Today is the day that the city goes back to school. Pictures of kids dressed to impress are popping up on my Facebook newsfeed. The schoolyard across the street is filled with the voices of excited children, and the nasal drone of names being called intermittently to the school office over the PA system. My own children check their daily lists, balk at their assigned chores, and continue their lessons as they have throughout the summer.
I considered sending the kids to public school this year, even as I know it isn't the best option for any of my individual children. They would certainly suffer from the experience as strong-willed, self-directed individuals that have indulged upon rabbit trail learning and open ended time frames all their lives. But in the end, I save that option as one that we'll only pursue if there is no relief to this onslaught of bad circumstances. I like homeschooling my kids, even as I nag at the boy to get ready for history, even as I again review fractions.
I wonder though, how poor people even manage to send their kids to public school. I looked at the costs of enrollment and for one child its around $50. That doesn't include the costs of breakfast or lunch, or the special supplies to be purchased at the store. The government may say we are entitled to a public education but it certainly is not free.
No comments:
Post a Comment