Although they were once formidable, nowadays Detroit Public Schools do not enjoy much of a reputation – at least not a very good one. My parents went to public school – my mom to Mumford high and my dad to a school that is not still around – and they had always assumed that they would send me as well. Nonetheless, when it came time to decide, they were not sure anymore.  They had wanted me to get the very best education possible, and they were not sure that public education was the way to do it.

Fortunately, a friend of theirs change their mind. We had a public school teacher as a family friend who is passionate about the Detroit school system. He wasn’t a true believer – he knew that there were problems. Nonetheless, he felt a lot could be done with charter schools, unconventional teaching strategies, and efforts to attract highly qualified, talented teachers in the school district. As such, he really pressured my parents. I’m glad he did too. My public education was an experience I am very proud of.

You see, a lot of the bad reputation given to public schools nowadays is undeserved. Don’t get me wrong – there are some public school districts that really don’t have it together. Reading standards are slumping in some areas, while others lack even the most rudimentary science education. Nonetheless, the situation isn’t as bleak as you might imagine. The big problem is No Child Left Behind. The public school system makes teachers waste time teaching towards arbitrary tests, and this represents a poor use of limited public funds. It makes the schools look worse than they are, and stop them from improving.

Even with its faults, there are things that I could get in public school that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. First of all, I was deeply immersed in my community. I have friends down the block who were in my classes, and we were able to help each other out. I really felt like a part of my neighborhood. I also got to take advantage of some excellent extracurricular activities. There was a vibrant music program, a good drama department, and a decent art program as well. I could even take advanced placement classes in my junior and senior year, allowing me to prepare better for college. All in all, it was an extremely positive experience for me, and one that I’m glad I had. Not only was I educated, but I was also motivated to be a teacher myself and try to make things even better in the school district.

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