On my way home today, I saw several signs with the above words bluntly displayed over the website and phone number for a local private school. I’m not opposed to private school, or homeschooling, or whatever you think is best for your child. There is something sleazy, however, about promoting your school primarily by making a cheap dig at public education in general. You know what a public school does that this little private-homeschool-hybrid “academy” doesn’t? It takes all comers, regardless of background, ability, or family support. Students with two working parents, or with single parents who work their butts off. Students who struggle with all their might to pass. Students who don’t give a rip about education–but still have teachers who do everything they can to persuade them that it matters. Students with all kinds of problems that may or may not be their own fault. And public schools give all of these students a chance. Again, I have nothing against private schools or homeschooling; I just think programs like this might want to promote their own strengths instead of insulting the place where most of America learns.
By the way, I went to the school’s website. You know what’s funny? Their limited facilities force them to have their athletic program at a local park. No big deal, but wait: what if I’m tired of public parks?
