When fellow parents ask me where my daughter will attend kindergarten, I proudly say, “Our local public elementary school.” The reactions often range from surprise to skepticism, with many following up with, “Oh! Is that a good school?” Sometimes, without intending to sound negative, I respond, “Not really.” This is based on the criteria many parents use to judge a “good” school. Our school lacks yoga, an active PTA, and arts programs. It has uniforms, a tight budget, and declining enrollment. There are no organic lunch options, structured after-school activities, or even basic playground equipment. With a student body that’s 72% Latino, 15% Asian/Filipino, 5% white, and 5% black, and 83% of students coming from low-income families, the school has often been overlooked by affluent families in our community. Yet, it stands strong year after year, eager to serve the children of our neighborhood, regardless of their families’ social and intellectual backgrounds.
We had choices. Charter schools were plentiful, and we were fortunate enough to gain admission to several. We could have easily afforded private school. However, this post is more than just a cheerful “First day of Kindergarten!” snapshot; it’s a heartfelt declaration of our beliefs as a mother, neighbor, and community advocate in a vibrant, diverse urban area of Los Angeles.
Here’s why we chose this school:
First and foremost, it’s a genuinely good school filled with caring parents, dedicated teachers, and committed administrators—despite the absence of glossy brochures and high-budget professional development.
There’s no lottery or admissions process, no waitlists, and no hidden enrollment policies. If you live in this neighborhood, this school is yours.
It’s a place bursting with potential and excellence, even if many families choose not to acknowledge its merits.
Just as I feel responsible for maintaining the small grassy area in front of my house for my neighbors, I also see this local elementary school as my responsibility—to support, trust, and engage with it.
In a world where school segregation continues to divide communities, I recognize that if I don’t intentionally place my children in diverse socio-economic and racial environments, I risk raising them in a bubble of privilege. I may not mean to foster biases, but intentions alone are no longer sufficient. If I don’t expose my child to the realities of diverse backgrounds and experiences, I might inadvertently shield her from understanding true equality.
Without peers from varied backgrounds, my children might normalize their privilege. When the time comes to discuss structural racism and classism, they will lack the context necessary to understand their role in dismantling such systems. Volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating toys during the holidays can provide a sense of satisfaction, but if that’s the extent of their exposure to the real world, it won’t be enough to counteract the biases that arise from limited experiences.
I often hear people say, “If it doesn’t work out, you can always switch schools.” They’re right in theory; my privilege means I can find a school that aligns with my values. However, as someone who cares deeply about equity in education and who strives to be an ally against racism, I cannot accept a system that sacrifices another child’s opportunities for my own. My child deserves an education that is equal to that of every other child in our neighborhood.
I have faith that this journey will be a mix of challenges and joys. When I disregard the notion that the only path to being a good parent is through a well-curated education journey, I find beauty in simplicity and growth through adversity. Even if my children’s educational experiences aren’t perfectly planned, they can still become wonderful individuals.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
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In summary, our choice of a local public school over private and charter options is rooted in a commitment to community, diversity, and social responsibility. We believe in supporting our neighborhood school and fostering an environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds.