Private School & Daycare

[stressedmama]

My two kids (4 and 2) are currently in part time daycare (3 days a week). So we already spend a huge chunk of our income (~24% of our net pay) on daycare/preschool for the 3 days a week I work. We are in a so-so public school system that is experiencing various problems with both parents and their kids that cover everything from alcohol, drugs, weapons, and behavior problems in general. Nothing terrible, but enough problems to really make my DH and I seriously consider private school. Private school and summer care for my oldest would actually be about the same or a little cheaper than part time daycare. I feel like we spend a ton on daycare/school. Daycare costs us more than our house payment! Do any of you send your kids to private school or daycare? If so what percentage of your net or gross pay do you spend on it? What do think is considered an optimal percentage if you need daycare or want private schooling for your kids?

[jIM_Ohio]

This is something I would not generalize with money (like 10% or 25% of income as a guideline). No way would I put a price on the safety or well being of my family.

For example, I could do daycare with my SIL for $50/day ($25/day per kid). Meals included. That is $13k per year. She could double her cost, and I would still feel OK with it- my boys would be with their cousins and with someone I trust.

You could present me with an option which is half the cost and I wouldn't even consider it. Its not about the money.

That being said, my 22 mo old twins are watched by me in morning, and by my wife in afternoon and evening while we split working shifts. We only use my SIL when my wife's schedule gets crazy.

We plan to do private schools. Tuition for K-6 is moderate, maybe $5500 (both kids in that price) per year in a school affiliated with our church. School is cheaper than daycare K-8.

[Beppington]

We are in a so-so public school system that is experiencing various problems with both parents and their kids that cover everything from alcohol, drugs, weapons, and behavior problems in general. Nothing terrible, ...

Holy cow, what would qualify as "terrible" to you?!!

[jefffou]

My two kids (4 and 2) are currently in part time daycare (3 days a week). So we already spend a huge chunk of our income (~24% of our net pay) on daycare/preschool for the 3 days a week I work. We are in a so-so public school system that is experiencing various problems with both parents and their kids that cover everything from alcohol, drugs, weapons, and behavior problems in general.

Believe me, it will be worse by the time you're kids get to Junior/Senior High. Get the heck out.

Also, have you considered homeschool? Spending one-quarter of your takehome on school (not to mention all the costs associated)....I'm not sure you'd be losing much if one of you stayed home and taught.

The quality of education and the safety of the environment can be extremely positive for the little boogers.

Just a thought,
Jeff

[stressedmama]

There have only been a small handful of incidents over the past 5 - 10 years with pocket knives being brought to school. Also, the principal reported to us that there are some parents of the kids that had drugs and alcohol problems that they didn't have a problem with them in the K-5 grades ( there is a large apartment complex that is in our school district that is govt subsidize housing and where a lot of the problems seem to stem from). Plus most of the behavioral issues are primarily on the buses with kids acting up and acting unruly (we wouldn't use the bus system if we went there).

[MonkeyMama]

I live in a big city and the public school options are numerous. (If you are willing to commute/drive, anyway). Throw in my dh's terrible experience with private school, and I wouldn't waste a dime on it.

I do see too many people (neighbors/friends) who think throwing money at the problem will make it go away. Thing is, it just doesn't always work that way.

On the flip side, I do have a friend who is unhappy with her private school, and wants to switch to public, BUT, the private school is cheaper than the daycare at public school, etc. SO, it is possible that private school would be cheaper. Jim's post reminds me. Which goes back to really researching what your options are. I suppose I cringe with the "it's more expensive so it's better" mentality. Most people don't seek out other public options before driving across town for some pricey private school. Though, if you are not in a big city I understand your options would be more limited.

Good Luck!

[Goldy1]

I am so glad I live in a great school disctict. I never planned on having kids really but I had one so I don't have to spend money on private school. I went to private school until 8th gr. I got switched into public in 8th grade and it was a tramatic swith for me big time.

[dawnwes]

N/M

Zombie thread

[rennigade]

thanks spambot