What was important to you in choosing your child's school? Are you happy with your choice? What do you love most about the school, and what changes would you make if you could?

We debated for a long time when trying to decide where to send our daughter for 1st grade. We had been very happy with the small, private Montessori school where she had completed preschool and Kindergarten. We loved how although the clases were big (30 kids!), the 3 teachers all seemed to know each child so well. They understood what our daughter's strengths and weaknesses were, and allowed her to work individually, or with a friend, at her own pace. They focused on nature and science and learning about other cultures. The staff and students were culturally diverse. It was really a caring community of teachers and parents.

What would I change? Well, we decided to send her to public school for 1st grade in the fall. The public school system in the Chicago suburbs is excellent, which is part of the reason why we moved here. It's also practically free! Also, there are so many more resources, including speech therapy, a counselor, a nurse, and a dedicated teacher for art, music, PE, and special & gifted education. The library has thousands of books, there are banks of computers, and a full-sized gymnasium.

I feel sad about her leaving her old school, but she's excited about starting 1st grade somewhere new. I guess it's the right time for a change.