Public School For the Obama Girls, Please?

I generally agree with MJ, but on this one I have to part company. He's the President of the United States, not a mayor. It would be a daily logistical nightmare not only for the children of Obama, but for the children that he would attend school with. Their safety and security are more important that him making a political point.

Sidwell has tennis courts. :)

A total logistical nightmare, he should not send his children to public school under any circumstance.

This letter is very condescending to President-Elect Obama and his family. Suggesting that he compromise his children's education in order to send out a PC message is insulting. Do you really think that a president would want his children attending public school in one of the roughest areas of the country? I would not send my children to a public school in DC or anywhere else for that matter, and I am low income. The public school system is one of the biggest failures this country has ever known. It needs to be reformed and totally rebuilt from the ground up. Hey, if the Obama's want to be like everybody else, maybe Michelle should stop wearing such nice clothes and start shopping for her outfits at K-Mart. And why bother staying at the White House? Why they could just live in a housing project so they wouldn't seem "out of touch". There are certain priviliges accorded to a president and his family. By the way, Amy Carter flunked out of Brown.

Whoah, Beth. A great deal of good comes out of the nations public school systems. To boot, many of America's most talented, and certainly hardworking, emerge from neighborhood school systems. That students within D.C.'s school systems suffer, like many inner city school systems, from the consequences of poverty and lack of opportunity does not mean that a great number of individual students do not thrive there.

The new president's leadership and experience organizing underprivileged (and black) urban communities, let us hope, will put him in a better position than most to attend to the challenges faced by D.C.'s school system--and the community as a whole. In fact, not to attend to those needs, considering the depth of his experience, will be understood for what it is: shameful.

I agree with what some of Beth is saying. I don't think chosing to send your kids to a suffering public school to prove a point or make a social statement should be expected of anyone.

Changing a failing school(s) will require much more than a prominent citizen sending his/her kids there.

When the thought of picking a school for my toddler (when he gets older) comes to mind, I get very depressed. But no way in hell will I send him to a school that needs rebuilding from the ground up just to make a point or make me feel good. His education and future are worth far more than that.

And while Obama is certainly capable have helping DC turns its schools around, I think that job belongs to the major. Obama has so many things to try to fix with the country its not even funny.

That's insane. President-elect Obama can't send his girls to public school. It would be a nightmare security wise for all concerned. He's got bigger fish to fry right now than trying to place his children in a public school setting for political correctness reasons or points. He needs to concentrate on getting things done, not spend time tutoring his kids. Public education needs to be fixed, for sure. Otherwise the U.S. is toast. But placing those two girls in public school is not going to fix anything either for the school district or for the girls for that matter, who are relocating from their own school system and home, on top of it all.

Worst.Idea.Ever.

Neither president-elect Obama, nor any parent who cares about their children, should send them to DC public schools. Children are not the property of the NEA, and they are not pawns to be used to make a political gesture.

The author of this screed should be ashamed of itself.

Interesting how the "concerned citizens" of this journal screech in horror at the mere thought of extending the franchise to the least among us. Fitting, really. Take a good look at yourselves...Oh, triumphants! The horror! The horror!

Crawl back to white-picket-fenceland, the lot of you.

Hey, I think Beth's letter is a good faith attempt to draw attention to something very shameful: our education system in D.C. sucks.
But I too would be afraid for the girls' safety which in turn may compromise the safety of the other children. How do the private schools manage the security issue though? I don't know.

What if Michelle adopted the D.C. school system? I know she's interested mainly in helping women with the work/life balance issue and in supporting military families.

But it never ceases to amaze me that in our wealthy, resourceful, creative country, the school system in our capitol is such a failure. The capitol is where we should have demonstration schools and school systems - it's where we should develop models of success. It's an opportunity to show-case the best.

I believe there is a real connection between the economic crisis and education. What are we educating people for? My mom and dad grew up in the Depression and told me about their classes. No matter how rich or poor, in the public schools, everyone was expected to know not only a broad range of basics, but a depth of knowledge about the world and America that would put most students to shame today.

That was public education in success mode.

Perhaps Michelle can work to empower educators in DC to succeed. And then, perhaps put her children in their hands.

Hey, I think Beth's letter is a good faith attempt to draw attention to something very shameful: our education system in D.C. sucks.
But I too would be afraid for the girls' safety which in turn may compromise the safety of the other children. How do the private schools manage the security issue though? I don't know.

What if Michelle adopted the D.C. school system? I know she's interested mainly in helping women with the work/life balance issue and in supporting military families.

But it never ceases to amaze me that in our wealthy, resourceful, creative country, the school system in our capitol is such a failure. The capitol is where we should have demonstration schools and school systems - it's where we should develop models of success. It's an opportunity to show-case the best.

I believe there is a real connection between the economic crisis and education. What are we educating people for? My mom and dad grew up in the Depression and told me about their classes. No matter how rich or poor, in the public schools, everyone was expected to know not only a broad range of basics, but a depth of knowledge about the world and America that would put most students to shame today.

That was public education in success mode.

Perhaps Michelle can work to empower educators in DC to succeed. And then, perhaps put her children in their hands.

The superintendent of DC public schools is a dynamic reformer, and she would be pleased to have the Obama kids in their schools, like other kids. Also, Obama has promised to expand the Harlem Children' Zone model to 20 other cities, and surely DC will be on this list. Finally, one good school with troubled children has been turned around with transcendental meditation, and there are David Lynch scholarships to help that happen in more schools. Yes,I, too, hope the girls will go to public schools. I worked as a school psychologist in a failing Harlem school for 26 years, and I hope that Obama will bring an emphasis upon urban education for all children, not just those with connections.

Bill Clinton explored the option of sending Chelsea to public school and realized what a nightmare it would be. Not just for the girls but for the school itself disrupted by the press and the presence of the secret service.

Obama is going to have enough to worry about without having to add the security and education of his children.

It will be better not only for them but for the other children that have to share a classroom with them to do so in a place that is more easily secured and where the children are used to being protected.

GET SERIOUS,THESE ARE THE PRESIDENTS KIDS. JUST PROTECTING THEM WOULD COST A FORTUNE. HIS KIDS SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN SOME POLITICAL STATEMENT. HE HAS PROMISED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ARE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN THIS COUNTRY. HE SHOULD NOT BE ASKED TO PUT HIS KIDS SAFETY AT RISK. THEY DIDN'T RUN FOR OFFICE.

It's this kind of thing that makes people think Leftists tend to be looney. The most caring parents I know work their butts off to keep their kids from having to go to public schools.

I have to agree with the author- Obama's children should definitely attend public school. Given the resources and security afforded to the President's children no matter where they attend school, the Obama children will be more than safe. It's not about being PC at all. I think it is shameful that the leader of our country wouldn't put his children into our country's schools. If it's not good enough for his kids, then he should do something about it.

Who at Mojo wrote this???
The snarky tone aside,
to suggest President Obama put his high-profile children where they could fall prey to kidnappers is an message that lacks empathy and heart as well as respect and brains.

I'm from a family of educators and my daughter taught in the Teach for America program in D.C. Sending the first family's daughters to public school would be extremely disruptive for all in the school. Security would affect all aspects of school life. The President should send his kids to the best school available which also provides the least amount of disruption to teaching staff and other students. Worrying about public schools is a distraction he doesn't need. Leave that to the mayor and Supt. Rhee.

This is an easy one to understand --- the security concerns would clearly rule that option out. That public vs. private alternative was carefully considered in 1992 for Chelsea Clinton. And she ended up at the Sidwell Friends School.

I should also add that many successful people have come out of DC, just as many unsuccessful people have come from private schools. Success is about more than the school.

Please - private school.
I am a public school teacher. I love public schools.
I cannot imagine the disruption that would be caused by the President's kids going to public school in my classroom. I would also be very concerned for their safety. I also object to the condescending tone of this article. Get a clue.

The Obama children have been in private/charter schools for their entire school life. Knowing how involved both parents are in these kids' education, my guess is that the school they currently attend is probably light years ahead of any public school in DC - no offense intended. That would put the kids in the awkward position of being about 2-3 grade-levels ahead of their peers - leading to rebellion and boredom for them, and a loss of educational opportunity.

WHEN the public schools have been reformed (and Supt. Rhee has just begun that process) and can compete on an even playing field, then the President will have the true option of making that choice. Until then, absolutely not. His children are too precious.

And that being said - ALL children are too precious to have to attend the deplorable schools. Congress (who is really in charge of DC) should provide every bit of support and funding needed by Supt Rhee to do the reform and overhaul that has been so badly needed for decades - and for the benefit of every single child who lives there.

I agree with Robert Evans above - the DC school system should be a model of how to do things right - not a disaster that everyone wants to run from. The Obama Administration has made a commitment to overhauling the entire public school system. Let's all work to pressure our congresscritters to help out in that effort.

Given the sad state of parts of American society, I would rather Obama's kids get a good education in a safe environment, and NOT have them going to public schools. Secret Service protection in a public school? No way.

I grew up in the DC metro area and attended public and private schools. In this situation, the Obama daughters need to go to private school, preferably Sidwell Friends where Chelsea went, or the National Cathedral School. These institutions are prepared for children of VIPs. They are infinitely easier to secure. The rules for students are much more stringent and enforced. This adds to the security for the girls. Asking the president to sent his daughters to a DC public school is naive and would not accomplish the author's intent.

Perhaps I haven't had enough coffee this morning, but... Have you inferred that a Nobel Laureate, environmental crusading, former Vice-President of the United States of America is a failure??

Having once lived in Trinidad, in the northeast section of the Disctrict of Columbia, I wholeheartedly agree that DC public schools need a not-so-minor miracle. However, I think your argument (not to mention your ethos) needs a bit of work.

I can't wait for open-school night.

no, the Mayor who took over the schools has not sent his sons to DC schools. In other words why would you believe in DC schools if your own Mayor will not send his kids to DC schools.

These kids currently attend the University of Chicago Lab School .. What public school could they attend in DC (or even Chicago) where they wouldn't have to get bumped up a few grades? No way they should start attending public schools now.

"Perhaps I haven't had enough coffee this morning, but... Have you inferred that a Nobel Laureate, environmental crusading, former Vice-President of the United States of America is a failure??"

No, she was talking about his son. But her argument falls flat, because he did graduate (although he actually finished school at Friends), and she is trying to make the case that he is unsuccessful based on the fact that he had a drug problem. I would be willing to bet that she has no idea what Al Gore III is doing right now, doesn't know him personally and has no basis for judging his success or failure.

This post is misguided. The presidents children going to a particular school is not going to magically fix the systemic problems of the DC public school system. It wouldn't really benefit the quality of education in the particular school, much less urban schools across the nation. The idea that Obama should martyr his children or merely put them in the way of more harm than necessary as a symbol is preposterous. They didn't ask to be activists (yet) or in the public eye. The least their parents could do is put them in the least disruptive environment possible.

I'm a public school teacher.
President Obama's children should not attend public school. The schools need to be fixed, but having his daughters attend won't do that - the premise is ridiculous.
He needs to ensure that his children are safe, and he needs to focus on fixing our country.
Both of these goals will be more easily attained if the girls do not attend a public school in DC.

Sen. & Mrs. Obama should select the best school in D.C. that is consistent with maximizing their daughters' security, whether it's a public school or a private school. We have way too many nutcases in the U.S. who think Fox is a news channel and "socialism" and "Marxism" and -- eek! -- "liberalism" are about to destroy America. Keep the Obamas and their daughters as safe as possible. (I teach in a public school, but I'm more interested in security than symbolism in this case.)

Wow, I took this blog to be written tongue-in-cheek. I laughed at lines such as "After 5th grade, my kids would attend the same school as yours". Then I read all the comments, all making good points but all assuming the blogger was unaware of these points. It's a well-written piece about how far the DC schools have to go, by someone intimately acquainted with them...not where Obama should send his daughters.

It just seems like those little girls would be too at risk - their safety should be a bigger consideration than any kind of political statement.

While I understand the author's desire to see the Obamas send their children to public school, I am a bit disappointed by his dismissal of Sidwell Friends. I teach at Friends Seminary in NYC, and we have our fair share of privileged parents. At the same time, a Friends education is one that is rich in the Quaker tradition and includes values like peace, simplicity, and community service. There is more to Sidwell Friends than its fancy student body.

ARE YOU JOKING???

NOW EVERY WAKING MOMENT FOR THIS OBAMA-GUY...AND...HIS FAMILY HAS THEM AT RISK.

Whomever wrote this did not think about what they were writing about very much.

I agree. They should be in private school. Yes they are normal typical children but they are not living a normal typical life. They need the extra protection of a private school and the public school doesn't need to be burdened with the extra security of having the president's children there.

My daughter will graduate from public school in Little Rock, Arkansas this year and my son attended public school through 6th grade. I have been very active in everything from PTA to serving on the School Board. However, many of the public schools in our area are in need of much improvement. There lies the problem. I am sure the Obama's are aware of the problems in public education, but as parents, there first responsibility is to their children. It is unreasonable to sacrifice their kids education to try to improve the appearance of public education in Washington. I have been very impressed with how the Obama's have approaced parenting their children, and I am confident that they will make the right decision, based on the needs of their girls, not on the needs of the public school system in D.C. That does not mean that they will not be committed to improving public education, just like I am, although my son attends a private school.

As a parent, I don't care whether my child goes to a public or private school. I want my child to get a quality education. I am sure that Mr. and Mrs. Obama have the same concerns for their children. Parents also want their children to be safe. Where I live the best schools are private, so my daughter goes to a private school. End of story.

Aside from the obvious logistical nightmare and security problems, the Obama's as parents have the right and the obligation to consider their daughters' education and their futures first. They should not be expected to use their kids as symbols. They should not be expected to sacrifice their kids to political correctness either.

Man, I'm torn by this one. I don't think it would even be practical for him to send his kids to public schools. As some mentioned above, just the logistics would be a total nightmare and I'm not sure the kids would be as safe as they could be and their very presence might endanger the other kids.

That said though, I am sick to death of politicians here in California who make massive cuts in public education and programs for children while their own kids attend elite private schools in Malibu or some other enclave of the rich and powerful and never have to suffer the consequences of their parents' actions. Anybody want a used governator?

I am a teacher too.
I've taught in some rough areas such as the South Bronx, NY and in Orange, NJ. as well as many other places.
I've seen amazing teachers and programs in schools with funding issues and in very tough neighborhoods yield enviable results with students served.
My own child has been in both private and public schools.

The key to a good education is the teacher, the effort that a student makes, parental involvement and yes, a safe environment helps.
An improved school administration wouldn't hurt either.

Logistically, wherever the Obama girls go, there will be heightened security, Secret Service Agents and press.

At least in theory, if the Obama girls went to D.C. public schools, the security would be ramped up, thereby improving it drastically - for all the children.

If the children belong academically in classes 2-3 years ahead, so be it.
However, there are convincing arguments that the children - any gifted child-remain in the same grade but in advanced level classes. This has benefits for the children with academic gifts as well as for the other children.

All the children learn to respect differences and learn from each other. They also learn that everyone has a gift. Think Multiple Intelligences Theory. Some are math/science oriented, some are nature oriented, some visually, some musically, some athletically, some intrapersonally, some social butterflies, some can smile and brighten everyone's day.

My child is in such classes now and has been throughout his school career.

Gifted children choose friends not by age level but by other characteristics: shared interests. Some friends may be several years older, some may be younger.
Some may be in advanced classes and some may be behind in some areas.

I teach children with special needs as well as their "normal" peers. This includes children ahead as well as behind their peers.

I can only think that everyone would benefit in this case.

Being in a private school is no guarantee of success. Nor is being in a public school a guaranteed "failure".

How many if the posters here saw the Obama video with the high school teachers and students in a South Bronx School inspired to make changes "yes, we can"/"si se puede?" and succeeding! Granted, it was not the average school. However, the students were coming from impoverished backgrounds, single parent families and violence in their lives.

Funding alone doesn't make an improved educational system nor does a fancy facility.
What happens inside is key.

Isn't it the job of leaders to lead by example?

While I agree that security issues may make it an unwise choice for the president, I have to disagree with those who have described the public school option as simply "making a political point" or similar. There is plenty of evidence that having children from middle class or wealthier backgrounds in private schools significantly helps the other kids and generally does so without any significant negative impact on the middle class children themselves. That may well require a high degree of parental involvement in both the children's education and the school of course.

Yes Obama children would be an asset to any school, but would the school be of benefit to them. Both of the girls come from parents with genius IQ's and an excellent work ethic. Michelle Obama seems like an involved parent. Like every parent I think that they will want to look at what is good for their children.
Obama is your President to be and his children and his wife are off bounds to everything including your lousy schooling system. I find it offensive for you to even suggest that he should think about sending his children to your school or any school. I think that by the time he finishes, one or two terms, Obama will have done his service and that should not involve his children.
If you are that interested in making your school system a better place then I suggest that you start elsewhere. Nobody will argue with the lousy school system. Nobody will argue how it is possible that within the boundaries of the most powerful house in the world one has the worst education in US and perhaps the world. Visit your fair city at 5 or 6 am and see the homeless sleeping at McDonald's or Starbucks which are less than a quarter of a mile away from the White House. No amount of shame can change the attitudes of the political elite so the people have to change. The culture has to change. The culture has to want to learn. When parents want to have their children learn more than they want them to watch television or play football or basketball than there might be hope. In the meantime I am sure that you have made everybody aware of a problem which most are all too cognizant of. But, do leave the future President alone on this issue. I find Mother Jones even allowing this article to be printed despicable.
You know I did not vote for Obama and I personally do not like him, but now he is going to be our President. I think that we begin to do things. I am still reading about journalists writing about his race and the rifts between the parties. I am still hearing journalists being less than journalists and more like marketing machines. We have to go back to our jobs and do that which we are best at doing and more. Do not wait for Obama to do it for us. He has already told all of you to begin doing your bit. Some want to behave like those who waited for Clinton to fail. Others want to take the approach of doing everything against him. And then there are those, such as the writer of this article, who want Obama to do something that has nothing to do with his Presidency. And to boot, if he does not then he too will be the heel, just like Clinton. Shame on all of these groups.
The proper approach is that you have a new President and your task is to be good citizens of the Republic. Part of that is not to cut off our noses to spite our faces. Part of that is to use simple logic and not try and sabotage the guy before he has even started his job.

Obama's kids are going to be the most famous kids in America, if they aren't already. If they so much as sneeze, it is going to be headline news. They are going to have to be kept under guard 27/7. Their being in a public school would put them, and other kids at risk.
Perhaps Obama should hire a tutor, and have them schooled in the White House.

It is of course easy to understand your point;however, I believe sending the children of the President to public schools is a big mistake. It would be a nightmare security risk, not only for the girls, but also for the other students at the school. In no way would there be a possibility of a "normal" school life for anyone. It is foolish to think there could be.

Ridiculous and unreasonable. The man has taken the most stressful job on Earth. He has permanently disrupted his family's life. His kids have access to a top-flight education...

...and you expect him to persuade their mother that they ought not avail themselves to this one benefit for them?

Easy for you to say.

"If the children belong academically in classes 2-3 years ahead, so be it."

...and you call yourself "a teacher."

To Myskylark,

Unfathomably, a crucial point has been missed: Barack Obama and his family are already symbols and they are not even residents of the White House yet!

If no sacrifices are to be made - don't enter public office where everything you do is under scrutiny.

To David Cooper:
Wat a loaded statement to make that you want a quality education for your children so "they attend a private school because the "best" schools in my area are private- end of story!" You've clearly implied that attending a public school results in an inferior education! That is an ignorant statement to make.
I suppose the remedy for such an attitude is to spend more time in public schools!

To Bram:
"At the same time, a Friends education is one that is rich in the Quaker tradition and includes values like peace, simplicity, and community service. There is more to Sidwell Friends than its fancy student body."
Do the Quakers have some monopoly on values of peace, simplicity and community service?

I am sure the school you teach in is just fine, but please be enlightened - many other public schools also place value on peace, simplicity and above all, community service and the idea of giving back!

To Isaac B -

Of course the school would be of benefit to the Obama children!

Obviously implied here is the supposition that benefits only flow in one direction. Ignorance is bliss.

To suppose that benefits only flow unidirectionally is to be blinded.

Think of what Princess Diana did with her sons...she exposed them to all kinds of people.

Do you suppose that the public schools are lacking parents with genius IQ's and excellent work ethics?

Students, teachers or administrators with high IQ's and strong work ethics exist everywhere.

Please make the distinction between intelligence and education.

Success is not guaranteed by one's IQ. Many successful people have lower IQ's but put forth more effort towards their goals. Many intelligent people do stupid acts.

Knowing something and doing it are very different concepts.

Listen to the voice of an academically advanced, musically and athletically gifted youngster on the benefit of attending a public school with a wide range of students from different cultures, religions, races, socio-economic statuses, both genders, speaking a huge range of languages, with other differences as well and a large student population: there's no private school that can give him what he has at public school. Yes, there are tennis courts there as well... :)

Here's just some benefits to the Obama children that are likely to occur in any school - and in a public school - developing acceptance of others' differences, an ability to recognize strengths of others, courage, resilience, ability to relate to others in a give and take way, values clarification, self-discipline, the ability to set own priorities, goals and directions.

The most crucial task to learn is that it is not enough to simply have a broad range of knowledge or a large skill base.

It is what you do with what you have that counts the most.

Imagine a vast library locked.
Inability to access the information and use it is a problem.

One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. Tutor other kids

It is important to learn to be "good enough" and not perfect.

Perfectionistic tendencies emotionally cripple many gifted youngsters.

It's important to learn to adapt and not be inflexible.

Frequently, gifted children (and adults) are emotionally intense: have strong feelings, are caring, loyal and sensitive to others.
Emotionally intense persons can learn to accept the feelings of others or seeming lack therof.

Gifted children can learn to compete with themselves rather than with others.

Gifted children can learn to stop thinking and start acting.

Another important ingredient in learning is recognition of blessings in disguise.

Our economy is in bad shape.
The blessing is that we may be more aware of our actions and inaction.
We may drive less and use public transportation more. We may improve urban planning and mass transit. We may shop less for polyester clothing made from petroleum derivatives. We may boldly shop in thrift and consignment stores, looking top-flight and saving landfills.

Even Princess Diana re-used her gowns.

We may pass legislation to preserve what remains of our precious natural resources and avoid drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Coastal Plain as well as our shores, knowing that we already have millions of acres of leased lands for drilling that have never been used.

Industry already has more land than it can drill.

Wilderness is good for the economy.

Wilderness clears our air and filters our water.
Wilderness provides essential habitat for wildlife including endangered species.
These healthy resilient landscapes are also essential for helping ecosystems and the species that depend on them [like humans] to adapt to climate change. People throughout the country value our wilderness not only for its beauty but for the natural retreat it provides from the stress of everyday life.

I would not send my dog to a public school. You can not be serious. I am sure the "First Lady" knows what is best for her and the "Presidents" daughters. So please do not be upset when they "dont" go to school with your kids. I pray he and the first lady take the girls as far away from the public eye and public school broken system as posible. Right now there is nothing good about Public School System regardless of who you are.

I agree with lokywoky.

I'm an educator, and would love to see the public schools gaining the pump up that the Obama children would actually bring -- talk about pressure to succeed when the President may just drop by one day to have a chat with his children's teachers.

Further, I don't know anything about the quality of DC's public schools. Yet, what I do know is that Obama and Michelle are smart people, organized people, and have been working with educational organizations for years. This makes me believe that seven o'clock in the evening doesn't mean TV time, but talk time, reading time, reviewing time, and homework time.

Honestly, how many public school parents spend their time teaching their children after school? 50%? 70%? I don't know the numbers (maybe you do), but it isn't enough.

I would image that Obama's children would be bored and frustrated in public schools -- this is especially true since I believe that his Presidency will be a learning opportunity for his children.

Yet, wait. I hear people yelling at me from here. I'm not saying that private education is all that much better. What I am saying is that if the President is limited by location in his choice of public schools, it is most likely better to find the best of the best school, regardless of its location, for his children and to send them there.

Or, think of it this way: if the children grow up to be ready for the Presidency, wouldn't you want them to have had the best education possible?

I would.

JJ

I think they should be "Home Schooled" at the White House.

The President is the most public of U.S. citizens. But there are some family decisions that should remain as personal as possible, and that includes the education of one's children. This is true whether the children are part of the First Family, or a family on Tennessee Avenue (where I grew up in D.C. in the late '50's.) I would be more interested in seeing what education policies the next president will initiate. His choice of Secretary of Education, Colin Powell is currently being mentioned, could develop policies and set a tone that could invigorate inner city schools, not only in D.C. but across the country. If part of that tone involves the Obama children attending D.C. public schools, then so be it. Obama has already impressed millions of people. I see no reason to expect he will not continue to do so.

Oh, Please! Free Country, remember? Who are you people?

I believe the meaning of the author's post here is primarily that the country needs to focus on our public schools. We fund the wealthy, we fund illegal and immoral wars, we fund fascism, despots and so forth, but we dramatically underfund our public schools and then compain about them.
I cannot fault any parent for doing their best for their children. Trying to give them the best education they can afford. But I'm sick to death of people complaining about our public school systems. FUND OUR SCHOOLS! Make believe that our schools have lobbyists, have connections in high places, are part of the War on Terror, and spend hundreds of billions on them. There is no excuse for underfunding our public school system. Either you believe in a good education for all or you believe that some people are better than others. Are we a nation that believes in the Constitution or not? Plain and simple. Social classes make a divided educational system. The wealthy get private schools. The poor get underfunded public schools. It leaves the common man scrambling and scraping to try to afford a better education through private schools. It drives educators to private schools.

Just what kind of man in Obama? A man of the people? Or a man who will support class division. Democracy or Empire? Where will the money go?

P.S. I agree that it will be logistically improbable to send his kids to public schools due to the nature of his position and wackos who want to see him less than alive.

President Obama should send his children to whatever is the best school for the children and the family that he can. He will not use his children to score or make political points, to do so would be disingenuous and poor parenting.

I completely agree with Beth, one of the first commenters up there. Obama should not have to send his kids to public schools. Education is a blessing, and if Obama has the means to provide BETTER education for his kids, he is obligated to do so. If his kids do end up going to nice private schools, I think there's a way for America to see this as a father's love and concern for his children, not as an "elitist" refusing to have his kids educated in an average school.

Sheesh, you'd think that Stephanie had advocated tying the Obama kids to a stone altar and offering up their very lives as some kind of loyalty test to a Liberal Higher Power. Putting the Obama kids into public schools may not be the most practical step, but it's really distressing to read all the unmitigated horror and disgust rolling off the page here at the mere concept of the family choosing a public school for the kids.

To everyone trotting happily under the "I would never send MY kid to a public school" banner: I sure hope you're also actively working in your communities to strengthen public school funding and support teachers so that the vast majority of your neighbors who don't have your opportunities aren't left to fend for themselves in the hellholes you imagine or even know those schools to be.

Those public-school students might (MIGHT) not grow up to be your next secretaries of state, but they sure as hell are going to be your bankers, your product-safety managers, your police officers, your nurses, and your grandchildren's teachers, private or public schools. What happens in their education now will be affecting your life and your kids' lives for the rest of the century. So if you're private- or home-schooling your kids, but you're voting in school-board elections and advocating good local school policies and donating good books to the public school library down the way, cool, but if you've just fled from The Horror without looking back, as some of these posts imply, I don't see you've got a leg to stand on here.

There are serious problems with the DC public schools, and life even in the best of them isn't all that rosy. But then again, education isn't all about the academics. I love the college students I work with who haven't read all The Classics but who have seen the world outside their own family's bubble and learned to adapt to and even gain from its uneven bits and potholes. There may be important things that students can ONLY learn if they're participating in a public-school or other all-parties-welcome environment. So if, for practical reasons, the Obama children have to be private schooled or home-schooled, we might take a minute to be a little sad about what they and their potential classmates might miss out on that we'd like to have our future leaders and professionals know.

There may be lots of valid reasons for this family to choose not to send their kids to these public schools at this time. Indeed, it seems really unlikely that they'll choose right now to have their children join the thousands of others who are participating in the DC schools and hoping for real change there. But one of the things I like about the Obamas is that they didn't -- like many of the MoJo Blog readers here, apparently -- rule out public schools right up front...not the first time they had to decide, in Chicago, and not now.

This is not a clear-cut issue. It's not an easy choice. And it's not foolish or condescending or brainless or insensitive to present the arguments for the minority view on a difficult decision -- it's what I read MoJo for.

In this day and age, the writer must have a death wish for the Obama family? It makes no sence not only will the school be a target but the girls will be in danger at all times..
Home school makes safe sence to me.

All these suggestions aside, I believe Michelle (with Barracks input) will decide where to send their kids to school, and it will be done with their best interest as the motivating factor, not to prove a political point or further a cause. I understand Warrren Buffet sends or sent his kids to public school - but he doesn't have quite the high profile of the Obamas who must be in sight of security at all times. Even a private school would be chancy and a little scary. One of Obama's top priorities is to fix the school system, but his and his wife's very top priority is raising their girls to be safe, happy and educated. If it were me I'd opt for a private tutor, then make sure they get lots of social contact and physical activity thru other means. I say this because my grand daughter went to a charter school in Phoenix for 7th grade (last year) and told me the kids were having oral sex on the grounds and in the bathrooms, not even very well hidden from the teachers. Sounds like fixing the schools is going to be a long job and I doubt Michelle and Barrack will sacrifice their daughters in the interim to prove any point at all. They'll probably also choose their own dog by themselves, for reasons that stem from their own needs, but I hope they get a cute little chihauhau because it would be politically correct and send a message to all the Hispanics. See how silly hero worship is? Obama has got the hardest job in the world in the worst shape it's been in for 70 years - I hope he is not bugged to death by trivial (in comparison) advice better left to his help mate so he can concentrate on his overwhelming responsibilities. He is not the type to renege on promises, plans and new procedures and must be unbelievably organized within an incomprehensible work load from here on to make it all work. I know he has filled all our lives and become a household word in the last two years - and there will be a void now that he is finally ensconced in his rightfull position, but I hope he is given the respect to make his own decisions about personal matters. He is, after all, the smartest guy in the world (in my opinion).

As a retired educator, I believe the Obama children would do well academically in any school they may attend. However, I believe security for their safety is the most important factor to be considered. If the world wasn't plagued with psychotic individuals preying on anyone who is successful or believes differently from themselves, I might think differently. Protection from the crazy nut cases is a must.

It was a logistical nightmare for Amy Carter who did attend a public school. She wasn't even allowed to go out at recess.

The girls are not going to see their parents often, and will often hear or read criticisms of them.

Please let them be real children at school. let them go to a private school that may be able to offer them a semblance of childhood.

Maret all the way.

Obamas' girls must be protected if they attend a DC school I think they would be very vulnerable to being hurt. Please do not apply added pressure to Barack and Machelle already full plate.

Let's spell out why this is not a good idea:

1) Young daughters of first black president. Can you say "hostage bait"? Or "murder bait"? It's all too likely. Crazy people have flown airplanes into the White House during Clinton's stay there -- that's how eager they were to get at him and his family; by contrast, getting at the girls in a public-school setting is a piece of cake for a bad guy. If the worst happens, does Obama get to come up to the people pushing this idea and smear their faces with his daughters' blood?

2) Security nightmare. Remember how John McCain had to have several dozen troops, several helicopter gunships, and a bulletproof vest to make his nice little shopping trip in the Baghdad bazaar? The security presence required every school day, from class to class, for each of the Obama girls (remember, they're of different ages, so they couldn't take the same classes), would have to be nearly as intense.

3) The problems for the other students. Imagine having to be bodily searched every time you entered and left the school building where an Obama child was. Do you really want this to be inflicted on the kids and their teachers, every single day of each school year?

Bottom line: It can't -- and shouldn't -- be done.

Obama must send his kids to private school.

To do otherwise would be a logistical nightmare. It is impractical to have the necessary secret service protection in a public school setting.

As a former public school teacher, I completely agree that DC's school system has been neglected and I give my unqualified support to fixing that problem.

However, Obama's daughters aren't props in a stage production, they are kids. They need to be safe in an environment that is most conducive to their education, and with all the demands of secret service protection and increased media scrutiny, a public school is unfourtunately out of the question for them.

I disagree with the assumption that home school or private school kids are not exposed to the real world. If the Obama girls were home schooled in the White House and traveled at all with their parents they would be exposed to more real life than a public school kid or private school kid of the same age.
I don't understand how being in one classroom with the same group of kids, all the same age everyday is real life. How many of us live that way after we are out of high school?
Yes I am a home school mom but I was a public school graduate and my husband is private school graduate.
Our family is in year 9 of our home school journey and my kids have the opportunity to see many different people each week. How many public school or private school kids know what goes on in a big city during the work week or school day? Mine do,they see the home less sleeping under the bridge when we visit grandparents and experience many other real life situations each day. I could list many but this article is not about home schooling this is about the Obama's education choice.
I think the choice of a child's education should be a parental right and even as president Obama's right as a parent is for him and his wife to select the best education for their girls.
I don't want him telling me where my kids have to go to school, why should we the the public tell him what his kids should do? It is not anyone's decision except for the Obama's and maybe the secret service should have an opinion since they are responsible for the girls safety. He is a father and a president but his kids are not elected officials. They should not suffer b/c of the expectations placed on their father. The Obama's should be able to make this decision without being politically correct. Just my opinion.

I say, homeschool, all the way.

I think even Obama is smart enough to send his kids to a private school.

Criminy! So many people who think it is their business how others should raise their children. Well, I guess it's a more important subject than in the ongoing debate about what breed of dog they ought to buy.

The highest obligation a parent has is to do what is best for his/her child. Not ot use them as a prop or a symbol. Not to satisfy the needs or desires of anone else. Not to bend to the will of the greatest number of commenters, or to the most outspoken ones. The only limitation on that is if what is best for their children harms others.

DC public schools are not the best for any high-profile child - nor is the presence of any high-profile child good for the wellfare (safety) of the other children in that school. (The secret service is not set up to police a DC school.) I suspect this is what the Obamas will decide. (If they decide otherwise, that is their choice.)

Phoenix Woman,
Nice job laying out the problems involved with these girls' attendance in public schools. I harbor personal admiration for people who can write coherently and intelligently, yet with a stylistic informality that makes for easy, enjoyable reading.

lokywoky,
Very good point. The girls would be in a very awkward position, being at an academic level 2-3 years ahead of their peers. What do the public school attendance proponents suggest they do while they are waiting for their classmates to advance those 2-3 years? And what do you expect their teachers to do with the girls?

Isaac B,
I hadn't heard of these "genius IQ's." I did read an ad (which I don't necessarily believe) that states that Obama's IQ is 130 - which is not genius. In fact, the idea of connecting IQ scores and "genius" is rather passe. Anyone who's studied psychology should be able to tell you that an IQ test is a pretty good indicator of academic achievement in the very near future, (barring new/unusual circumstances), but little else. Muddying the waters still further is the question, Which IQ test(s) did they take? There is a difference.

Mainly, I'm just curious as to the motivation for publicizing information about their IQ scores. Who did such a thing?

It occurs to me that The White House might be a great place to homeschool!!

Unbelieveable. This kind of no-holds-barred, fantasy-world thinking is what embarrasses me to be a liberal. The President and his wife should have the same freedom to make a school choice based on the options available to them not only like anyone else but with special focus on their girls security and the ability of that school to handle the ramifications of that choice.

The President's children should never, ever be part of a political aparatus of any kind and to even suggest it is grossly ignorant.

I bet the Secret Service is freaking out at the possiblity of those girls going to a public school. Their safety has to be the first goal. As much as I would "like" the idea of them being in a public school, the pragmatic person in me says... NO, NO, it would not be safe.

President Obama:

Kudos to you for reading this far down into the comments.

Please do not play politics with your children. Don't waste their time in a public school, and don't let apologists for the failed public school system guilt you into indulging their own fantasies.

Choose the best school for your children. You have the money -- if it means paying, then please do so.

the finest science and technology high school in the country is public, and barely ten miles from the white house. the challenge that faces most young people living in the district is more complex than simply overhauling the school system. however, the attitude of the president-elect goes a long way towards addressing the problem.

ACS
Your comments about the IQ of the parents of the two little girls is puzzling. You did forget that my sentence also had another part to it which included the work ethic. Strange that you forgot that. Now, if you had bothered to put it in context you would probably have guessed that those parents have both the intelligence and the action to be a part of the lives of those little girls. I have no idea why you and another writer are concentrating on this nonsense about IQ and academics etc. Since you are so insistent on commenting on something that has nothing to do with the article then please do tell me why the world is so insistent on using IQ type tests as entrance requirements for College (SAT) and for various professional schools (Law, Medical). Oh yes, your one psychology credit tells you that IQ is not the same as LSAT or MCAT, or SAT. (I am sure that you know that LSAT can be translated into an IQ score.) You are right, again! But, is it not testing intelligence, and as you say, by a different way? Now as to the comment about the genius IQ of our new President. You suggest that it is 130 and you automatically say that is not genius. Without getting into the numbers here, let me ask you if you have a problem with our President elect being a genius. Since you have no idea that he is or is not then why belittle the man by saying that he is not? Do you have a secret prejudice against Blacks and in particular do you have a problem with them doing well on IQ scores? In the past we had to write "white men's" IQ tests and we did not do as well. They gave us all kinds of reasons for that. But, we do not need reasons because we are just as intelligent as anyone else and I am deeply troubled by your automatic 'negative' assumption that the President is not a genius. Why? Are you a racist?

Don't delude yourself, he will NOT consider this. It will be a private school all the way. He knows the public school system is a colossal flop (especially in D.C.) and wouldn't subject his children to that.

Without a doubt one of the most inane ideas for an article I have ever come across.

Blessings to all,

Here's hoping that President-elect and Mrs. Obama will consider my Alma Mater, Holton-Arms School for Girls. Fine school for fine girls.

This person has to be crazy or exstreamly nieve. Why would the President of these United State send his children to any public school, when it is a fact that their, as well as the other children's safety will be at stake. It is not worth the life of a child to make a political statement.

There's no way BHO would ever put his children into D.C. public schools. He's not likely to change his views. He will find a private school where they will be more likely to get the type of education he wants for them. He doesn't have the time, nor the inclination to make any effort to improve D.C.'s public school system. He's already in so far over his head that he'll be lucky just to get by. Those are the unfortunate facts. The American people were lax in their choice and they will pay the price. It's just a matter of time.

Sorry, I live in DC and while the DC public schools had started to turn around, especially in terms of curriculum, under Superintendent Janey all progress has been reversed under Rhee and then some. She's an amatuer who has no idea what she's doing, other than hiring and firing for personal reasons. It's not just DC public schools that don't measure up. I pulled my oldest out of Fairfax County Virginia public schools because they only have one way to teach and an attitude that says "We don't care, we don't have to."

DC has a private school that was created in the 1940's for the express purpose of providing an integrated education when the DC public schools were officially segregated prior to Brown v. Board of Education. That's where he should send his kids to send a message of historic significance.

People here keep spouting what a nightmare it will be to protect the Obama girls, but unless Barack plans to homeschool them, it's going to be a nightmare no matter which school they attend.

I feel President elect MUST send his daughters to public school. To do other wise is racist to the Nth degree. His children will prosper and be enlightened to the real world. It will be truly educational!

I highly disagree with this. Mr. Obama does NOT need to send his children to public schools. He doesn't owe you, or anyone else that. YOu must not be aware of a little something called SECURITY. Besides, as someone else pointed out, it would be a logistical nightmare for him to send his kids to public schools. I think the private schools in the DC area are more equipped to handle the type of security issues that the children will be facing. Not only that, but the secret service is pretty clear about the fact that it is easier to handle protection measures when the children attend smaller private schools. Shame on you for even suggesting that he send his children to public schools.

What a cop out! Logistical nightmare? That's hog wash and you no it! Can President Obama overcome the "logistical nightmare" of sending his girls to Public Skools? "YES WE CAN!"

I appreciate the basis for your request but do you have any idea of the security risks
that the Obamas would fear if their girls went to public school? I bet they are tempted to homeschool (Whitehouse school)their kids just based on the evil lies that were generated in this
campaign. I would were I them.

Why on GOD's green earth, would the PRESIDENT of the United States send his children to the 51rst worst public school system in the United States? Are you serious lady?

In regards to Rhee turing the system around...you must be an outsider believing the hype, because as an individual with inside information....that woman has NO CLUE what she is doing!

This is hilarious. The same people forcing a failing public school system on the rest of us are the ones that wouldn't dream of sending their own children to public schools. They won't even entertain school vouchers to give the rest of us a choice of schools.

AND MOST OF YOU MAKE EXCUSES FOR THEM!

I agree with the previous contributor who suggested the rich nature of a Quaker education. Sidwell Friends seems most similar to the Lab School although the Lab School follows a Dewey educational system.

There are tremendous options in Washington. I wish all kids had access to the schools the Obamas will be able to choose from.

Some of you people are just plain crazy. The latest secret service reports say after Palin whipped up those crazies on the right threats against the Obama family increased three fold. Haven't we learned from Dallas, a church in Birmingham should I go on. These people would do anything to affect race relations in this country. Don't be crazy and stupid. Those two girls lives and any other childrens lives are not worth making a point about public education. This country still has a load of wackos running about. Think people think.

Sven: The same people forcing a failing public school system on the rest of us...

First, the public school system isn't failing. The American Family System is failing.

Second, nobody is forcing you to send your kids to public school. I sent mine to public for 4 and 5 years and now they attend a private school. If you can't afford private school and you don't like public school, home school them or don't have them.

The Obama family is already sacrificing enough. We should not expect them to sacrifice Sasha and Melia's safety and privacy by throwing them into the maelstrom of the District's public school system. The Obamas have plenty to worry about just cleaning up the messes we've left for them!

We shouldn't be telling our presidents where to send their kids to school. That's a private decision. We need to get back to separating the public from the private.

A "boost" to the schools should come from DC residents, and the silliness of "see you at math night" suggests that this writer has no idea what a president is elected to do.

On one hand I see why people would want to see Obama send his children to a public school. It would show that be believes that our school system can be fixed and will be. If he put his own daughters in public school and saw the many problems he would be more likely to fix them. Although, it would be very dangerous for this to happen. If the school system really is as bad as it is described, then there is no way he can afford to have four years of education go down the drain for his kids. A private school might be the better option because they will be surrounded by kids who have similar situations. Maybe the best idea is for the family to sit down and talk about where the girls would like to go to school best. If they are as bright as their father, I am sure they will make the right choice for them.

How about this: you send your kids to the school you want them to go to, and the Obamas send their kids to the school that they want them to go to? Sound fair? Also, you imply that middle class parents have political clout.... ALL parents have political clout, they just need to exercise it. It's called voting, protesting, organizing with like-minded people to make sure your voice is heard... It is not the government's job to come over and say "OK honey, what color school do you want today?" It's your job to tell them: :Hey, I want a rainbow colored school and I want it now because I am paying for it."

Condescending and a security nightmare...For all concerned ...NO public school!

Regardless of what the schools need and regardless of what the girls' presence can do for the schools, there is a SERIOUS security issue at hand. These girls are the children of a President brought in when every enemy in the world not only hates us, but wants to see us suffer. What better way than to infiltrate a public school where the President's children go everyday.

Also, if we ignore the security risk and we, for just a minute, pretend your argument is sound and that it will help that school, don't you think that would be unfair to the other crappy schools in DC? What about the other crappy schools everywhere else? Getting the first children to go somewhere simply for new books is ridiculous. If there's a problem in the schools, you need to take action. Suggesting the President risk his children's lives is not an option.

I don't think this is fair to the Obamas. It appears as though you are trying to put a gilt trip on them hoping that if they choose publix schools it will have a positive effect on your childs school. While this may be true, we have to believe that he wants to improve public education nation wide, not only in D.C. Choosing where one sends their child to school is a private one that should be respected. Just because he chooses private school for his children doesn't mean he doesn't support the public school system. They have a lot more to think about in choosing a school than you or I can even imagine. It amazes me how ignorant people can be. Get real!!!

Public or private school? This is not our business. Let us respect their decision.

Thank you to all readers of MOJO who've submitted comments thus far on this topic.

To President - Elect Obama:
Please do what is best for your children and our country -including the children of D.C. who attend public school.

To those who smear public schools in general and D.C. schools in particular -
Please provide some balance in your posts re public schools in your own region regarding areas of strength and areas in need of further development.

The truth is that good schools are everywhere.
Some get better publicity.

Good schools have administrators rarely sitting in their offices but walking the hallways; knowledgeable, competent, enthusiastic and caring teachers who appreciate spurring intrinsic motivation; students eager to go to school, appropriate guidance personnel, effective school security systems including school resource officers with a good handle on knowing the students in a personal way, a high level of parental involvement...

I see the security issue as a valid argument, but at either school it will be an issue. I most certainly would hope he would send them to public school, to show us all that he has faith in the "system". Maybe other political figures should evaluate their choices, and the voters as well. Obama said that he will work on getting the same health care to the American people that every elected official has, how about getting every child in America the same education that every elected officials child is getting? No, I am not a socialist, but I find it so wrong that good education depends on your neighborhood. Yes, many parents need to step up to the plate, but the schools need to be equally good, wherever you are.

The notion behind that decision is probably based on security and safety concerns more than any political correctness, or lack thereof.

This is silly. Let's be frank. While there are a few Democrats and black leaders who do send their kids to public schools, the vast majority do not. And it is not because of security concerns or anything like that. It is because public schools do not do a good job of educating children and they want better for their own children and private schools provide a superior education.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE BETTER!!!

The decision by so many black leaders to send their kids to private school is fine. It's their positions on vouchers, charter schools, etc. that is hypocritical. God bless her, my mom was a public school teacher in the Bronx. And between the union work rules, the limitations imposed by the community on homework assignments, behavior discipline, etc. she was undermined in her efforts to help children. But she had seniority, put in her time and retired.

We have to add the private sector qualities of consumer choice, merit-based promotion and retention of educators. The public system is failing. And we cannot remain, in the long run, a first world country with a third world education system.

I live in a barrio and work two jobs to send my kids to Catholic schools. They in no way compare to the exclusive schools the Obamas are considering. But, I send them there because they emphasize learning, good citizenship and values. I don't mind paying taxes to support public education because children in those schools need an education, too, and even in the urban schools, some kids are going to make it through sheer will.
I wish public schools were all quality schools, but they're not; therefore, I don't blame the Obamas for sending their children to a private school.

I live in a barrio and work two jobs to send my kids to Catholic schools. They in no way compare to the exclusive schools the Obamas are considering. But, I send them there because they emphasize learning, good citizenship and values. I don't mind paying taxes to support public education because children in those schools need an education, too, and even in the urban schools, some kids are going to make it through sheer will.
I wish public schools were all quality schools, but they're not; therefore, I don't blame the Obamas for sending their children to a private school.

I am most assuredly not a fan of Obama but I do assume that he loves his kids (unlike his own parents).

But that assumption would have to be discarded if he chose to send his kids to any "inner city" public school. He himself attended one of the premier private schools in America (Punahou) thanks to his grandparents. His kids deserve the same chance.

His kids education are his business and no one should be suggesting that they should be used to make any statements.

As a parent of a 5 year old who will be one of the first wave of students integrating our neighborhood school as it moves forward as a glo