Why I Decided Against My Daughter's Education in the U.S.
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Chapter 1: Rethinking Education Choices
Since my daughter was born in Los Angeles two years ago, I found myself contemplating her educational future. My concern wasn't about her getting into prestigious universities or pursuing high-status careers. Instead, I envisioned her growing up in a nurturing environment, rich in nature and culture, where I could instill meaningful values.
As I searched locally for suitable educational options, I quickly realized they were lacking, particularly in our state. A trip to England this past summer opened my eyes to better, more affordable alternatives for my daughter's education compared to what Los Angeles offers.
Despite my efforts to convince myself otherwise during the long flight back, the conclusion was clear: my daughter would not begin her schooling in the United States.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Nature in Learning
The more I explored global perspectives on early childhood education, particularly in my husband’s Scandinavian homeland, the more disheartened I became with American pre-schools and kindergartens. Many countries prioritize children’s connection to nature and outdoor learning, and I developed a keen interest in forest schools, which originated in Denmark and have since gained global popularity.
"How wonderful it must be to spend your childhood this way!" I mused, searching for similar options in Santa Monica. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. The few reputable nature-based schools I found were situated in Northern California and came with exorbitant fees. One local nature pre-school, operated by an Austrian immigrant, required lengthy van rides daily—hardly the safest option in Los Angeles.
In contrast, nature-based education is commonplace in Europe. In England, forest schools have been established for three decades, and nature education is increasingly integrated into public schools, potentially becoming mandatory for all students. I quickly discovered three excellent forest schools in the South East of London, with fees starting at just 200 pounds a week for a full day—far more reasonable than the $1,500 to $2,000 monthly costs for similar programs in Southern California.
While it's encouraging to see a rise in outdoor education in the U.S., I want my daughter to engage in these experiences where nature is an integral part of learning, not an afterthought.
Explore the challenges parents face when children resist school.
Section 1.2: Safety Concerns
The thought of relocating from “liberal Los Angeles” to areas where both gangs and neighbors are armed sends chills down my spine. In a nation where personal responsibility seems to be dwindling, the prevalence of gun ownership is alarming.
I worry not just for my daughter but for the safety of any child in an environment where gun violence is a possibility. Until there’s a significant change in our culture surrounding firearms, I cannot justify sending my daughter to school here.
Chapter 2: The Flaws in the American Education System
An examination of why children may be reluctant to attend school.
Section 2.1: The Testing Culture
It's widely known that education in the United States emphasizes testing and grades, leading to a focus on "teaching to the test" rather than nurturing a well-rounded child. Consequently, both recess and outdoor activities are being minimized to accommodate this testing culture.
From an early age, parents are pressured to accelerate their children's learning. In Los Angeles, the mantra is that getting into the right pre-school is crucial for future educational opportunities, ultimately leading to elite universities. This is not what childhood should be about.
In Denmark, children enjoy ample outdoor playtime, with outdoor recess every hour and no pressure to achieve high grades. It's no wonder that Danes are considered some of the happiest people on the planet. As long as American public schools resemble correctional facilities, my daughter will not be part of that system.
Section 2.2: The Financial Burden of Education
While there are alternatives to public education in the U.S., many are prohibitively expensive. I was intrigued by Waldorf education, which emphasizes play and nature connection without formal education until first grade. However, I discovered that tuition at a local Waldorf school in Santa Monica would approach thirty thousand dollars annually, with additional costs expected from parents—an outrageous sum.
In London, I found similar schools charging just over ten thousand dollars a year, with subsidies for younger children. Although not free, these costs are manageable compared to American standards. The price of extracurricular activities in the U.S. is equally outrageous—a 30-minute ballet class for toddlers in my neighborhood costs $75, while a three-hour drawing class for my teen stepdaughter is $110.
In London, comparable classes are significantly more affordable. It’s perplexing that quality education in the U.S. remains a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
Section 2.3: The Overwhelming Paperwork
Lastly, the sheer volume of paperwork associated with childhood in America is exhausting. After three years of tedious forms for my step-daughters' medical appointments and school enrollments, I feel drained.
The recent influx of forms for my daughter's pre-school registration is pushing me to reconsider her enrollment. My husband, hailing from Denmark, looked at the paperwork and remarked, "There's no way we're doing this for sixteen more years."
Though this list is not exhaustive, it provides a solid foundation for understanding my decision. Occasionally, we contemplate moving to a less costly state, but the gun issue and other factors keep us grounded in our current location.