When fellow parents inquire about where my child will start kindergarten, I proudly mention our local public elementary school. Many seem surprised and often follow up with, “Is that a good school?” Sometimes, without intending to, I find myself responding, “No.” This reaction stems from the fact that, by typical metrics that parents often assess, it may not seem ideal. It lacks features like yoga classes, a robust PTA, or art programs. Instead, you’ll find uniforms, a limited budget, and declining enrollment numbers. There are no organic lunch options, no structured after-school activities, and certainly no knitting classes or restorative justice programs. It has a demographic makeup of 72% Latino, 15% Asian/Filipino, 5% white, and 5% black, with 83% of students coming from low-income families. Historically, the school has been overlooked by many affluent families in our neighborhood yet stands resilient, eager to serve every child in the community.
We had choices. Charter schools are plentiful, and we gained admission into several. We are fortunate enough to consider private schooling as an option. The “Yay! First day of Kindergarten!” post, complete with a backpack and a smile, serves as a sort of manifesto—a heartfelt declaration from me as a mother, a neighbor, and a community member in our vibrant, diverse urban setting.
So why did we select this particular school?
Because it is a nurturing place filled with devoted parents, teachers, and staff. It doesn’t rely on flashy brochures or high-budget professional development.
Because there’s no lottery, no complicated admissions process, and no waiting list. If you live in the neighborhood, this school is yours.
Because it is a place overflowing with potential, despite the fact that many families in our area overlook it, deeming it unworthy of support.
Because, just as I care for the grassy strip in front of my home, I see it as my duty to support my local elementary school. I believe in investing my time, trust, and resources into it.
Because if I don’t intentionally place my children in diverse environments—socially and racially— I risk raising them in a bubble of privilege. I won’t mean to do it, but good intentions aren’t enough anymore. If I don’t equip her to face the world with confidence, resilience, and humanity, I’ll inadvertently keep her sheltered from the reality of equality.
Because if my children don’t grow up alongside peers from various backgrounds and experiences, they will normalize their privilege. When the time comes to discuss structural racism and classism, they will lack the context if the only exposure they’ve had is through tokenism and stereotypes. Filling bags with hygiene products for the less fortunate or donating toys at Christmas are commendable acts, but if those gestures are their only real interactions with the world, no amount of education can counteract the biases that can form.
I often hear, “Well, if it doesn’t work out, you can always switch schools.” While that’s true in theory—my privilege allows me to find a school that aligns with my ideals—practically, as a community member who believes in equitable education, I cannot accept a system that sacrifices another child’s opportunities for my own.
I recognize that the journey ahead will be filled with ups and downs—messy, exciting, and imperfectly perfect moments. When I stop chasing the narrative that equates being a good parent with a checklist of the best preschools, elementary schools, high schools, and colleges, I find joy in the simplicity of life’s challenges. If my kids’ education isn’t flawlessly orchestrated, that doesn’t mean they won’t grow up to be wonderful humans.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
For more on ways to boost your fertility, check out our post on boosting fertility supplements. If you’re interested in home insemination, you can learn more from Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit, a trusted authority in this area. Additionally, American Pregnancy provides excellent resources on donor insemination.
In summary, we chose our local public school for its potential, community, and commitment to diversity, believing that supporting it is a vital part of creating an equitable future for all children.
Keyphrase: Choosing Local Public School Over Private Options
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”