finding the perfect school

It’s the time of year when education is on everyone’s mind and not because the school year is quickly coming to a close or we’re excited for graduation ceremonies. The opposite actually. Instead of focusing on the end of school, parents around Texas are already thinking about the next fall. With a child entering kindergarten, it’s definitely something I think about often. Finding the perfect school. So often that it honestly does keep me awake at night.

Sure I’m nervous that my son is heading off to real school, with bigger kids and longer days. Who isn’t?? But my real concern is the making sure my son is at the right school. A school that will see him for who he is and who he has the potential to become.

Although, I’m not sure this school actually exists.

As a kid growing up in New York State, I attended both public and private schools for my education. There were ups and downs at both of them, but ultimately where you went to school was not a real decision until it came time for university. That was a tough choice for my 18-year-old self and I’m sure even more difficult for my parents.

Every school was great, award-winning in fact, with some of the highest retention rates, newest facilities and above average test scores compared to rest of the country. Looking back, I had no idea how lucky I was to have amazing schools right around the corner.

It was never a decision which school you would attend — they were all great.

Now that I am a parent, I thought it would be at least a decade until I needed to go through that rigorous decision-making process again. Applications, campus tours and interviews are not something my husband and I expected to go through when our children were toddlers.

Yes, toddlers.

I have a son who will be 5 and a daughter who is 2.5. To put it mildly, finding the right school has been hard for our family here in Texas. Not because my children have any special needs, but because I have high standards for schools. 

I moved here as a 20-something never anticipating I’d have children. I moved here for the culture, the music and let’s be honest the weather! My naive self never considered the quality of schools when I made that cross-country move.

Flash forward seven years and now with two children (with another on the way) education seems to be a daily topic of discussion. Between my husband, with my mom friends and even people at the neighborhood playground constantly asking, “So where do your kids go to school?” it feels like your family is judged based on what schools your children attend. Even if it is just preschool or an MDO program

Unfortunately for us, we live in an area of town that is home to some good private schools (with high price tags) and sub-par public schools (with high likelihood of being shut down within the next year due to facilities issues). It’s so frustrating because we love living in our neighborhood! The quick commute downtown is amazing and it makes me smile to know we can support many local businesses at any time of day for a quick bit to eat or some shopping. I couldn’t imagine living in any other part of the city.

Except, if it meant my kids could go to the perfect school.

If it meant that the perfect school existed.

As a mom, you are constantly searching for the best things for your children. Food, clothing, toys and books. Schools are no different. Education may actually be one of those decisions that you battle long-term. I know I will.

I’m one of those moms that will continually question myself, “Is this the right choice?” when it comes to schools.

On one hand, we’re so lucky to have many types of educational options here in Austin. From public schools to private, charter schools to alternative schools, homeschooling to neighborhood school co-ops, the options are endless.

On the other hand, the fact that there are so many options makes me question the educational system as a whole.

One thing I do know for certain, other parents must feel the same way I do when it comes to finding a school: stressed and overwhelmed.

When I talk with other parents they are often surprised to hear over the past four years I have:

  • Gone on 15+ school tours
  • Talked with close to 50 educators
  • Applied to half a dozen schools

All for my toddlers.

I have taken the parenting job of finding a school very seriously, probably too seriously, to the point where nothing seems right. I’ve made it my #1 life mission as a mom to find the absolute best educational opportunities for my kids. Let’s be honest, they will be spending a majority of time in school for the next 12 or so year. 

From my research I’ve discovered there are little pieces of each school I would love to pull out and include in my own version of educational utopia. I notice things like food protocol, the state of the playground equipment and even the layout of the school parking lot. Nothing seems to measure up to the standard I believe my children deserve.

My husband thinks I should start my own school. Maybe I will! Who knows?

What I do know is that for right now, for my family, the perfect school does not exist — yet.

I hope someday we do find a great fit here in Austin. We love this city and want to stay as long as possible. I look forward to telling my mom friends how much I love my children’s school.

Sadly, that day is not today. I’m still finding the perfect school. 

Until then, I’ll do what any good mom does and make it work.

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