You're spot on, dear blogger. Let's not forget, aside from the qualified teachers at Dist 135, public trumps over private in terms of facilities, extra-curricular opportunities and special education support/therapies.

I could write an entire book on the benes of extra-curricular opportunities at 135. During our "private tenure" the same parent coached every single team in every single sport along with taking charge of every single club after chaperoning every single field trip...wait a minute--I may have something for next week...thanks ;)

I.love.your.blogs.

Awesome blog!

As a former public school teacher, you need to keep in mind that private education is not for everyone. I would surely hope that you are enjoying Orland schools now because as an Orland taxpayer, the school district is spending incredible amounts to educate our children. Private schools have been known to get incredible results with a minor fraction of the spending. Considering that this school you are referreing to recieved a Blue Ribbon status, awarded to them by our governmnet, is no small feat. To my knowledge, none of our Orland schools have achieved such a feat. Maybe your blog should be how to do more and spend less in Orland schools. Until then, let's focus on the bigger picture and realize that your experience is not reflective of all.

I certainly appreciate your thoughts as a former educator. I am still scratching my head regarding the honor the US government bestowed upon my childrens' former school...let me share a brief story regarding "doing more for less money"...
My oldest was "fortunate" enough to experience Spanish instruction grades K-8. When he was in 7th grade we traveled to Mexico--as we drove through a remote town where English was not spoken--and the street signs were all posted in Spanish, my husband thought this the perfect opportunity for our son, who had taken Spanish class for SEVEN YEARS, to wow us with his knowledge. When asked what the signs said, the boy remained silent...until we rolled up to a red, octagon shaped sign..."that one says stop" was suddenly heard from the backseat.

I merely wrote about my experience/opinion that an Orland Park Public education is a pretty good deal. Their educators are worth their weight in gold...and as far as lesson plans go--every school in SD135 should qualify for Blue Ribbon Status...apparently superior test scores among other things determine this. Spanish skills clearly were never assessed. Truth is, we know more families that have run from the "Blue Ribbon Palace" and are now seated in desks within District 135...haven't heard one of them say they miss where they came from...the difference in education...simply amazing.

Thanks again for your comments and thoughts~I appreciated reading the opinion of a former public school teacher.

Sorry Jennifer but I too agree with Robert! It almost sounds like you have a ax to grind with your old school instead of just moving onto your new school. If you have left a few years ago, why are you still talking about it? Move on already! As a mom with young children, your children are only going to get what they put into their work. I can only hope when my children are of school age, that I can look into private education vs. Orland schools. I guess I will need to do a little reasearch and find out what school in our area had the Blue Ribbon stamp placed on it. It sure isn't any of our fine public schools. Time to move on Jennifer....

No need to be sorry Alicia...this forum is about expressing opinions which is why I write about it now only to point out the difference in the education my two kids got on opposite sides of town...and to shed light on what a fantastic district we have in School District 135...another reason to be grateful to live in this great town (bad traffic aside). Trust me, I have long since moved on.

No sour grapes Alicia...but, private isn't all it is cracked up to be (especially in this economy), no matter what color ribbon in which it is wrapped. I wish I had done my research prior to enrolling so many years ago...you're much wiser than I by keeping that aspect on your radar.

I understand that kids get what they put into their work...luckily public school can cater to the gifted, regular joe's, and those with special needs. Hopefully you are raising regular joe's if you intend to go down the private road...the "enrichment" program at the place with the colorful ribbon was offered one day every other week ...my kid at the place without the blue bow gets it every day in every subject in which he qualified.

Thanks for reading and offering your opinion.

Paul for some reason I cannot reply to your particular comment...so it is down here.

The sports in the particular school my kids went to were coached by parents and every kid made the team for the most part. We had A teams, B teams, White teams and Blue teams....I prefer the public school where there is ONE team and the teachers are the coaches~competitive sports begin in 6th grade when a tryout is held. And getting sent packing really sucks if you're 11 or 12 years old. But it is an early learned lesson. Like I said, the teachers are the coaches/sponsors...parental involvement happens from the bleachers.
When my oldest son (all 9 years with Jesus) headed to Sandburg the first thing he mentioned after his first football practice..."it is so cool that Coach doesn't have a kid on the team...all the positions are up for grabs".
The parent that coached every team, mentored every club, went on every field trip was naturally raising a real "superstar". Trust me, it got old--very quickly.

I agree with you--life is nothing like it used to be when we were growing up. But disagree with your opinion regarding "parental participation". Today, it seems kids can't go anywhere without their "handlers" following in the shadows carrying the equipment bag, practice snacks etc.

Yes, there was a community "feel" at the catholic school--but sometimes it was quite overwhelming...9 years with the same 90 kids AND their parents...not the "kumbaya" moment you might think it is.

First off the schools don’t have one team.. they have multiple.. second there is always an superstar which usually carries the entire team so you should be thankful you had one(I’m assuming you did based on your comment).. and if the coaches son/ daughter is the superstar then don’t they deserve that position?? And shouldn’t every kid have the “feeling” of getting “sent packing”

And how is it not good to have parents carrying the bags or bringing the snacks..

And I’m just referring to my neighborhood when I said parents aren’t involved.. I go out to other towns around and the parents are ALWAYS out..

I’m going to stop there and ask you what is your real issue with private schools? What are you scared of or what is holding you back from wanting to have the same “feel” …

What scares you about having your kids challenged for teams.. or pushed in their education? Or having yourself more involved? Do you not want to be on the PTA or have monthly parent teacher conferences?

Btw when I said that’s how it was when I went to school.. I graduated from HS about 10 years ago.. hope that gives u a different perspective from where this is coming from..

Look Jennifer, your decision is perfectly fine and I respect you for it. But I find it quite demeaning and disrespectful for you to use the term 'blue ribbon palace.' All schools in Orland Park could be termed 'blue ribbon palaces' just due to the economic advantages our community employs. The choice is individual; we do not need parents pontificating on how great the public is over the private.

Great blog, Jen! :)

This was a terrific piece and quite accurate! However, St. Mike's doesn't have a monopoly on the issues you state. Many other southwest suburban catholic elementary schools, includng St. Al's in Palos Heights, has the same thing. Poor teachers, inadequate technology, small parent cliques that dominate every activity and coaching opportunity, excessive tuition costs, the list goes on. I speak from experience too....there is something to be said about separation of church and school!

Great article. If it helps, your children in SD135 are in private schools. We see very little money from the state or federal. It's all us neighbor.

Why blog about this now? You moved on several years ago and are happy with your decision. I send my children to a local parochial school and I am happy with my decision. We are lucky to live in OP where we have good choices.

In my experience, parochial school parents are very much aware of the options at District 135. Please do not assume we are all wearing blinders. Perhaps we know the options and still choose to send our kids to private schools. Have you ever considered that?

I think you should reread your blog and consider a few things,...
1. Are you still harboring some "Catholic guilt" over switching schools? Your long diatribe suggests you are still justifying your decision.
2. You mentioned being very happy with your educational experience at St. Michael. Is it crazy to think someone else could have a similar experience?
3. How many people did you offend when you mentioned leaving a "quickly changing neighborhood". Are we to assume you meant less Catholic?
4. How many people were offended when you suggested their public education in OP was not quite up to snuff 30-40 years ago?
5. Please do not fall back on tired cliches about "who can afford tuition in this economy?" I can. Or the very tired complaint about OP traffic. Those cars carry consumers from surrounding areas who come to OP to shop and do business. Their tax dollars help pay for your school.

I appreciate you trying to enlighten your fellow Catholics but it is not necessary. I

I highly doubt Jennifer is suffering from any "Catholic Guilt" over the decision to switch her children to the Orland 135 schools. My kids attended the "Blue Ribbon Palace" too and the only guilt I feel is due to the fact that I kept them there WAY too long! I thank God every day that I stopped drinking the kool-aid and went over to the "Dark Side".My kids are so much better off for it. How pathetic is it that my son says that he learns much more in his R.E. class at St. Francis than he ever did at the "palace"?
Jennifer hit the nail right on the head with this one!

WOW!! I am a freshman at Sandburg High School, and I went to St. Mikes for 8 years. You have ALOT of flaws in your "blog". St. Mikes started Kindergarden in 2005, and you say your son who is a junior went there in 1999, not possible. You also said your eldest son had Spanish in grades K-8, but he didn't even go to St. MIkes in kindergarden because there wasn't one. St. Mikes started to teach Spanish to K-6 in 2009 so not possible. They only taught Spanish to 7th and 8th back then. I am at Sandburg, a public school, and I have to tell you that I Hate It. I cannot believe the lack of values and the disbelief of a God; it blows my mind. I miss the halls and classrooms where I always felt the presence of Jesus Christ. However, I have brought that with me to Sandburg, and it gets me through the day. I would appreciate it if you would stop trying to ruin St. MIke's reputation, which is impossible to do anyway. I am sorry you had such a bad experience, but I have to wonder what did YOU (not your son) bring to the table. YOU HAVE BEEN SERVED.

Parish school = St. Mikes

or are they talking about cjb?