that is niether Catholic or expensive. We made the choice to send our kids to this school because we want them to learn all the academic basics that went along with our worldview. It is made affordable because parents volunteer their time to cut back on costs. When people ask us why we don't just send them to Public School we just say it's because we believe he;ll do better in smaller class sizes and we agree with the school philosophy. It just comes down to choice. Alot of people out there strongly oppose private school...they think anything other than public education is a threat to society. Just stick by your guns and say it was a personal choice.

Answer 5

The best way to nip this in the bud is to simply say, "______ private school is a perfect fit for our child because________." (Student/teacher ratio, sports, good reputation, etc.---whatever the main reason is that you have selected this school) If the person continues to be defensive about your choice in schools, remind them that you have already explained your reason and quickly change the subject. Eventually, they should get the message that the decision to send your children to a private school is really none of their business. Good luck.

Answer 6

It could be a lot of things... Could be that they are jealous cuz they can't afford to send their kids to a private school, could be they don't want their kids exposed to religion. I would say... " I went to a private school", and it was a wonderful experience. I was introduced to God there, and that is what I wish for my children. Public schools don't teach that, and it's very important to us." I know what you mean though.. I went to a private school from k-12th.. My class had 32 kids in it! It was wonderful!!!

Answer 7

The most common answers that come to mind for me are:

"To each his own."
"Everyone is entitled their own opinion."
"This is what my husband and I have decided, and we're very pleased with our decision."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but this is what my husband and I plan on doing."

Or, you can always just tell them straight-up why you want to send your children to private school. Give them the short, condensed version. If they still don't like it, just smile and walk away. Some people will never be able to/want to understand your reasoning, but that's their own stupidity and close-mindedness. If someone really annoys you, just punch them in their face and say "See, THAT'S why I learned in PUBLIC school." Just kidding :]

Answer 8

My mother used to have to put up with the same crap when she went my brother and I to private schools and all you have to do it look straight into the annoying persons eyes and say "They are my children, and I'll send them to whatever school I think is best, now shut up." if you do that they will, and I garentee this, NEVER ask you another stupid question again.

Answer 9

some liberals could be useful them only as some conservatives will oppose any reason supported by skill of the left. this isn't any longer an excellent or incorrect determination to assist something like that yet fairly a faith subject. i in my view wish they lose. God Bless usa

Answer 10

Being a graduate of reform school, I don't think it really matters where your kids go, as long as they aren't behind bars, gettin girls knocked up, or doing any illegal drugs... then I think your kid is doing great! What kind of school shouldn't really matter to anyone, your family, friends.. anyone ... Just as long as they have a good head on their shoulders, respect you and your hubby, then you're doing fine!!