posted 08-12-2003 11:52 PM            

OK, I go to a private Christian school, and I have been going there for the past 2 years, but recently I have been thinking about transfering to a public school instead. Here are the reasons...
In the private school, its block schedule, so you only have 4 classes a day, and every other day, and you only go 4 days a week. So in my scedule right now, I start after lunch on wed and fri, and go from 8-2:30 on tues and thurs.
The reasons that I want to go to a public school are because I want better acedemics. In my school ,they teach really good english and history, but in history, its mostly life lessons, rather than facts. The math and science are pretty poor though. I wanted to go to a public school because even if you make straight A's at private, then you dont nessisarily do well on ACTs and SATs, but i really want to do well on those. also, there is more structure to a public school, and more extra curricular activities, and a things like that.

but I'm really strugling because the friends i have are the private school are so awesome. they are life long friends, and i wouldnt trade them for anything. Also there is a school camp which is so awesome, that I would go all summer if i could. The drama program is pretty good there,and I really want to be a singer/actor.

The problem just comes with acedmics and the math and science being really weak. Its not like i'm going to need those for college because i want to perform ,and not become a doctor, but I want to OPTION to go to any college that I want.

I basically just have to decide what is more important.. acedemics, or friends, and this is the next 3 years of my life. I CAN get some math supplimetned and stuff but it will be hard work. I really want to go to the private school, but i feel like i NEED to go to the public, because it wil be better for college. I just dont know what to do and i feel like i am in a bind. I have never been more torn in my entire life, and I dont know waht to do.

I also went to the public school yesterday, and I just feel alone, and like i cant really see myself making friends with any of those people. just tell me what to do!! AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

posted 08-13-2003 09:15 AM            

Can you perhaps get hold of books that cover the curriculum and help you to expand your knowledge beyond the limited interpretation taught at your school?

posted 08-13-2003 05:24 PM            

I also forgot to add a comment about the block scheduling. From what I know, that's mostly in public schools. I wouldn't be able to stand that, it would drive me nuts.

posted 08-14-2003 09:31 AM            

As for changing to public school. If that is what you need to do to get quality education then I say go for it. You say you've only been going to this private school for two years. What do your parents think about the education you are getting there? I am surprised they are happy with it by the way you describe it. I guess you are in HS. To be honest it is hard moving to a new school when you are in HS. Unless you are a boy, I think it's easier for boys, not easy just easier. We are military and have had to move during HS twice. By the way I am a mom not a fellow teen. So this may be sort of a different view. If the public school you are wanting to go to is a good one then it is a change you may want to look into further. Becoming a singer/actor is a nice goal (my daughter wants to be a model)But you do need something to fall back on while you are persuing that dream.

There are significant differences in public and private schools. Not just education but also the size of the school, it can be overwhelming if your current school is small. It will be an adjustment and after you make the decision to change you may think you made a huge mistake but remember you will need time to adjust and to make new friends. It won't happen most likely overnight. You could also check out other private schools to see what they have to offer. Many offer extracurricular activities just like a public school. My daughter went to a Catholic HS year before last, they not only had sports for both boys and girls but cheerleading and a rowing team (surprise to me) There were clubs to get involved with too. You say you are going to a Christian school, in case you didn't know, a Catholic school accepts all denominations and does not ask any student to change.

As for your friends, they will still be your friends. You can still hang out together and do things after school and on weekends. That doesn't have to change just because you are going to different schools.

Do you attend church where you go to school? You might still be able to go to the camp you mentioned if you do. Do they have a youth group? That would/could be another way to stay in touch with your friends too.

I wish you success in your decision. And sorry for the intrusion on the teen board. I'm usually on another board and just thought I'd look around this morning.