DESERTFOX

Hi Guys we have just arrived in BC a month ago and with us 2 school age children (11 & 10). School starts next week and still we have not really decided which one to go for. We live in an area wherein public and private elementary school is just across the road of each other.

Few basic information we have is that public or state school is almost completely free whereas private have tuition fees. My queries is how's the standards of education in public school compared to private school?
Apologies if it has been discussed before. Many thanks.

Almost Canadian

It depends upon whether you wish for your children to become part of the professional classes or whether you are happy for them to be regular people.

I would never put my children in any public school, whether in England or Canada but each to their own.

ExKiwilass

He's right. In public schools in BC, the children are largely taught of their lowly status in life, reminded to mind their betters, be grateful for the gruel, and if they're really, REALLY lucky they'll get a job at Da's coal mine.

What is this? 1920's Britain?

ExKiwilass

My serious answer is that it depends on the school. Generally, public schools in BC are regarded as pretty good. If you believe in it you can check out the Fraser Institute school rankings, be aware there are a lot of problems with them though (kids being withdrawn from testing, not taking into account other factors, selectiveness of private schools, schools marking their own tests rather than tests going to an independent marker).

I've met people from both types of school. I can't say I've noticed much difference in who is more successful. *shrug* I mean, somehow inspite of the terrible disadvantage of going to public school, some people are even PROFESSIONALS. OMG. (he).

Oh. My. God. I'm sorry, I just can't help myself. Almost Canadian's comment has to be one of the silliest things I have EVER read.

Lychee

Most children in BC go to public schools.

Alan2005

Yes, you wouldn't want them mingling with the lower orders. They will make friends with poor people and how will that look to your friends at the country club. They will think you are some common navvy.

Alan2005

I thought he was taking the piss.

Note that in the UK a public school is actually equivalent to private school here (public=private, state=public). So I read AC's post as that he wouldn't send his kids to a private school.

Almost Canadian

Correctomundo

A quick search of any of my previous posts on such threads will leave you in no doubt that I abhor the educational snobbery of most Ex-Pats. Public school education (read private school for Canada) is a complete waste of money. If little Johnny is destined to become a lawyer, he will do so irrespective of what school he goes to. Sending someone with the academic ability to achieve no better than a grade 12 education to a private school, will result in the child graduating high school with a "posh" accent and nothing more.

Almost Canadian

I take it it went 10 feet over your head.

I am a lawyer, I went to a state school in England. I could afford private schools in England and can do so in Canada - nothing could persuade me to send my kids to a private school in England or Canada. As I said, each to their own.

ExKiwilass

Oh.

I'm sitting here giggling right now because I was so self-righteously mad there for a minute har.

Now I love you and want to be your friend.

ExKiwilass

Yes, it did. More like 20 ft

ExKiwilass

thanks for the explanation.

But seriously...

I do have friends who are strong believers in private education (largely for religion) but most people I know send their kids to public. Never say never but there'd have to be a really compelling reason for me to send kid to private.

JonboyE

A quick rule of thumb.

Look at your neighbors. Do they seem like decent people? If so, send your kids to the public (state) school. If they don't, consider sending your kids to a private school.

After giving this due consideration, move.

Alan2005

Ah religious schools - a bit like asylums in reverse. You go in sane and leave crazy.

Butch Cassidy

And have a 1 in 10 chance of having been abused