I think they should go to school in Kenya and immerse themselves in the culture of their heritage.

A great sentiment is made in this article concerning the dire need for us to invest much more into our public school system. Having more children from high profile families attending public schools not just in D.C but across this nation would sure make a positive impact upon education in our nation. BUT at the same time I worry about the logistics of having the presidents children in a public school system because they will require an unusual amount of privacy and security though it would make a statement it would not be wrong for Barack and Michelle as parents to put their children’s safety and privacy first.

White House children have always gone to private schools that the Secret Service can easily secure or have been tutored at the White House. These girls could easily be targets for any zealot or nut case that comes along – they need to learn, yes, but they also need to do so in a secure place where they nor their parents have to worry about their safety.

Whether Obama’s daughters go to private or public school part of his agenda was to improve public education. Hopefully all our public schools will receive the type of attention they deserve.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

For security reasons, I think private or home schooling is a much better choice.

I beg to differ. Being the President of the US is a huge civil service and sacrifice to the country. We should respect that and stop acting like the President is some corporate CEO in for capital gains.

Obama kids should have the best possible opportunities for education that their parents feel fit, even if it means private schools. Like every other American they should have the choice. Else the next thing we would be expecting is to have the President live in a small medium house with an economy car and shopping at outlets!

People have worked hard to afford an alternative schooling for their children. There’s nothing wrong with that…. It is wrong however, if people act out of self-interest when evaluating general expectations of others.

No, by no way send your kids to public school. My sister sent her children to public school after have gone to private school and they were devastated. Public school is a complete failure; besides thats why you make something of yourself so that you can do better by your children. What needs to be done is to overhaul the public school system. The parents and the children are crazy and the teachers don’t care. Think I’m lying, then what is the problem. Tell ME OK. I couldn’t wait to get out of public school and hated that I had to send my children to public school. Some things you have to prove, but others you don’t. Give those girls the best education that money will buy, any parent would.
To heck what people might say.

My mother taught in DC public schools for more than 25 years. They are horrible roach infested, dilapidated buildings. I honestly do not see the Obamas sending their children to a public school in DC. Maybe while researching schools in the area they will see the despicable condition the public schools in DC are in and do something about it.
Call them elitist all you want what kind of parents would they be if they can give their children the best and choose not to because what people will think, give me a break.

I truly sympathize with your child/children not being able to attend a private school or a charter school. But that shouldn”t permit you to ask such a depriving request of his children. Given if we all were able to take on this opportunity we would. Let this be a reason for you to make sure your child gets all that is neccessary. Depending on this man to solve the school problem is quite selfish to me as a mother of three. Before he was elected you as a parent should have had an impact on his schooling. Meaning never giving up on parent teacher conferences, P.T.A “s writing congress, news media whatever tools avaliable. We have to finally realize that we can”t continue as a people to ride off someone else”s blessings. He started off probably as in a bad of a shape as you and I. But with strong discipline and self determination he made it and I”am very proud of him and his accomplishments.

So, who would pay for their private schooling? We whined about Palin’s wardrobe. How much is it going to cost for private schooling? Do we want them growing up to be snobs?

As parents we must choose what we think is the best for our children. My children have gone to public and private schools and one was homeschooled for a couple of years. Neighbors looked at us like we were elitists for keeping our children out of public school, but to me education is one of the most important things we can give our children. My children have graduated high school and I can look back and say, they got the best education possible. I think the Obama’s value their daughters’ education and should choose what they think is best. No one should criticize their decision.

I am so Obama supporter-he is already going back on his miraculous miracles on saving us.
Even though I am not for him at all I really do not want his girls to go to a public school. The attention and stress that would be put on those darling little girls would not be fair.
Now he and Joe Biden have both promised a college education to all-I think we need to focus on that-the American dream he promised for all. Lets see how many kids get to go to college next year and the year after on his promises-I bet none.
PS to tell you the truth, I think he not all that he is cranked up to be-he did not get many more votes than George Bush-it is all hype.
But I am very proud of his wife and daughters and I think she has done a grand job with those girls and I think she is really his rock. In additon, she is an attorney-one smart cookie.
She is a very beautiful First Lady!

No but no thanks, the media will not allow my kids to study.

President and Mrs Obama , please consider private school for your girls.
their safety is far more important than what any one thinks about your decision. God speed.

Why on earth should those two beautiful little girls go to schools that are the worst in the country?

ANYONE would try to keep their kids out of the DC public schools; I would expect nothing else from the Obamas.

It’s ridiculous to expect them to “set an example” – they have the potential to be THERE for 8 years, but they will have lives to live after that and they’ll need some sort of education.

Shame on anyone who tries to pressure them into a public school education in Washington DC.

I think homeschooling the children would be an idea worth considering. They would be with their parents in the Whitehouse and have an opportunity to learn in a stimulating environment. What better place to study American history than in this living museum? What better place to study economics, read great literature, or write in an inspirational setting? What better teachers than such learned parents?!

Im all for public schools, I TRULY believe that students can receive a quality education, but the Presidents childrens should attend a private school. Especially since many so-called Americans aren’t happy about a fair VICTORY. Im ashamed of the Gwinnett County school systems in Georgia for not mentioning the historical new President Elect, Barack Obama’s victory . Ive spoken to many parents who feel as though Wednesday was a quiet day in the elementary, middle and high schools. The day went on as a regular day, this is history people. What a HUGE slap in the face for ALL american people.

There’s nothing wrong with private schools. Yes, this may support Obama’s image, however f you could give your kids a better education, wouldn’t you?

To all you youngsters out there-the president elect and his wife have the responsibility of sending their girls to a school of their own choice. It seems the Clintons managed just fine with Chelsea in a private school, and to consider the safety of the girls would be a prime importance.
Interesting how we observers like to call the shots.I think the Obamas will do just fine.

Dear President Elect – Obama

I feel the choice is yours to make of where to send your children. You have to do what is best for the welfare of your children and go with where you feel at peace. Either way you put it uou have a group of people North Babylon New York that will constantly be praying to Jesus for the safety of you and your children and wife. God put you in the place where you are, because I don’t believe nothing happens by chance. So, I know whatever decision you make will be the best decision for your beautiful daughters.

God bless you and your family
Karen

i believe the girls should be placed in the safest educational setting possible. i would not criticize the Obamas for choosing private schools if their safety can be ensured. as parents, they must make the best decision they can considering their children’s safety, not the wishes of society.

I have to leave the decision on this one to President -Elect Obama and his family. Mother Jones’ sentiment is pure of sincerity and intentions that I think this matter is also being considered seriously by the family. No doubt our schools and education system needs to be evaluated and revised to to better educate our American children.

I agree with everyone except Brenda. My children began their education in private school. The schedule worked best for my family and I wanted them to have religious teacher. My oldest wanted to go to public school to have more sport and AP opportunities, I was pleased and gave it a try for my youngest as well. It was the best choice I’ve made for my children. Private school are not absent of social ills, they’re just more discrete. Private schools do not have to have credentialed teachers or follow state guidelines. Yes, HIGH priced private schools do better because they have more resources, however, the average person is sending their children to “paid for public.” If you’re paying less than $20,000 your not getting anything better. In regards to the Obamas, they’ve done great by their children thus far and I’m sure they’ll make the decision that is best for them.

—- Children should not be sacrificed on the pitard of political adjenda — Has nothing to do with the actual education they would get, but with the number of ultra right wing racist neo-con stired up by Palin & Co’s G. Wallace type political speechs, and who are still out there (RE: October in TN State Police arrest 2 skin-heads planing to kill OBAMA and cut off the heads of hundreds of black school children), not identified and still plotting — This dictates that, at minimum, the Obama children’s safety and security should come first –

I think we could set up a model school in one wing of the White House or another nearby building. Not only could the Obama girls attend, we could host other children from the public and private school system to attend the White House School for a year.

This would provide the security that the Obama girls require and at the same time share the benefits of a model school with those not so fortunate.

If not this, then the Obamas might consider personally sponsoring some scholarships to private schools for those not able to afford it.

Either way, the Obama girls should be in a private school.

It’s not remotely possible for the presidents children to go to a public school for safety reasons. The Obama’s like many other presidential families will most certainly be the target of potential attacks. And unfortunately not just the ridiculous written and spoke words of hate.

Ms. Jones,

You’re kidding, right? These girls need to be protected. No public school can give them the protection they need. If I were Pres. & Mrs. Obama, I might even consider home schooling them. Hire some tutors and give them a great one on one education. But by no means should they be isolated from society. There are great home schooling “clubs” out there. They do field trips, band, art…. These girls did not ask to be thrown into the spotlight. They should not be sacrificial lambs to your cause. Their safety comes first, even if it means hurting your feelings.

What an absolute joke. I grew up in the D.C. area and went to school in Montgomery County, MD. No president sends their kids to public schools and it is wrong of us to ask him to sacrifice his children’s education for our own purpose. We wait until a black man is president and then tell him that if he doesn’t send his kids to the worst school district in the country that he is an elitist? Him and his wife have worked too hard, presidency aside, in order for their kids to get a good education for them to send them to schools full of drug dealers and metal detectors. If thats the case ask every member of congress and other high ranking government officials in D.C. to send their kids to D.C. schools also. They wont do that, if their kids go to public school its in Montgomery County where all the money is or a private school. Don’t tell him to use his kids as a public example at the expense of their future. Don’t ask him to risk his children’s safety when he is the new leader of the free world and his family is probably the biggest target of our century.

I think that it would be more appropriate for President elect Obama to send his daughters to Public school simply because if it ain’t good enough for the President’s kids then why is it good enough for mine? Politicians are not celebrities they are ‘for the people by the people’, and though at times they live very extroadinary lifestlyes, there are some things that a politician’s kid could also do normal – like going to normal school

Many people here are saying how bad and even horrible the public schools are. How did it get so bad then, and isn’t it past time to fix that problem? Or is it “socialism” to invest in first class public education?

There is problem in our priorities. I read articles about public schools where the buildings are roach infested etc…

What does a buiding tell the students who attend school there? What does the new malls with their marble floors and fancy stores tell students when they enter it?

I can tell you kids go to the malls. They know where we place value and its not in them.

If I were living in a low income area, attending a school like ones in DC and then went with to the mall, the message is “the poor are not important”.

We are nothing and no one cares or expects us to succeed.

The voters put their money where they are going to see it, and that is not in low income school areas or housing. They just complain the poor don’t take care of their schools etc..

Isn’t a fancy mall maintained? If it had the limited staff per square foot of a normal school, they would look terrible.

Its all so sad.

As a public school teacher who truly believes in the US public school systems, I beg Obama and Michelle send their daughters to public school. Security needs aside, the school’s budget should not be changed, so their personal experiences are reflective of all US public school students.

I sent my own two daughters to public schools because I practice what I preach. The president should most certainly do the same if he truly believes in what he has repeatedly espoused.

Sending the Obama daughters to public school relays a message that supports the promises made by Obama while on the campaign trail. Incidentally, I saved every printed quote and recordings of speeches that related to public school education made by both Obama and Biden. To me personally, this decision will indicate Obama’s truthfulness while seeking my vote. I took the leap of faith in voting for him primarily because of his support for public education – so I will feel lied to and let down if he send his own daughters to private school.

They will be sent to a private school where they will be safe to concentrate on education instead of looking over their shoulders for possible attacks or kid-nappers.

They go to private school in Chicago, so I don’t think that is going to change when they get to Washington. They require secret service protection and that is easier done in a private school. Also, why would they want to put their kids into a broken public school system?

Dear Mother Jones,
I understand your reasons for requesting that and find it admirable, but I urge President Obama to put the welfare and safety of his children first, and I think given the times we live in that the children of the President should be in a private school where it will be easier for the secret service to ensure their and their classmates safety. It is going to be a transition for these girls anyways and the fishbowl that they will be living in a burden to young girls trying to stretch their wings, so to use them to give publicity to public schools is not the right thing for those sweet girls, or the public school system. Perhaps, him sending them to private school is the best statement showing how much more funding for better teachers and better resources are needed in public schools!
Best.

I would hope that the Obamas would send their children to public school. It was very disappointing when the Clintons sent their daughter off to private school after all their talk about public education and the fine teachers there. It’s proves that they were all talk and no action.

They need to do what ever they feel comfortable with — I’m not the one living in the “Fish Bowl” – and I suspect if I were I would protect my family (esp children) from as much intrustion as possible. Safety & Security first – this is one crazy world. Bless you all and take care.

I teach at a parochial school. I am credentialed, have a teaching certificate and by my state’s standards, would be considered highly qualified. In my school we follow the state’s standards and national standards where applicable. We do not produce elitists. We have high expectations when it comes to behavior and our parents support us. My pay is about 2/3 of my public school peers. Am I qualified to teach at a public school? Yes! Would I? No. I wish that ac360 would take a close look at the education system in our country. We are a small rural school. We do more with less than our public school counterparts. Money will not solve the public school image. We have an education crisis our kids are not going to be able to compete if we do not focus on what and how they are taught.

It would be good to have the children in a public school because we need to upgrade our public school system. However, I think parents have the right to do what is best for their children.

Private schools are MUCH BETTER> Sorry to say that after having had my child attend both.

So Barak Obama, please send your child to whatever school you please.

BUT ALSO make sure that the public schools improve not just in your and Ms. Mother Jones writers neighbourhood but mine as well.

I cannot afford private school anymore!

What if one of the GIRLS is artistically inclined or special needs????

Why don’t they have really GOOD design type high schools that appeal to boys too????

What do I know????

WHAT if there are NASTY kids in the local public school???? OR the private SCHOOL for that MATTER????

Mr President Elect: You cannot be inconsistent with your campaign talk and decide now that you are going to be taking your children to DC that you no longer want to talk the “middle class” talk. That you are just like everyone else….many people in this country would love to put their children in private schools but cannot afford it. For you to put them in private schools right now is once again showing us that you are not walking the talk. I would recommend you home school. You would have a beautiful environment for them to study. I am sure they would do fine, but do not put yourself up with the elitist and put them in private school while you have for 20 months been trying to prove to me that you are like me…the average American.

This time I will agree with by “BUDDY” Jack Cafferty. The Obama’s should send their children to a school of their chosing. It is their decision.

That’s pretty good, The Obamas can afford to send their girls to the best of schools. But, he was against The Voucher Program, so you all could pick a better school for your children. And you all really think this man is for you?

There is nothing wrong in public school if the president elect and his wife think public school is the best for their kids is absolutely thier choice.
Their public service should not be use as a stigma in making a critical decision in such matter.

i think that he can send his children to school where ever he feels is safest and will not ask him or beg him to send them where I want wish they should go. You are immature.

President-Elect and Mrs. Obama,

Your children deserve the best, just as any other child. Place them in the best private school. These girls are our future.

1st – it is my understanding that Amy Carter went to public school.

I do not know why people automatically think private schools are better. The teachers of private schools are not required to have teaching credentials required by public school teachers (and most of them do not actually have them). Therefore, the teachers have not necessarily studied, curriculum planning, child development and classroom management like their counterparts in the public schools have.

Here are the benefits of private schools as I see it:
1. they are prettier, they have to budget well for keeping things looking pretty so as to attract new families.
2. discipline standards will be higher in school (but this says nothing of the behavior standards these kids maintain outside of school)
3. the children do not spend their days learning how to take a test, like public school children have ever since the *genius* “No Child Left Behind” hopefully this part of public schools will end under Obama.

Has anyone else noticed that the hate-mongers that post here cannot even get their grammar correct? Maybe you guys should read a book or two; try to understand the issues before vehemently dismissing them and our new president-elect.

Be informed! Stop buying the hype, seek out the facts for yourselves. And pick up a bloody dictionary!

I’m hoping the girls go to the National Cathedral School, which is very experienced in handling high-profile children and helping them fit in with other kids whose parents aren’t so prominent. They should be treated as individuals and given every opportunity to learn, without the burden or conceit of celebrity.

OMG you are crazy

with the threats on Obama’s life so high he has to send his kids to public school to make you happy

President and First Lady Obama you do what best for your family

ps they have been paying for their children to go to private school

so now they still will be , the man is a millionaire from his books

Why is it WE have to make something out of everything? If Obama had not been elected President would we be talking about this?
It is the OBAMA family that has to make this decision not ours! However, there are some of your comments that are very good and offer thought. Public Shools: Yes, it is a shame that many public schools are not up to standard and this has to change. Unfortunately, I convinced that if Obama’s children went to public school it would detract from others. And there is no win-win solution other than a private school or private teaching. What would our reaction be if, God forbid, some crazy, tried to go after the kids at a public school? No doubt outrage and why hadn’t they been in a private school to begin with! And then we would be taking our children out of school in fear, talk about sueing, etc. etc.. Right now MOST of us, if we had the choice and money would put our children in a private shool!

Wonderful article.

But, no, those girls should be given the highest of high priority safety wise. Let’s give them the best education we can. The best that ANY president has given his children. I think we can revamp the education system without the safety of Obama’s girls in jeopardy.

“Actions speak so much louder than words.” That age-old adage couldn’t be more appropriate when discussing whether the Obama family chooses to send their two daughters to public or private school. Based upon everything Obama said while campaigning, his daughters must attend public school. If he does not practice what he preaches he will disappoint every public school stakeholder in the country. It will also send a clear message from the onset of his presidency that he is a liar!!

I think they should just give him a chance…they should be able to go to any school of thier chose beside thier father is the President ..but i agreed to Private schools.this is for larry on the blog you is to old to be act and comment the way you do that is children…

The President-elect is committed to enhancing and supporting public education. Real support lies with the residents of the school districts and parents at home to assure quality education. School boards across the nation regularly reach out to the community for support and routinely see the efforts fail at the ballot box. If publicity or federal handouts are believed to be the answer – then public education will be as shallow as the people who expect those results. The Obama children must be protected, if that means private institutions, then so be it.

I think the education of the Obama girls is a family matter and the American public should stay out of it. This is the first time this issue has ever been raised concerning a President and the education of his children. Obama and his wife are pretty smart, I think they have the parenting thing down and know what is best for their girls. We don’t have others outside of our family making decisions for us so why should they? Give me a break!

It would be a nightmare for those children to try to go to public schools with all the security issues that could be such a huge threat to their wellbeing. Can you imagine what would happen if one of those girls were kid-knapped? …. by terrorists? The amount of security it would take alone would surely be disruptive and cumbersum to any sence of normalcy these girls might try to have. DC’s parents need to get on the stick and fix their kids’ schooling problems. Please, don’t try to make these children take the brunt of all the ugly that is intrinsic to politics by sending them to public schools. If their father pleases the populus they’re going to be on top, and if he dosen’t, they’re in the mud. He surely won’t be able to please everybody all the time….
Don’t make those girls into targets!

Barack and Michelle should make the decision that is appropriate for their family.

Some of my friends send their kids to private school, some send them to public school, and some choose to homeschool. They all have their reasons and their reasons are appropriate for their particular family situation.

To ask two little girls to take on the responsibility of ensuring the DC school system gets improved is a burden too heavy for such small shoulders.

I went to a small public school with limited resources – no advanced placement classes, no foreign language classes, limited sports for girls, and virtually no arts and music classes. I would have jumped at the opportunity to attend a school with more choices.

I contrast my public school education with my young nieces who attend a very good private school in England. The last time I visited, one of my nieces showed me her art homework, an assignment to do a painting in the cubist tradition (think Picasso). She’s 15. Then she asked me for help with her science homework – the assignment was to explain how a nuclear reactor and power generation facility works. Fortunately I could help because when I left public school, I made real efforts to make up for the gaps in my education.

You’re not going to get these kind of challenges in public school. Barack and Michelle should consider what’s best for their daughters.

These two precious children need to go to school where they are the safest. There are some things above policy and the children of the President definitely come before any of our wants and needs.

I am sure that the spirit to send these girls to public school exists, however, the reality is this, they will not be able to attend a public school environment, there are to many issues dealing with security for these two girls.

As a parent I would not send my children to a substandard school system, why would I expect President-elect and Mrs. Obama to send their children to one? From what I’ve read, it would be next to impossible to guarantee the safety of the two girls. I cannot even imagine how difficult it would be for them to go from the safety and relative quiet of their current school to a public school in DC. Enroll the girls in private school and then work to fix ALL the public schools!

Are u serious? The girls will have to be guarded 24/7 & so will Obama. Has anyone thought about their safety? I dont trust the same people that just set the black church on fire shortly af\ter the election. Honestly, I fear an attempt on Obama’s life. I pray for him, his family & the people who risk their lives watching out for the first family’s safety.

This request for Obama is stupid. So theirs father is president and if he send them in public school not just that they will be in greater danger and that state will spend much more money to secure them, becouase more people will need to secure them, but also paparazzies will be all over the plaice all the time.

It seems Obama’s will become new Pitt-Jolie family for paparazzies, they will be gold for papaazzies, not just for US but world also.

I suppose market value of the Obama’s photos will be a fortune and it is sure thing, Obama’s will become new stars., no mater how Barack do the job.

They should send their children to private school for two purposes – security and quality. Then everyone needs to stop saying that money will fix the problem of public schools. DC spends $13,187 per pupil (2002). The highest in the nation. DC schools have 4 problems, Management (being fixed by Rhee), teachers (also being worked by Rhee), students (don’t know who is going to fix them) and parents (ditto last comment). If it were my children I would send them to private schools and make no bones about why. I would not be hypocritical by not approving of vouchers for other parents who feel the same way. It should be equal opportunity for all not just the wealthy Obama’s of our society.

We will see how Barack views public education. I hope that he does not send his kids to private schools. The message will be that the public school system is not good enough for his kids but is plenty good enough for you and your kids. Come on Barack, let’s walk the walk.

Didn’t YOU make the decision where your kid(s) go to school?….right, so M/M Obama will make THEIR OWN DECISION where their kids will go for their kids education.

Let it go.

The kids have never been to a public school so it’s just fitting that they continue their education in the private school. enough said—.

As a public school teacher I too think that it would be great for Obama’s children to attend public school…but as a parent if safety was an issue it would be private or home school for my kids…

My husband and I both attended public school and intend to send our children to public school. The difference is my husband nor I are children of the president and to make an assumption that if it was good enough for us, it is good enough for them mentality is baseless. We are speaking of two innocent children who could be the target of heartless and dangerous minds. I trust President Obama and feel his interest in his family is far more rooted than mine. I think we can trust he and his wife to make the best decision for his family. I’m sure his critics will find fault in whatever he decides.

Obama and Michelle, it is your and solely your choice what you chose to do with Sasha and Malia. If you send them to public school, hats off to you. If you chose a private school for reasons including but not limited to 1) they receive better education and become brighter individual, 2) security reasons – you will be equally respected and understood.

However, my request to you is that do your best to make our public schools better. We are a great country – our public schools. if not great, should be very good. And they are not. Our children are the best investment we can make to make sure that we remain a great country. And their education the most important for that reason. Putting the above together, Public Schools should be, if not the top, one of the priorities.

Realizing the above is no rocket science. We all know that. But this beautiful letter by Mother Jones has revived my spirit to ask you to invest time and resources in Public Schools for the sake better future and I will continue to asking you that, very respectfully.

While I sympathize with the writer’s desire to improve education in public schools, truth of the matter is that a public school does not offer the security that a private school has. Those two precious children will be targets, just as much as their parents will be. Every nut case in the U.S., and even some from outside our borders will home in on Washington, D.C. At least at a private school, the odds are that the girls can have what approximates as a more normal environment and the Secret Service will have more control of their safety.

I believe that President Elect Obama, and his First Lady will likely have educational improvements high on their list of priorities. He is, after all, and educator himself.

Oh, to the poster about who was going to pay for private schooling…we are. We pay the President a fairly hefty salary, and undoubtably, the girls tuitions will come from that. The Clintons sent Chelsea to a private school without fanfare, as did the Carters, and the Kennedys. And even if it were a “perk” of the office, I seriously doubt that the extra expense of ensuring their safety at a public school would be any less than the tuition AND their security at a private school.

Mother Jones:

Keep in mind the security of these children, they would be an easy target for terrorist if they are put in the wrong educational setting. Remember that we live in a post-9/11 world.

I hope that he does NOT send his girls to a public school. Honestly, it is every parents dream to have their child educated far better than their own education. And for that reason, if they want to send them to private school, I say of course!

Sending your kids to Public School is not a good idea. It’s not because it PUBLIC SCHOOL. For Security reason First Black Man to be the President Of this Great Nation. You need to make sure that you full control of your family, don’t trust anybody………

This is a private family decision. Stay out of it.