This time last year, I was writing about how difficult deciding on a preschool is. Well, one year later, deciding on a kindergarten is 10 times worse.
Let’s start from the beginning. Choosing between public or private has been a debate in our household ever since Mitch and I discussed starting a family. Growing up, I went to a private school and loved it. Mitch went to a public school and didn’t have a problem. Needless to say, two children later and we still haven’t decided on the matter.
Kindergarten Open House Mayhem
At the beginning of February, we received multiple information packets that gave a preview of kindergarten in both Lincoln Public Schools and private schools. I wanted to keep our options open, so I went to all the open houses. However, the open houses were not scheduled for a working parent’s convenience.
One of the open houses began at 5 p.m. on a Monday, and suggested leaving children at home. Another open house was scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on a Friday, allowing children to attend. Unfortunately, Cohen would be at preschool during this time. The last open house that I plan to attend is at 10 a.m. on a Friday … because Friday at 10 a.m. really works for working parents. What are working parents supposed to do? Take an early lunch? Take a half day? All this tediousness to check out my son’s possibilities for kindergarten.
So, I started filling out the ample paperwork despite still needing to actually decide on a school. Finding all the necessary documents to enroll was a nightmare, and I soon realized that I’m not very organized! I felt like I was alone in this decision. Mitch tried to help, but I was the one visiting the schools, meeting staff, and in the end it was ultimately my decision. Mitch and I discussed our opinions and options including cost, class sizes, schedules, the possibility of Cohen attending an after school program, classes based in religion versus CCD and everything in between, but I was still torn.
Where Should Cohen go to Kindergarten
My heart was telling me one thing while my head was telling me another. I reached out to many parents. Parents with kids who attend a Lincoln public school and parents with kids at private school. Both had nothing but good things to say about the schools their children attend. Finally, it came down to a pros and cons list.
In comparing different schools, I know whichever school we choose, Cohen will excel. He is a bright kid and is continuing to become a master at his numbers, alphabet, writing and social skills while at preschool. His teachers have nothing but good things to say about him. Come fall, I know he will be ready to take on kindergarten, no matter which school he attends. Cohen has a bright future ahead.
It’s hard to believe that I will have a child in kindergarten. I will be that mother in tears come that day in August.
However, if choosing a kindergarten was such a dilemma, I am not looking forward to the day I have to decide on a high school and then a college!
Mallory Connelly
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all-too-established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesn’t end, but rather just begins. It’s a balancing act, especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
