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I would freely acknowledge that it isn't the role of a public school teacher to educate my child about God, but I don't believe it follows that if I send my child to public school, I am abdicating my child's spiritual education.

Nicely put, Grace.

Since moving to DFW over 8 years ago, my kids have been in the public school system (Coppell ISD). Overall, we have been very pleased with the quality of their education, and they have had opportunities that would not normally be available at private schools: a band trip to Ireland last year, and a drill team trip to Florida (the girls had 60+ members performing).

However, in their drive for notoriety, I feel that marginal students (like my son) can get lost in the cracks. Again, no district is perfect.

My youngest is now 3, and we look forward to placing him in our parish school in a few years. Nathan is a really sharp kid (know any 3 year olds who can sing the theme from "A Mighty Wind", and has perfect inflection on the Indiana Jones theme?--of course, he also says the "s" word on occasion, and corrects himself by saying "sugar"), and we want to immerse him in the educational opportunities that will be initially offered at the K-4 level.

As to spiritual education, we are blessed that our parish has incredible programs from pre-kinder to a very dynamic LifeTeen program. I've personally had the pleasure and honor to teach my kids (and nephew) when they were in 6th grade. We'll be especially proud of our two oldest when they participate in the Mexico Mission this summer.

I know I've made plenty of mistakes along the way...that's life. For those who home school, or send their kids to private school, I applaud them. However, I do not feel I need to apologize to anyone for placing my kids in a public school.

For the record, my daughter will finish in the top 10% of her class (of 700), and has been accepted to Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and the University of Dallas. As a Gonzaga grad, I'm trying to nudge her to U of D, but most of her friends are going to Tech or UO.

Plus, she's heard the "horror stories" of academic life at Jesuit colleges...and they don't have football, either!

For those who home school, or send their kids to private school, I applaud them. However, I do not feel I need to apologize to anyone for placing my kids in a public school.

AMEN.

For the record, my daughter will finish in the top 10% of her class (of 700), and has been accepted to Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and the University of Dallas.

That's wonderful!!!!!!!!!! Good for her, and you.