Private vs. Public? Private versus public? It’s a debate that rages across the playgrounds and living rooms of America. What’s better for your youngster? How can you compare private and public schools? It’s not always easy to answer these questions. Many people have a bias one way or another. Some assume that private schools offer superior everything, justifying their tuition costs. Others contend that public schools provide more real-life experiences or, in some cases, more-developed specialty programs in athletics or science. Don’t rely on hearsay and rumor when it comes to deciding what’s right for your child. Visit the schools and ask the teachers a lot of questions. At the end of the day, the best school for your child is a highly personal decision based on your family and values, and your child's needs and interests. When looking at public or private schools, the following factors come into play: • Academic reputation and college • Religious and moral instruction preparation • Location • School size and class size • Ideology • Safety reputation • Teacher qualifications • Special programs • Special services available • Costs • Test scores Choosing a school for your child is never an easy decision, with many options available today. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each type of school you are considering, be sure to equip yourself with the necessary information to make the best choice for your child. Information obtained by publicschoolreview.com and privateschoolreview.com. Beaumont School is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school where girls grow to be accomplished young women, and confident, compassionate leaders. Sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, Beaumont educates women for life, leadership and service, and is the only all-girls’ International Baccalaureate Candidate School in Greater Cleveland. Visit BeaumontSchool.org to learn more! Gesu Catholic School is an educational community created in partnership with students, their families, and Gesu Parish. In the Jesuit tradition, the school community is committed to academic rigor and excellence, personal growth, service to others and global citizenship, “all for the greater glory of God.” The school is located at 2450 Miramar Blvd. in University Heights. Come see what we have to offer! For preschool, kindergarten or admission information for grades 1-8, please contact Judi Herbert at 216.932.0620, ext. 134, or jherbert@gesu.com. Preschool Information Night Thursday, January 19, 2017 7:00 p.m. Preschool and Kindergarten Preview Day will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 9 -11:00 a.m. in McAuley Hall. Please join us for information regarding our Early Childhood Programs and an opportunity to see classes in action. Please RSVP to Judi Herbert at (216) 932-0620 ext 134. Interested in seeing our school? Please save the following dates: Kindergarten Information Night Tuesday, January 17, 2017 7:00 p.m. STREAM Showcase and Art Show Sunday January 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department to Hold Free Strategies Against Violent Encounters (S.A.V.E.) Program Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and Cuyahoga County Sheriff Clifford Pinkney announce a new date for the county’s popular Strategies Against Violent Encounters (S.A.V.E.) program. The Sheriff’s Department will conduct this free personal protection class on predicting, diffusing and avoiding violent encounters. The program will take place on Thursday, October 13, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd. (at Mayfield Road). “It’s important that Cuyahoga County continues to support and collaborate with our communities on programs that provide valuable public safety education,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “I commend Sheriff Pinkney and his staff for continuing to promote the S.A.V.E. program as a way of empowering our residents.” S.A.V.E. was established to empower residents with mental, emotional and physical skills that could be beneficial in the wake of a violent encounter. The program is based on the Blauer Tactical SPEAR System, a science-based personal protection program. “S.A.V.E. is a great opportunity for residents to learn physical and mental techniques to potentially prevent a violent situation,” said Sheriff Pinkney. “Additionally, it’s a great opportunity for our department to foster positive interaction between law enforcement and local neighborhoods.” The S.A.V.E. program is free to the public and residents should wear comfortable clothing. Registration is not required to attend, but it is preferred. To register, visit http://goo.gl/75uHY7. Visionary private school + 21st century Jewish studies + top educators + affordable private = Mandel JDS. Accredited for excellence by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, Mandel JDS provides personalized instruction and engaged learning that leads to academic excellence, love of Judaism and respect for all. Exposure to music and art in early childhood significantly correlates with success later in life! The Music Settlement holds a 5-Star Award from Step Up to Quality. Early Childhood Open House (Preschool, Day School, Kindergarten) for adults on Sunday, November 13, 2016 and Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 1 – 2:30 pm. For more information, visit TheMusicSettlement.org. October 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 39