Moving with kids

Apology accepted.
I do agree with you that some of these posts concerning the public school system sounded frighteningly elitist. The truth of the matter, as Dominic pointed out, is that the private schools in the territory offer the most progressive education. However, if there were public schools offering the same level of teacher commitment, financial support and progressive curriculum, I would just as soon send my children (that I don't have yet. smile) to public school.

Rhea,

First of all, I'm on St. Croix because I choose to be here. I like the island and the people. And, as a retiree, I bring income to the island without requiring much service.

Rhea, you don't know me. You don't know where I live or my level of involvement in the daily life of the island. To attack me personally for my comments shows a lack of consideration and respect I find unusual among the Cruzians I deal with day to day.

I certainly don't feel superior to anyone here. I am not a missionary trying to "save" people. I'm looking to live my life day to day, just like you. And I have NO stake in elementary or secondary education in the Virgin Islands. HOWEVER...

The original question related to public vs. private school and my main point is that anyone coming to any new place with children should check out the schools, housing, etc. prior to moving. I related my experience with 3 people in their 30's who did go off-island to high school. The impression I got was that this was not unusual. I certainly could be wrong.

Of one thing I am certain, rudeness is NOT a Cruzian trait.

Wow.... that's strong. Clearly, Rhea, you have no idea what you're talking about. My daughter has attended public school all her life in NYC (she's fourteen) and is a stellar student. Much unlike the USVI, (which I love visiting and have considered moving to) opportunities abound. Whatever your child excels at can be nurtured, and should they require extra help, that is all available-- for free. Palm trees and sunny days aside, i'll certainly stay put until my daughter graduates-- and from reading the Virgin Island daily News, it really isn't a very safe place for a young woman anyway.

WONDERFUL DISCUSSION.....

I have no answers. But the best advice is..check it out ..don't depend on other's opinions.

That being said, I will offer some opinions of my own. Yes,many (mostly continentals) do send their children "off island" for some schooling..

Yes, the high schools are more like an "inner city" school than a suburban stateside school.

Yes, if you are white in a USVI public high schools you will be only one of a handful.If you are black you will be under great pressure to "conform" .

Yes,if you are well motivated, you will succeed in either system.

I am a retired..former school teacher and I have discovered that I know almost nothing....

good luck

Ms. NYC girl you are talking about an individual student, thank god your daughter is doing well congrats to her. Everyone knows that that vast majority of public schools in the US are not perfroming up to standards and that is not to say that all of them are. there are some that are performing execellent. That would include NYC and the VI so you don't know what you are talking about. why do you think that state governments are know offering vouchers to kids who attends failing public schools so that they can attend private schools. MS. NYC watch the news and print articles on this subject maybe you would get some knowledge about the subject before you make comments. Another thing, do think because we live on an island with Palm Trees and sunny days, we are so isolated from the world that we couldn't possibly know what's going on around the country. Think again with cable, and the internet the world is at our finger tips. It is not NY vs VI it what could be done to make the public schools better for the children that attend them.

Ms. rhea-
i'm not sure any public school system is doing as well as it could be, after all, there's room for improvement everywhere-- some places more than others. However, if you do your homework there are many, many opportunities for your child within the public school system here in NY- that was my point. To make the blanket statement "I would not send my dog to a public school in NY "is what you were misinformed about. As for vouchers...... they may benefit a select few, but most community minded parents realize that all children deserve a good education , not just a few who luck into the limited seats a private school auctions off. That's why vouchers don't work. this was a decison I actually made, not something I purused the newpaper about and am offering up a lofty comment about. Isolated? yes, my dear, you are.... geographically that is, which is part of the allure of the VI. Technologically, of course not. Bottom line, your "wouldn't send a dog....." comment was way off base. No matter how informed you might feel you are, ya can't tell a native new yorker about new york.

I don't think UVI is very well regarded by other universities - check with their admissions offices to see just how few credits will be accepted from UVI - I believe the MOST any other institutions will take is 15 hours.

Hi Phoebe
Question????????? Where did you get your information from that UVI is not highly regarded by other Universities. Just curious.