My DS11 just went through the admission procedure for middle/highschool. We are really pleased that he was accepted at both schools he applied to (one public, one private), especially since he has ADHD and the admission was based primarily on a 2.5 hour multiple choice exam.
Now our problem is choosing the right school! We would prefer DS to go to the private school, which has higher admission standards and likely a more advanced curriculum. However, DS11 strongly prefers the other option, which is an international baccalaureate program within the local public high school. This is also an enriched program, with a focus on team projects and an international perspective.
His reasons for wanting to go to the IB program: school trips, volunteer work, gets to learn a third language, no uniforms, no religion (the other school is mildly catholic) and most important, he will know quite a few kids and have at least one friend in the IB program with him. He doesn�t know anybody going to the private school. Also, the public school is close by -- he can walk to school and could even come home for lunch some days.
Our reasons for wanting him to go to the private school: advanced curriculum, structured approach, good teachers, excellent reputation, high achieving and motivated peers.
So should we push DS to go to the private school or let him decide for himself?
