This is a very interesting account by Mia Simring, a rabbi in New York City, about her family decision to choose a school for their daughter. She was warned not to send her to the public school across the street. She visited the school and to her surprise, was very impressed by the small classes and the emphasis on the arts. She visited other schools, including some that were highly selective. She considered a Jewish school that would inculcate her values.
And she and her husband decided to ignore the warnings of their neighbors and chose the neighborhood public school.
Smart parents.
I wonder if she would have done the same thing in the West and South Bronx where the classes are not small and full of black and brown children?
The children are small, like her daughter. Most of the children are black and brown.
This story reminded me of a religious, Jewish friend whose adopted daughter attended the same school that Jarrod Kushner attended. My friend had to dig deep into her pockets to do this as she was a school psychologist. Despite this Ph.D’s best efforts, her daughter was a mediocre student. Furthermore, as an adult, this young woman is not particularly religious today. My friend’s comment was, “I was stupid. I should have trusted the public schools.”
A terrific article. I am delighted for the parents/child. Educational choice is a great thing, and it generally works out best for all concerned.
Educational choice is a chimera, a duende-nada mas.