Public or Private?

There has been a lot of debate lately regarding quality of education as well as safety issues in our public school system.

My children have had the opportunity to experience each, public and private.

My oldest daughter was enrolled in private school starting with preschool until end of 1st grade. My youngest daughter, private school from preschool until beginning of Kindergarten. Both of my daughters had between 3 to 4 years each at the private school.
They are both now enrolled in public school . My oldest daughter is now in 8th grade. My youngest in 6th grade.

We are fortunate that our town offers both choices to our community. The only private school in the county is located in our town and is less than 3 miles from our home. The public junior high school for our district is located less than 2 miles from our home.

I have good experiences with each school. My youngest daughter does not recall much about her experience with the private school. My oldest daughter has a few memories, and has been recently reacquainted with some of her friends who are now in public school, as well.

Money for tuition would not afford me to be a stay at home mom, as I am now. However, if given the option, I would choose to have my daughters back in the private sector.

In regard to our public school, our district’s schools are / have been ranked in the top 100 of the nation. There are some families who drive a great distance to have their children attend our school. Therefore, the school zoning was put into place and enforced to control and prevent overcrowding. Our town is what is called a "sleeper" town, and is booming, due to location, and mostly, schools. Not only for choice of sector, but also for reputation and national/state scores.

I have been hearing of recent, an increase in homeschooling. No percentage yet, but I have found a relative amount of children being home schooled, as well as home schooled children being re-entered into public sector. I know there are a lot of determining factors, I feel however, the economy is the major factor at the moment, at least for my family.

Due to our public sector having such high accolades, I feel confident with my children’s education at this time. My choices for a re-enrollment into private school at this time would be faith based.

How do you feel about this topic. If money were not an option, would you prefer private, public, or home school?