• I was raised in private schools, and I had my children go to private schools, too.
• However, we couldn't afford a private high school, so they were forced to attend a public school.
• In the public high school, they have amazing opportunities and are better set for college.

I grew up going to private schools. For eight years, my daily uniform was a blue plaid jumper and blouse with a Peter Pan collar. High school loosened some of the reins with only a (relatively strict) dress code to contend with: no jeans, no shirts with slogans, and definitely no short skirts. My private school education continued through my college years at my ivy-on-the-walls East Coast school and even into graduate school. I never knew anything different.

When I had kids, I assumed I'd send them to private schools, too. It felt like the only choice, as that is what I grew up with.

When our family moved to California, and my oldest was ready to start kindergarten, we didn't even consider sending her to public school. Instead, we picked from among a few private schools near where we would be living. Uniforms made the morning hours easy, and I enjoyed the supportive community we found at our small private school.

I had to change my thinking about private schools when my kids entered high school.

Everything changed with high school approaching

As my oldest kid reached eighth grade and it was time for us to consider high school, private school was no longer an option. The tuition cost was too high, and we couldn't afford $20,000+ a year (plus books, lunch money, activity fees, etc.), especially considering that we'd eventually have three kids in high school at once.

We registered our daughter for our local public high school, knowing very little about it. The months leading up to the start of school were filled with anxiety as most of her classmates and friends were continuing at private high schools. I was worried she'd be starting school without knowing a single person.

Luckily, our high school had a summer program that helped with the transition, and two of her former classmates ended up going to her school as well. All of this made the transition a bit easier.

Public school was the right path for my family

I now have two kids in our public high school, and my third will be joining them in the fall. While I initially felt nervous about the unknowns of public school, I can confidently say that public high school was the best thing that could have happened for us.

My son would likely say that the free lunches (including brunch-time cinnamon rolls!) are the highlight of public high school, but I can see many more benefits.

When signing up for electives, I learned that not only did they offer traditional options like art and music classes, but kids could also take woodworking, metalworking, or set-building classes. My son was proud to bring home the metal toolbox he welded for his final metalworking project. I love that these options are available.

When it came time to choose a science class, I was surprised to learn that our school, located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, has its own on-site farm. The kids can raise pigs, chickens, and other animals as part of their coursework.

My kids raised a pig last year and will do it again this year. They also participated in a community plant sale, and my son joined the school's Milk and Cheese Tasting Team, which competes at regional Future Farmers of America events.

Who would have thought these would be options at our suburban high school?

The public high school is setting my kids up for success in college

For her junior year, my daughter was accepted into our high school's middle college program. This allows juniors and seniors to take their classes full-time at the local community college, setting them up to graduate from high school with college credits or even their associate degree if they are especially motivated. She has no Friday classes, which allows her to work and pay for gas and other expenses.

I know my other kids will follow in her footsteps, allowing them to be better prepared for their college years.

While I never anticipated that my kids would go to public high school, I now see it as a blessing in disguise, as it offered programs we wouldn't have had access to at our local private schools.

• I decided to attend the University of Georgia, a state school.
• Now that I'm in my fourth year, I know I made the right decision to go to a public school.
• It was cheaper, I had more opportunity to explore my interests, and I'm ready for my career.

Deciding where to go to college was one of the most important — and stressful — decisions I have ever made.

I considered many factors — from cost to location to school spirit. After carefully weighing my options, I chose to attend my state school.

Now that I'm in my fourth year at the University of Georgia, I know I made the right decision. Here's why I think everyone should attend state schools.

Affordability

One of the most compelling reasons to attend a state school is affordability. In addition to lower tuition for in-state students, my state has a lottery-funded scholarship that covers full tuition for many students.

This financial support has not only reduced my debt but also given me the chance to do an intensive study abroad program in Hawaii and the flexibility to consider graduate school without significant financial stress.

Flexibility in academic choices

Early in my first year, I realized something that many college students can relate to: My initial college major didn't align with my career goals.

Fortunately, my state school offers hundreds of majors. With the help of my advisor, I transitioned seamlessly between colleges, going from environmental economics to management and eventually to my current major, management information systems.

Diverse course offerings

In addition to a broad array of majors, my state school offers a wide range of electives.

I have been encouraged to step outside my comfort zone and discover new passions in global agriculture, ecology, jazz, ballroom dance, and golf.

The unique courses I took during my first year ultimately led me to add two certificates — sustainability and leadership — to my degree.

Campus life and resources

With hundreds of student-run clubs and organizations on campus, state schools offer endless opportunities to pursue even the most niche interests. I am involved in athletics (Club Tennis), professional groups (Women in Technology and Women in Business), community building (Honors Student Council), and volunteering (Serve UGA).

I'm also a member of the Honors College, which gives me a smaller group in a larger student body and the opportunity to take advanced courses.

The resources available on campus are equally impressive. My school has multiple dining halls with diverse cuisines, spacious libraries, a state-of-the-art gym facility, and a comprehensive health center.

These amenities have helped me maintain my physical and mental well-being while prioritizing academics.

Career and networking opportunities

Attending my state school has been instrumental in jump-starting my career. The active alumni network is an invaluable resource, with many alumni returning to campus to help with recruiting efforts.

When I reached out, alumni were more than willing to conduct mock interviews and guide me through the job application process, which was incredibly helpful.

Additionally, my state school's strong regional reputation has made identifying and targeting companies easier during my job search. Employers see firsthand the impact of my university through our well-prepared graduates, giving students a competitive advantage in the job market. This helped me to secure a full-time consulting offer before graduation.

Proximity to home

As the oldest child in my family, I was nervous to be the first to leave the house and head off to college. I was afraid of feeling homesick and isolated from my family. Attending my state school allowed me to stay close enough to drive home on weekends during my freshman year, which eased my transition.

As I became more involved on campus and found my place, I now go home infrequently as a fourth-year. However, knowing that home is just a short drive away if needed is comforting.

Attending a state school has provided me with an affordable, flexible, and enriching college experience. From diverse academic offerings to career opportunities and a strong sense of community, my decision to enroll in a state school has been one of the best choices I've ever made.

For students weighing their college options, I strongly recommend considering the many benefits of attending a state school.