My daughter is in the 2nd grade. She struggles to stay occupied. Stay challenged. The work that is given to her is almost busy-work…just something for her to quickly fill out. Budget cuts have reduced staff, reduced programs. Many of her classmates are still learning how to sound out three letter words…she reads chapter books (and has for a couple years). She actually is a “reading-buddy” now, and tutors other children.

I want so much to give my child a learning opportunity that will cause her to be excited about education. That will cause her to think and grow and be curious. Right now, what she has is the opposite of that, and I fear when her natural desire to learn has all but been squished out of her, she will turn to mischievous behavior because she is so bored?

The answer is to send my child to private-school, right? Sure, if I win the lottery. Look at the basic tuition & fees for some Portland private schools offering 2nd grade classes. They costs more than if I were to send my daughter to Oregon’s universities. I can send my child to University to earn her bachelor’s degree for less tuition & fees than I could send her to the 2nd grade.

I ask you, what is wrong with that?

2009-2010 Academic Year Tuition Rates (3 full terms, 12 credits)

Oregon State University = $6,725

University of Oregon = $6,259

Portland State = $5,700

Private School, 2nd Grade, for my 7-year old daughter

Catlin Gable = $19,490

Oregon Episcopal School = $18,575

The International School = $11,700