I think having a playground is important. It's good for the kids to be able to take a break during the day and go out and play and run around.
I wouldn't compare playground for playground as much as playground vs. no playground though.
If the other school doesn't have ANYTHING outdoors for the kids, I would want to know why. Do they have a great gym program for the kids? Do they allow indoor activities? etc.
They can have 2 amazing playgrounds but if they only use it once a week it isn't worth it. Find out their stance on recess. The more recess and play the better the education is going to be in early elementary years since kids learn the most through play not sitting behind desks doing paperwork.
I place education as more important then play space. You can always enroll your child in sports or take them to the park after school or on weekends to compensate but you can't necessarily provide a school level education at home.
Also keep in mind that having a school within walking distance means that school friends will also be in the area making less need to ferry the children around. D oes school A provide programs (i.e open gym time or other activities) to compensate for the fact that they have no play area?
The school close by in our situation is a magnet school so the kids will be from all over the city and even as far as the county. Even the regular schools here have kids from all over because we have a desegregation program that buses white kids into the city schools. I never thought about it but it might be difficult for my daughter to make friends because of this. I don't drive and getting to friends who don't live in our neighborhood will often be impossible.
Comments (45)
scongioloso
I wouldn't compare playground for playground as much as playground vs. no playground though.
If the other school doesn't have ANYTHING outdoors for the kids, I would want to know why. Do they have a great gym program for the kids? Do they allow indoor activities? etc.
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katsiss
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modestmichelle
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mkiero
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misselaineeous
Also keep in mind that having a school within walking distance means that school friends will also be in the area making less need to ferry the children around.
D
oes school A provide programs (i.e open gym time or other activities) to compensate for the fact that they have no play area?
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alacrity_danger
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