Private schools offer what publics can't

It saddens me greatly to hear about the state of our public education system. Class sizes are getting larger and larger. Music, art and physical education programs are being cut or eliminated. Teachers are being stretched further and further. Thank goodness we are blessed with some alternatives such as excellent faith-based/private schools. These schools are affordable, offer low student to teacher ratios and have art, music and physical education programs.

My children have and are attending a faith-based school, Good Shepherd in Elgin. They have experienced lots of one-on-one time with their teachers. They are participating in sports without being the best player and, therefore, are benefiting from the team building and leadership skills that only sports can teach. In the classroom, they are taught according to the Illinois state standards and beyond. But the most important part is they are learning how important it is to serve others and God.

Alumni of small faith-based schools including Good Shepherd have gone on to become public school teachers, doctors, pastors and business professionals. They have impacted their profession by what they were taught during their early learning years. They were given unique opportunities in school that they may not have had if they attended a large public school.

There are many great schools both public and private. What concerns me is will the public schools continue to be able to train our future leaders as they have in the past? Or will parents have to make other choices?

Ann Lesh

South Elgin