Jim, my frustration is that if it is possible to create diverse and appealing magnet and charter schools, then I believe it should also be possible to create more of them, so that all parents can send their children to good public schools.
Almost every parent in San Francisco wants their children in these schools, and there is a very competitive computer lottery for the spaces, which are quite limited.
Surprisingly, my admittedly limited experience of the Washington public schools, when we lived on the island, was that they were very good. One thing I liked is that based on how the parent felt about the child's readiness for school, kindergarten could be started any time between four and seven, although I believe four-year-olds had to be tested or observed or something first. That offers much more flexibility than most states, I would think. The age at which children are ready for kindergarten really varies because of individual differences, and I thought that policy showed a lot of respect for child development.
Congratulations!! You are almost ready for a permanent spot on a tropical beach somewhere, if your youngest is twelve, and you undoubtedly are exhausted and frazzled enough for retirement!!! |
