Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Blog Post #4: Wes Moore & School Choice
The author Wes Moore's mother decides to send him to a private school rather than to the local public school because she was afraid the public school was dangerous and chaotic. Connect your own experiences with Wes's by responding in a thoughtful, multi-sentence (4+) post to the questions below.
- What led you to come to Freire rather than your local public school?
- How has your experience leaving your neighborhood to come to school compared with Wes's?
- Are you happy with your choice?
Responses due by MIDNIGHT on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2014.
freire had a lot of sports that I liked such as softball and cheerleading and now also soccer and I like charter school better than public school because the education is better and its better organized. I was raised that if someone hits you to hit them back but since I go to a charter school with a non violence policy it makes it hard to follow that and causes emotional disturbance because I would reaction how I was taught causing me to be expelled. wes he could have did something but he ran and came back with a dangerous weapon causing him to be arrested if I was him honestly I would have hit back and fought the person I really would not care about the consequences because my reputation is on the line and as a female that's all I got. I would be happy with my decision because I made that choice to do so that's why. I would not be mad or disappointed in my self because I did it I jade love defended her self in that's what I thought was right
ReplyDeleteThe reason I came to freire was because It was the only school that immediately accepted me. It was different going here because it was different from things that would happen around my neighborhood school. I'm happy with my school choice because it forced me to adapt to the hard working environments, if I was at a different school I would probably slack more than I already do .
ReplyDeleteThe main reason I came here was because all the things I heard about this school were great. My sister who was attending the school used to always have a new story to tell everyday about how great the school was. Also, Freire was ranked as one of the highest charter high schools in the city. This school provides a safe learning environment and on top of that gets you prepared for college the best way possible. Wes made reckless decisions when it came to the fight. As a bigger individual he could have done something that showed that he's "stronger" than the kid. As for my choice, I'm glad I made this choice because not only was it the best choice I could have made, but the people I met here have changed my life for the better.
ReplyDeleteI came to Freire because my mom thought it would be good for me to go to one of the best high school in Philadelphia to better my future. Its a O.K school but can be stressful at times, and I don't like the idea that you can't defend yourself if some ones hits you SMH. Wes could of handled his situation with his new school better by just ignoring the BS and could of choice a better option than running home to get a knife. I am in the middle about my decision, because this school is stressful but the people who attend freire aren't that bad.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire instead of attending my other schools is because when colleges look at were you came from and see that the school really put effort into making it college level and giving the students the work that that is college level that I will be prepared. Also my public school is known for not having a high graduation rate. I never went to a neighborhood school but I'm pretty sure it feels more safe because the staff cares more about learning environment. I am very happy with my choice because now when college read what school I came from and see Freire as a college prep school they no that it will not be a difficult change for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to freire was that i knew that school would be a safe place for students to come and where the teachers will actually care about students education and not let them fail. I didn't go to a neighborhood school in middle school so leaving the area wasn't really a problem for me. Wes definitely took his altercation to the next level by going to get a knife. He should have just been the bigger person and walked away because in all reality he probably would have hurt the kid if he fought him. I am happy with my choice to come to this school because i have way more opportunities to do things at this school than at my old school.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was my mom. I didn't want to go here at first because I didn't have any friends that were going to this school. However, I decided it might be best to go to a school with people you don't know because you'll get to meet new people and possibly focus more since your close friends aren't around to distract you from your work. Another reason I gave in was because I heard this school was a challenge for most people, and I love a challenge.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was the fact that it was a Charter school instead of a public or neighborhood school. I also came to Freire because my mom liked the fact this it was a non-violent environment and she wanted to send me somewhere safe where she would not have to worry about my well being. I didn't come from a public school so the transition from my old school to Freire was not an issue for me. I am happy with my choice of choosing to go to Freire for my education because i am in a safe environment and surrounded by students and teachers who want to see me succeed in achieving my goals.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was that I felt as though this was the best school that would prepare me for college. I attended my local public school but they closed the school after my freshman year. My experience leaving my neighborhood school was good because I knew that Freire would be a better option for me. I am happy with my choice because at the end of the day I want to be college ready and Freire is preparing me for that.
ReplyDeleteI actually came to Freire in the middle of my ninth grade year. I originally applied here when I was in 8th grade but didn't get accepted. I had to go to a bad school for about 4 months but they accepted me because some people had gotten kicked out. I liked the school because it was college prep and that is what you need in high school. I t is also a very safe learning enviorment and in general. Wes made careless decisions . He could have done something that showed that he was stronger than the kid . But I am glad that I came to freire because it has truly showed me to work hard in everything you do.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that lead me to Freire Charter School is that it was one of my choices for High school that me and my family felt comfortable with going to. The none violence and policies were reasonable and I knew personally that no problems with me would be added to the fray. My experiences of coming from my neighborhood and going to school really isn't all that much alike Wes's because when I was in grade school I was jumping from school to school losing and gaining friends. The one way I would say my experience was similar to Wes's was trying to find the balance of acting natural because my neighborhoods good and all, but some of their beliefs would coincide with each others and that may cause problems. I am very proud that I made the choice to go to Freire because I have met a whole lot of students and teachers that show their ambitions of what they want to achieve and I believe that when that happens you need people that are like you to help push you forward.
ReplyDeleteBahsil Franklin
ReplyDeleteI had a few options before I chose Freire. But ultimately I came here because I wanted to get into a good college and be college ready. I knew that had a good reputation and a good education setting. Plus it was different because it was small and also a charter school. My experience changed a little because I went from a big charter school in west philly to a small charter school in the heart of the city. There really wasn't a change with the way people acted and the way that they were finically set. Overall though I am happy with the choice I made because I know that I am in a school that is known for supporting students.
what lead me to come to freire would be the work, and the challenge they give their students. freire was really a last minute decision for me but im glad that I choose this school because it has challenged me in a lot of ways. also freire is a college prep school and it was a better chose to go here where most of your teaches care about you as a person. I am happy with my chose because it will later make me into a better student and it will help me out in the long run. my experience and wes' experience is the same because my mom and teachers from middle school pushed this school on me, as did wes mother.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was that I felt as though this was the best school that would prepare me for college. I attended my local public school but they closed the school after my freshman year. My experience leaving my neighborhood school was good because I knew that Freire would be a better option for me. I am happy with my choice because at the end of the day I want to be college ready and Freire is preparing me for that.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was that I really did not have no choice, I wanted to go to a good charter school that would help me get into college. I went to a neighborhood school in middle school so leaving the area was not a big deal. Wes took the sistuation out of control he could of just fought him back instead of getting a weapon which caused him to get arrested. I am happy with my choice because at a public school I would not be doing work and Freire challenge me so I get my work done.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that led me to come to freire was my mother. I didnt make the choice to come to this school, it was my moms idea. My experience with leaving my neighborhood compared to Wes is totally different. I go to a predominantly black school where as for Wes, it was the total opposite. Wes went to a predominantly white school which in my opinion had to be very uncomfortable in the beginning for him. I would have to say that I am very happy that I eventually came to this school. I think my mom made the right decision on making me come here because this school is much better at acedemics and just overall opurtunity compared to my old school. I can see myself getting farther than I ever could at freire compared to my old school.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire is the higher education and focus I can get from a charter school is more effective than normal education at public schools. Here I have a better chance and scoring high on my ACTs and getting into a really good college. I never went to a neighborhood school but I bet that Freire is much safer and overall better for me as a student who wants to graduate and go to college. If Wes had a goal to complete education or just have a good job he would've made better choices when it came to a fight. I am happy with my choice of coming here because in Freire, I feel like I can get more things done and it'll help pave a better future for me.
ReplyDeleteI never really stayed in public schools because i am more use to catholic school systems than the others. However my experience in a public school changed my behavior within a couple of months. I was as chaotic as the other children in third grade. i did not know anything about Freire, I never knew it exist. I was accepted to an all girls catholic school with some scholarship money. So I really was not planning to come to this school in the first place. Every time I colonized to a different environment my behavior changed because of the type of friends I had and the people who supported me. The same as Wes Moore, who he has people who believes in him and other role models in his life. No, I am not happy with the choice that has been handed to me. However, I am very lucky to be one of those students with a good education.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired me to go to Freire was that my mom thought it was a good choice because of their back to back standard of excellence. I at first thought it was going to be strict but then I said, 'hey Iyannah try something new,' and I did. I think Freire is way better and safer than any neighborhood school I've heard of. I can actually relate to Wes because after leaving public schools and switching off to charters my grades has increase tremendously. I also can relate to Wes because in middle school I went to a majority white school and I know what it feels to be the odd one out of circle.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to freire was my mother , she made me go she was unhappy with the public school system and felt as tho freire was better and right for me because they challenged there students and have high expectations for these students.my experience live in my neighborhood to come to school quite normal because its like is really no different because there a couple of people that goto freire that live around my way that go to the same school as me but there is a slight differences is I'm going to a school that wants me to have an education unlike my public high school who really don't care about your education.Yes I'm happy with my choice because I'm in a school that's helping me prepare for college and get me to where I need to be.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to freire was my two older cousins when I came to freire in the 9th grade they were in the 12th They told me a lot of good things about freire, how high the Education is, you could go out for lunch, don't have to wear Uniform and that they help you get into a good college.There was nothing different about my experience leaving my neighborhood to come to school because I didn't go to none of my neighborhood schools. I went to a charter school, in my middle school years that wasn't in my neighborhood im happy with my choice because even though freire not a easy school I still get good grades.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire rather than a nearby public school was the graduate rate of the past students and test scores. I knew Freire was known for getting it's students college ready and for getting students into good colleges. Leaving my neighborhood to come here is similar to Wes's experience because we both had to step outside of our comfort zones, in order to benefit ourselves. We had to leave what we are used to because there are better things out there. I am very happy with my decision because I am currently receiving a quality education, and have to chance to open my eyes to new people.
ReplyDeleteI went to a charter school from kindergarten to eighth grade so because I was already accommodated to the ways of a charter school it was a perfect fit. Freire was actually my mom’s choice because I would have prefered to go to an art school, but she wanted me to focus more on being prepared for college and Freire does just that. My experience is different from Wes’s because I never had to experience a neighborhood school or a school where I was the odd one out. Coming from a small charter school that was based around African American history instilled a lot of self knowledge that I wouldn't have got anywhere else. At the end of the day I am happy with the decision to come to Freire, it is basically what I’m use to and the fact that I have gained so many opportunities in the art field even though Freire is not an art school is a plus.
ReplyDeleteWhat lead me to Freire than my public school because I knew I would get a better education at a charter school over public school. Also, I knew I had a better chance to graduate at Freire than a public school. Wes and I are similar because we both choose a better education than going to a neighborhood school. Yes I'm happy with the choice I made.
ReplyDeleteI was led to Freire for multiple reasons. One being, Freire was the only school that would accept me considering the fact that I did not have any test scores to submit, because I went to a private school. Another being that my cousin worked at Freire as well as a family friend. Listening to their stories about Freire, led me to applying and I was then accepted. My neighborhood high school is Sayre, which is not exactly the best school in my neighborhood. Mostly everyone that I grew up with, attends Sayre and I know that if I was to also attend I would be distracted. Freire has offered me an ample amount of opportunities, that I would not be able to gain at Sayre. I haven't attended a neighborhood school since fourth grade, and I must say traveling for an education does make a difference. Whenever I compare what I'm learning to my friends at Sayre I see that I am essentially ahead of them. I'm happy with the choice I made as far as attending Freire. I have been enrolled in many programs because of Freire, as well as obtaining a decent education.
ReplyDeleteWhat lead me to come to freire and not my local public school for one my parents. My dad always wanted to make sure I was in a good school where i would be able to learn. My experince leaving my neighborhood school wasn't that bad when I was growing up because I left at an young age and when to a charter school. Also it was alot harder than my public school because they challenged us more and the were very strict. I am very happy with my choice because I had a great experience at my charter school. Met really good friends and teachers and went on fun trips and could never forget my experince there.
ReplyDeleteSomething that led me to come to Freire was the fact that it was a charter school and I had never been to a public school before. I do not know anything about being in a neighborhood school but I do know the experience is not as enriching as a charter school. I came from a school similar to Freire, I liked the fact that that Freire was a community and s family. Similar to Wes, I did have a bit of a struggle coming into Freire...a culture shock, the school seems primarily dominated by African American students. That's one thing that surprised me, there's nothing wrong with that but me as a student, I find it more interesting to learn with a diverse, variety of people. Although that one struggle, I am happy with my choice. Freire gives students a chance to "send messages so fierce" with your mind. They make you use parts of your brain that you do not use every day, they bring out the thing you are most skilled at, they challenge you and most importantly help you choose your future.
ReplyDeleteI was led to Freire for a couple reasons. The first one being that no other school accepted me. My eighth grade year I was going through a lot and I let it affect my grades at the wrong time of the year. I was an honor roll student my entire middle school year. But I was moving around a lot and my focus wasn't on school as it should have been being as though it was my last year. Freire was a much better option then going to Overbrook high school or West Philadelphia high school. I have so many options going to freire. They offer a lot of things other schools don't offer. Freire has a lot of centers, teachers who care and also faculty staff members who care. I am happy that I chose to attend Freire because I have made memories and many friendships that I will have forever.
ReplyDeleteFor me it was not a choice to come to freire charter school. And this is because i was new in the country and so I did not have a lot experience with school and high schools to be specific. I am not very acquainted with my neighborhood, so I was not hard for me to leave my neighborhood life and get into my school life, but if I had to compare myself to Wes I would say that I am like Wes because when I am in school , I am a little mean, but when I get home , I am nice , selfless and loving. But over all I am pretty happy with where I am because I realize that I am learning things that some of the kids in my neighborhood haven't learned yet.
ReplyDeleteI was picked in the lottery and my mom sent me here because she felt that it was getting me prepared to go to college and thats very important reason in my family. I feel like we get a better education i this school than in a public school because with them preparing us for college we have high expectations. I think it is like Wes’s because you have to get used to new surroundings and new habits. I’m happy with my choice because in a year I will be graduating and I am relieved.
ReplyDeleteWhat persuaded me to become a Freire Dragon is the brochure that I had. Also I liked Freire graduates percent, academic levels and non fighting policy more than other schools, furthermore Desire was the ONLY school I was accepted into. Growing up I didn't attend a public school it was a catholic school or charter. My neighborhood school is universal Audenried and its different from freire in numerous ways, I was happy k didn't apply their. It wasn't an option for me. I think freire is preparing me for greater. And if I would of attened audenried I probably would get beat up everyday, jumped, and probably wouldn't be getting the proper education I need. I think Wes really can't pick his education, me in the other I can. I am happy with my choice actually, I'm happy with my choice because I like the competitiveness that freire brings to the table and it makes me want to stride for success.
ReplyDeleteI came to freiere because I wanted something better than what I would get at public school because before 9th grade I spent my entire scholar career in public schools and felt like I had never been challenged in anyway and even though I am not mentally challenged at Freire my time management and organization is constantly being challenged and I think that I did make a good choice by coming to freire
ReplyDeleteOriginally Freire wasn't my first option I never even knew that I had appiled to this school until my mom asked me to decide between this school and FLC.Orginally I was supposed to attend Little Flower Catholic School but that didn't work out because of finacial reasons.But I wasnt pretty pleased with this school because of the appearence but i realized that it's more to a school than it's size.Personally I never came from a real public school as in the Philiadelphia distrrict schools.I always went to charter schools and excelled at every school I went to. I wouldn't say that Im happy with the choice I made but Im ok with it.
ReplyDeleteWhat led to come to freire was my mom she felt that the academics would be a great fit for me because it was challenging and challenging work makes me a better student and push me harder on achieving life goals. It compares to Wes's because as a child in elementary and middle school I've been surrounding by people who don't care about about passing or doing work more worried about fitting in but as I reached high school I seen the change in environment which made me change my ways as a student. As a child in middle school I was a good student academically but behavior wise it was terrible I had no reason to act that. Way but I felt Ido was being disrespected I would retaliate until I was respected the way I should be. I am happy with my choice because it made me better as a person and student I've learned a lot and grew up a lot from a middle schooler to an high schooler.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was that I did not have a choice. My parents thought that it was best if I went to a good school, than a public school. They knew if I was to go to a public school I would either not go to school or either not act the way I should act in school. How my experience is compared to Wes is that, Wes and I both did not have a choice for what either school we would like to go to. Our parents wanted the best for us. Because going up in our society now most black men don't make it to see the age of 20. If any make it to see that age that means they are a lucky person. I'm happy with the choices my parents have made for me, because if I would not have came to Freire maybe I would not be doing this blog here today. Or maybe I would not know some of the things I know today or maybe I would not even be living today.
ReplyDeleteFreire wasn't my choice for school for mainly one reason. Freire didn't have the experience in the sports that I mainly wanted to do which was cheerleading. My mom mainly picked the school because of the nonviolent policy and she thought I was attending a school of several different races, which wasn't really the case. I would attend Freire rather than a neighborhood public school because anything is bound to happen in those school and at Freire I feel like I'm safe and that some of the teachers actually care for the students. Also the work level and expectations are higher at our school which puts us at a higher level than other school. Freire also prepares us for college. I didn't attend a neighborhood school, so when I came from my other school Freire reminded me of the school a lot.. The rules, amounts of work, etc. Some times I am happy about my choice but other times I wish I would've found another school that was about academics but also the extra curricular too because that is a component of college too.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire rather than my local school was a better education opportunity. My local public school passes anyone. You don't have to do the work to get a good grade, you just basically have to show up. That's basically cheating me out of my education and I would like to learn the right stuff to prep me for college. On the other hand, my grandmother thinks that Freire is that best choice for me and it's in a good location for me to learn how to get around on my own. My experience leaving my neighborhood to come to Freire can compare to Wes's because I had to meet new people and make new friends. It was like starting middle school all over again. However, I am happy with my choice. I'm happy with my choice because I'm getting a chance to get a good education and a better chance to a brighter future.
ReplyDeleteWhat lead me to come to Freire is that it was the best option for me. I came from Masterman, an extremely good school but it wasn't the school for me. The class sizes were too big and I just didn't like it. I had the option to go back there or my other options were Bok, Sankofa, and Imhotep. Bok was a terrible school and Sankofa and Imhotep were too far away from my house. So Freire was the best option for me academically and location-wise. When I left from my neighborhood school to go to Masterman in 5th grade, my experience was similar because I feel like I didn't fit in with the majority of the kids culturally so I mainly only talked to the black students who understood me. I am very happy with my choice of coming to Freire because I feel like it's the best of both worlds with a combination of my neighborhood school and Masterman.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was a great learning opportunity. Also peaceful environment. Wes had to leave his neighborhood just like me. The only thing is his school was filled with white people. My school is filled with other black people. Yes I am happy with my choice because I will leave freire to go concur the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was that it's a college prep school. I heard about it from my uncle and he told me about their academics. My experience leaving my neighborhood to come to school is compared to Wes's because we both are adjusting to different surroundings. There are a lot of people and a lot of buildings. Also, we both take long distances to get to school. I am happy with my choice of coming to Freire because I'm receiving a good education. Freire pushes me to do better. Coming here, I've opened my eyes to not only new people and environments, but new opportunities as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire was my mom since she thought that Freire was a good school for me and I could get a better education then from my public high school. It compares to wes's because it was a better change for me since I was able to be in a safer non violent environment and is able to obtain a better education and actually get help from my teachers when needed. I'm actually happier with the decision I made since I'm learning more and actually staying out of trouble and really setting goals for myself in life once I'm done with high school.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to freire other than my local public school was my friends and parents. I had an older friend of mine that I went to elementary and middle school with. When she graduated she went to freire and told me a lot of good things about the academics & how the school rules were. My parents then looked more into freire and grew to like the school as well. Growing up I was always taught that if someone hits me to hit them back as self defense. I never started an argument or fight and always tried to avoid them as a better person. The same thing I have to do in freire which isn't as hard because I am older. Overall I am happy with my choice because I've met a couple good friends and believe that I will be well prepared for college.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I picked frieire to attend highschool at was because my last middle school was a charter school and they gave me a good education there so I thought I was get an even better education at a college prep school. I like it here and I was right. This school gives me a challenge everyday. Me and Wes could relate because of our neighborhood. I live in a neighborhood where the drug rate is high and there is nothing helping the fact that our new generations of kids will grow up on that as we'll. I do believe that I made a good choice coming to America
ReplyDeleteI went to Freire because this was my first choice. I wanted to be apart of the college prep classes so I can do better in college. I didn't want to go to my neighborhood school, Overbrook, because it has a bad reputation. Wes was embarrassed and scared to be seen going to his school but I wasn't because I didn't care about it too much. I am happy with my choice because I feel as though I'm prepared for college and beyond.
ReplyDeleteWhat led me to come to Freire Charter School rather than my public school was that I wanted a new change and wanted to be challenged more because I knew if I went to a public school it would be too easy for me. The main reason why I attended Freire because they are a nonviolent school, prepares you for college and have high expectations for each individual/ student as I have for myself. Also, I knew that Freire would be the best fit for me to build my learning and creativity as an individual. My experience is different from Wes's because I attened a public middle school where students would react the same way as Wes did, however I chose to be different and be a leader by not influencing that negative behavior and not reacting first. I live in a nice neighborhood where I've been blessed to not have to experience a lot of violence within my environment. I am proud of the choices that I have made as a person because I see the growth that I have developed over the years more academically.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is mainly the reason I came to Freire because she wanted me to have a good education and to be college ready. In middle school I found myself getting in a lot of trouble but still getting good grades but when coming to Freire I was giving more work not that challenging to me but its more time consuming so I don't have time to do other things like get in trouble. Yes, I am actually pleased with my decision to come to Freire because as I look at kids in public school I feel as thought none of them are college ready and they are academically behind and will struggle more in college. I would rather work hard now and be prepared for the future than to be struggling in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat made me come to this school was my mom because I used to go to a bad school that didn't have the support and education that I needed so she transferred me. She thought that Freire would be a good way to challenge my skills and ability in order for me to achieve my goals. But compare to Wes Moore in my childhood I was surrounded by people who would do anything to get attention and who didn't care about school enough to get an education. In a way I'm not really happy with my mom choice of sending me here because she knew I was more of an performing arts student then just math and reading. But I'm happy that I came to Freire because it made me a better person in life and I learned a lot from being here.
ReplyDeleteI believe getting into any highschool is good because I have and had a bad reputation freire taking me in was enough to help mold me into a better me , although wes was under different rules and in a different place he still could have payed attention in class or tried harder to avoid problems , paths that lead you to certain schools dont define your ability to thrive in that school whether private or public .
ReplyDeleteNot getting accepted into any other school led me to freire. I refused to step foot into a neighborhood school because there would be no reason for me to be there .
ReplyDeleteI never been enrolled into a public school because my family akways thought charter gave me and my brothers a better learning experience . I am happy with my choice because i know being at freire puts me in a better position to go to college .
Are you happy with your choice?
my mom wanted me to stay out of trouble
ReplyDeleteso she sent me to freire charter school
she love for me to never fight again
because my old school you can fight
you get suspended but that's it and that is how I got in Freire in the first place
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ReplyDelete