Why is a good elementary/grade school so important?

Question

My two year old son knows all his abc's, numbers, shapes etc..we also do art classes, music class and spend lots of time together playing and learning. My question is this: SInce I am so pro active w/him and involved why does it Matter SO much if he goes to a good elementary school and what is the difference between good and bad elementary schools in a suburban town in NJ? So confused..

Answer 1

Like that other person said, it's basically the foundation for your kid's education. Not only does a good school teach kids to enjoy learning, but it can teach them the things they need to know. My elementary school teachers taught me all my multiplication tables, and in fifth grade, my teacher taught algebra and middle school/high school grade science. It helped me a lot, even in high school. It's not just the parents, because a bad school can make learning horrible.

Answer 2

It is important for your son to go to a good elementary school because this determines who he is and how he does as a teen and adult. It may seem far fetched, but it is the truth. I'm not saying your son should go to a private or catholic school, but there are great public schools out there (the best in the country are in NJ). I wouldn't suggest growing up in Asbury Park or Paterson- because we know how much of those kids grow up. Most suburban NJ schools are great!

Answer 3

It matters because elementary/grade school is the foundation for all his future education. And as well as learning the subject matter taught in schools, if he is going to succeed in that environment he has to learn how to learn - that is, to be part of the class, to pay attention in class, to do assignments, etc. He also has to learn how to get long with other kids, to become a team player, and to be involved in group projects. And farther on down the line, he can't rely on mommy to help him through university.....

I have to salute your pro-active stance on giving him a good grounding, but you will have to turn him over to someone in the school system, unless you choose to home school him. And you might as well pick the best school you possibly can. Most district school boards have evaluations of their schools that you can access.