[marykath]

This post is not about my special-needs child, but it does relate in a way.
My oldest child (adopted, exposed to drugs in-utero, doing well in school so far) is in first grade at a school four blocks from our house. I was never in favor of sending her to this school...she is one of just a few children of color there; the school has very high test scores and the teachers we have had have very rigid academic and behavior standards; her teacher this year is just horrible; she has mountains of homework each night (17 pages of math last week, to be spread over four days - and that was just the math!).
I know our youngest (she's 4 now, with sensory issues and adhd) will not fare well in this school when it comes time for kindergarten.
We have looked at private schools and charter schools. There's a spot open at a charter I like. If we want it, we would have to transfer her mid-year.
The problem is DH doesn't want to switch schools. His reasoning: Our daughter is happy, at the top of her class, and has friends.
The new school? A much kinder, gentler feel. Kids from all over the county go there, so it is very ethnically and economically diverse. Teachers seem loving and understanding, not harsh. More hand-on activities (not just seat work). PTA meetings are at night (our current school has them at the convenient time of 2:45 p.m.).
I know this is a long post, but it is really weighing on my mind and we need to decide soon. What would you do?