Opinions about private schools?

Question

What do you think about all-girls? Who thinks public schools are better, and why?

I grew up going to public school, but when I finished my two year GT magnet program in elementary school, I decided to give private school a try. I went to an all-girls private school for two years, and the education was pretty good, but there is too much homework, I have no real friends, and the girls are shallow, passive-aggressive, spoiled, sheltered, etc. Now I'm returning to public school for 8th grade to start from scratch as a new girl. It's a pretty big blind leap, because I don't know anyone there and I'm not sure what to expect. I wonder if public school is any different that what it was when I was in 5th grade. Anyway, I'd say I have a pretty negative opinion about private school. What about you all?

Answer 1

I have a very, very low opinion of public schools, so to me, if you can go to a private school, you probably should. If the one you went to was not that great, try another. It may be that it's just the style of that school that is the problem.

But shallow and passive-aggressive, even spoiled and sheltered, will also be in the public schools in many areas. Anywhere you do not get that, you will probably get other problems. The teen years are difficult at best, and it's very hard to know what you want to do when peer pressure plays such a large part in most teen's lives.

In any school, there's always a few kids who don't fit in, no matter what the overall style of the school may be. If you get to know some of these girls, you may find that you can be friends with them, and the popular crowd won't bother you so much.

In any case, you're likely to get a better education in a private school. Yes, there's probably a lot of homework, but if you get into it, and try to understand why the teacher thinks a given assignment is important, you may find yourself learning things that point the direction for your future. You can't be expected to do every subject well, but those you enjoy and do well in are the ones that indicate where your talents lie, and help you make some decisions about what you want to do about college. Or even if you want to go to college at all.

BTW, if you have no real friends, why does the homework seem excessive? At least it means you have lots of time to do it, because you are not constantly being called away to some social activity with your friends.