I have experienced both sides of the spectrum. I attended a private school from preschool through the sixth grade and public school from seventh grade through graduation.
The early childhood years are when children are the most impressionable. Private school gave me a lot of positive reinforcement and I love it for that. But, my private school was less than 5% minorities (all minorities - not just blacks). I really resented not being able to go to associate with and socialize with other black children.
Public school was like a shock to the system for me. Since I had never attended a school with a reasonable black population, I started to go buckwild. I did a lot of things that I knew I shouldn't have done (luckily I rarely got caught - ssshhhh!!! don't tell my momma!) But, I never let my grades slip even when I was acting crazy. I managed to graduate at the top of my class and went on to do extremely well in college.
I appreciate both schooling experiences. Ultimately, I think it all comes down to your parents and how your raised. Private school doesn't mean that you'll do well and public school doesn't mean you'll fail. Strong and loving parents will ensure the child's success.
|