Its hard to believe that people expect the President to put his children in public schools. Can you imagine the headache for those poor kids as they are randomly badgered by media idiots? Much less the problems the secret service would face trying to protect them!
People are just looking for reasons to say annoying things. Welcome to the Internet.

If it was good enough for Bill's chld why shouldn't OBAMA have his children attend this school?

Good for the Obama's! What if they had chosen to home school their
daughters? Private School is the next best thing to home schooling!
Did you know that Jackie Kennedy home schooled Caroline and invited
some of her friends over to the White House for lunch?!

After 8 years of no child left behind – I do not blame our President-elect for making sure his really do not get left behind while he tries to fix a system that he did not create. Give him time perhaps the next President will inherit an education system he/she can in good consciences put their most prized position in. Some of you need to grow up and start acting like adults your children need you to do so!

Why is there such an issue about the choice of schools? If Mr. and Mrs. Obama want to send their kids to a private school, they have every freedom to do so. When you are the child of the President of the United States and there has been all this hate mongering directed at your father, you are also affected by it.

Public schools in America are going down the drain (and this is coming from someone who was educated in a public school and taught for one year in the public school system). I do not blame Obama for wanting to send his children to private schools.

And why is it such an issue that Chelsea Clinton went to the same school? I'm sure all the extreme Republicans will also ramble and rant about how Obama puts his left shoe on first out of habit and how Clinton did the same thing (rolls eyes).

Funny how this never became a "controversial issue" with the children of WHITE presidents.

Yes, we know DC's struggling schools are overwhelmingly black. We get the "irony" as you believe it to exist. But the fact remains that, regardless of race, Obama's children are just as "at risk" as any First Children. Conservative media made Chelsea Clinton's adolescence a living hell, and now they're trying to portray poor Sasha and Malia as elite snobs, or even race traitors?

With criticism like that, it's no wonder Barack is sending his children to a school where their lives will be kept relatively private and safe.

why would he put his girls in a public school. He is the POUS putting them into a public school would be irresponsible.

CNN has managed to prove that CHELSEA is more important than First Lady Michelle Obama's children!!!!!!!!!!

Shame on you CNN keeping this open for 700 plus comments!
Why are the children of President Obama not getting the respect and privacy that was given to Chelsea during the campaign??????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

matt said… "Who the hell cares. Instead of these stupid articles where's our fearless leader during this time of crisis."

In the White House… doing nothing.

Who cares? – evidently tons of people, and glad to see the new White House residents will be loving, caring parents.

I cannot tell you how pleased I am. I have been concerned for this family from day one. Read some of the comments here and you will understand why. Though I agree with Celeste I myself had to make a comment. How dare some of you make a political issue out of a personal decision? These children deserve to be safe and receive a quality education, just like any other american chiild.

SHAME ON YOU FOR CRITICIZING AND SHOWING YOUR HOSTILITY TOWARD TWO CHILDREN ("CAUSE REALLY THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING). NASTY AND MEAN IS WHAT YOU ARE AND AGAIN, THE REASON I AM CONCERNED FOR THIS FAMILY.

I still have every confidence that PE Obama will lead this country, successfully, out of this mess we are in and though it will be difficult, he and his team are the ones that can make it happen.

First of all, I am an African American woman who sacrificed for 7 years to send my daughter to Christian private school. It wasn't easy being that when my daughter first started, I was only making $8.00 and hour and my husband the same.

It was my husband and I who felt this was the best for our child. We gave up new cars, buying new furnature, indulging in credit cards and etc. so that we can afford to pay for my daughter's education. I refused to put her in the public school in my area knowing that the school district was horrible.

If you sacrifice, you could also send you child to private school for those who are suggesting that the Obamas are the only one's who can do it.

It is your choice, it is Obama's choice, it is my choice and you don't have to like it. I totally agree witht the Obamas. Your negative comments are not going the change the outcome so you might as well call it a day.

The Obama girls went to private school in Chicago……why should they change to a public school now?? ….Especially needing more security now that their father is the President….. Smarten up people !!!

Yes…please enough already give them some privacy. What does it matter anyways where they are sent to school.

If he did not choose private school, I would question his judgement to be commander in chief. It was obviously the correct decision.

ceomomof2…..you are too funny…..great post and right on target!

Oh good – now I can sleep at night.

BUT – what will the media report on now? "Will the Obamas choose Charmin Ultra Soft or Ultra Strong"… All these important decisions!

My God, how can people criticize the man over what school he sends his daughters to? Give me a break! People are just so evil and vitriolic they have to find any outlet they can to criticize the President elect. It's disgusting

Did anyone really think these two things would go to a public school. Get real.

I am glad the Obama family found a school the girls would be comfortable in and safe.

they are NOT as precious as Obama kids?

MAKE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL GOOD ENOUGH TO SEND PRESIDENT'S KIDS!

until then, Obama's no better than any self-serving elitist.

The best part about this comment thread, is that there are less then 5 (that I found at least) comments with a negative tone in respect to Obama's daughters attending private school. The other 180 responses are expressing outrage at all the people who have a problem with them going to private school, kind of funny. Anyway, who cares where the kids go to school, who cares what he eats for dinner, who cares what Michelle wears, WHO CARES!? He should be in the news only for pointing out potential injustices against the American people, or to explain policies, plans, and what he and his team are working on.

WOW. The man of "change" has taken the old predictable routes of elitists all over the country, from his administration picks right down to his kid's education. What a joke…how can anyone believe anything that comes out of his mouth? Another question…how is it that Biden and Obama able to pay for these expensive schools? Hmmmm.

Their choice of school is not a positive or negative issue with people of rational thought. I am happy they chose a school with an excellent perspective and a focus on the education and well being of it's students above all else. As has become expected with the Obama's they were thorough in the process and the outcome was thoughful and deserved. It's great to have intelligent and rational people representing our country and the DC area.

I don't blame Obama for choosing to go outside the public school system to educate his daughters– public education is abyssmal. I just don't understand why he won't let those of us with less means than him and Michelle do the same thing with a sensible voucher system. The unchecked power of bloated union/lobbies, like the teachers' union, is very troubling, inhibits progress, and really seems like is a threat to our democracy.

Ah, Change. Nothing is too good for the ruling elite, except change!

First, way is this news? Why are we looking to attack a man on his family's private decisions? During the campaign both McCain and Obama made a pledge to not do this, well the campaign is over…HERE WE Go!OH WOW! A President is sending his children to a private school? Why is there such anger at this?As a public school teacher I understand the discission for wanting a smaller school with a more controlled environment for his daughters.This is a school that for his daughters SASFETY is the best fit. What is the size of this school in comparison to the public schools in the DC area? Think about it, with the Obama kids there, the safety of all children is at risk. In my discussions, I find the people most upset with this decision are those who support(ed) Bush's illegal and immoral war; which the 2 month cost of would cover the cost of completely rebuilding every school in the US and beginning an overhaul of the US Education system. LETS get back to our real focus the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afganistan, LEAVE THE GIRLS ALONE!

this isnt about the obamas its about how pathetic public schools are and how the teachers unions have made them that way. and how liberals are against school choice.

the left fights global warming, the right fights evil.

why is this important???????????? the economy is in bad shape, we are at war, bin laden has not been captured, major u.s. companies are asking and getting bail outs, unemployment is at an all time high, education is in bad shape, cops don't have enough money to fight the bad guys and ALL WE CAN FIND TO TALK ABOUT IS WHAT SCHOOL THE OBAMA CHILDREN ARE GOING TO… WHO CARES………………………………………..

You people crack me up. This is the Presidents children that we are talking about here. Do you really expect them to go to public school when thier father is the leader of the most powerful country on earth. I support the OBAMA's in thier decision on this. He has great plans for the country…lets let him protect his family. Let him and Michelle make thier own decisions when it comes to family matters.

PE Obama:
Be prepared… if you fail to prepare,
prepare to fail…

I'm thankful we chose a President who not only prepares himself and his family, but who prepares US for the future… the great future of America!

He is for the poor, yet he opposes vouchers that would help poor people get their children out of a broken school system and give them a better chance in life. I don't blame him for doing the right thing for his children, but it just proves his hypocrisy.

So many ignorant people – if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Support our President-Elect or leave the country.

There is nothing wrong with the President of the U.S. sending his kids to a private school. This is a security issue. I think he and his wife are doing the right thing. Leave the kids alone.

If his daughters are as stupid as he is they only need to learn how to empty bedpans in a hospital or take an order at a fast food restaurant. Sending them to a private school is a waste of the taxpayers money.

Excellent choice aand the only choice. safety is also a big factor here.

Amazing – Tuition for the two girls will be almost $60,000 – are public schools not good enough? Security could be put in place I am sure. Obamas will only make $400,000 a year before taxes so that is a lot of money to be spending. Already the Obama's do not look like the people who elected them. So typical of Washington Politics. Good bye common folk – hear come the rich Obamas.

[...] Obamas are going to send their girls to The Sidwell School. Let the bloviating from the right [...]

Money won't solve public school problem. DC schools spend more per student than 99.9% of districts but one of worst. Problem is the attitude that ALL students must be educated in inner city, even those who don't try and terrorize the students and teachers. Just educate the ones who want to learn and put the trouble makers in daytime detention. That way those who want to be something besides gangsters can get a good education. We can't save the bad ones so why allow then to drag down the rest?

[...] Wait, nevermind, just another extremely interesting tidbit… the Obama's had chosen a school. [...]

What I do not understand is why this should be an issue. The Obama girls have always attended PRIVATE SCHOOL even back in Chicago. Why should they change that just because they are going into the White House? Anybody who is thinking otherwise is simply just NUTS are Absolutely Illiterate and Illinformed when it comes to the Obamas. Obama attended Havard, and Michelle went to Preston and Havard, where do you think their kids should go?

WHO DO YOU PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE! thank GOD the PRESIDENT ELECT put his precious little ANGEL'S IN PRIVATE SCHOOL, if you people thought for one minute, that MICHELLE OBAMA was going to leave her two children out in the open, then you should think again, these are two little AFRICAN AMERICAN LITTLE GIRL'S, and they have to have protection day in and day out, and people can you tell me why? well the answer is, for the first time in AMERICA, A AFRICAN AMERICAN man, had the AUDACITY, to run for the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATE'S OF AMERICA, and he won fair and square, he stayed in the race, in spite of the opposition, and now some people can't wait to tear him down, and it's DEMOCRAT'S AT THAT! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOUR SELVE'S! because i am! you want the PRESIDENT ELECT to put his children in harm's way, just to prove to you, that he is sincere about CHANGE!!

I just want to state this….As a public school teacher…Public schools in the DC area are the worse in the US. I do not understand how that simple fact has never been mentioned,so before everyone begins to throw stones, please do research. It is not "hypocritical" of President Obama to have placed his daughters in a private school; I'm sure Obama would have placed his daughters in public schools if there were public schools that were suitable for his children. The fact is that the public schools in the DC area lack safety for students & staff, resources and are federally underfunded. President Obama & First Lady Obama made the best decision considering what the caliber of school choices they had.

I swear some of you people need to petition the Wizard of Oz for a brain.

Because the Obama's chose one of the best private schools in the area, he's "following the Clintons"?? He should spend the next 4-8 years working to improve the quality of life for Americans while sending his own children to one of the worst public school systems in the country?? He should work hard to keep Americans safe from terrorist attacks, but he should put his own flesh & blood in harms way by sending them to a public school in a less than ideal environment?? Parents who love their children choose schools based on academics, safety, and reputation. Does that change because one is elected President? Clearly some of you could have benefited from an education at Sidwell Friends. Oh well, there's always the Wizard!

It's funny reading some of the people's posts. There are so many ignorant comments on here. People that think Obama is not bringing about change because he is sending his daughters to a private school is completely ridiculous. I am a teacher in a public school, and I completely support his decision. He is concerned for their safety as he should be. Anybody who thinks Obama is not bringing about change because of his daughters school choice or thinks he is hypocritical is a complete fool, and it scares me to know that you people are probably registered voters. No wonder we have such a terrible President right now.

I agree Tim. I'm glad I voted for Obama but I'm glad that I didn't really label myself and Obama supporter per se. I am a democrat and I also felt he was the better candidate. But at this rate I think I would be embarrased if I had been an Obama supporter after seeing how many of them are ready to jump ship over something so personal for him and his family. Just goes to show how fickle political supporters are I guess.

You know what , why is it anyones busisness what school anyones kid go to. We have a bad economy, no jobs, two wars, and ure worrying about what school his daughters goes to , if u have two kids wont u want them to go to the best schools , this country does have a problems with winers, spoilt brats always complaining about stupid stuff

Yeah, right, sure… Shame on Obama for wanting his daughters to receive the best education at a school that has experience with Presidential children. Yeah, what a jerk.

You people need to get a life. The Obamas can send their girls to any school they want!

Give me a break. It is a parent's choice where they want to send their children to school. This is America we do have those freedoms! Besides I think it would be impossible to send their children to public school because of security risks that are obviously much, much greater for these children simply because of who their dad is. It is time to act respectfully and back out of their private business. These girls did not run for office and they need to be allowed to live somewhat nornal lives, like pick what puppy they want, and name it what they want.

If he sent them to public schools and the taxpayers had to pick up the extra security cost, you ditto heads would be pissin' and moanin' about as well.

Just sit back and endure the next 8 years, we have already served our 8 year sentence. And for the record, the threats against Obama is the highest of any president and he is not even the president.

Some Christian values you repugs have on display.

Come on now. Let's understand that any school system in this country can use some work, and updating. The fact that his children are attending a school with a level of protection is understanable. But, so many of you expect entitlements it sickens me.

I work five jobs, make a great income, and expect nothing less from any other american. If most Americans would stop pointing fingers, and point the finger at themselves, now that would be change.

The land of the free to criticize and find flaw, not what our founding fathers intended,.. work hard, be moral and ethical,.. and be nothing less than a supportive countrymen, this is what this country was founded for. Good Luck on them!

Looks like BO is going for a Jimmy Carter, 4 and out.

This is definitely the safest thing. To all the critics, BTW, doesn't Obama support vouchers?

Would anyone criticizing the Obama's really not do a private school if they were such high profile people? He is trying to make his family safe, a process which is difficult because of the way he will be serving the country as President.

We should applaud him for not sacrificing his children's safety by putting them in a public school to make a political statement.

I would suggest that all and sundry visit the Sidwell Friends website and read their mission statement, then take a look at what's offered there. After indulging yourselves, sit back, reflect and absorb what you've read.

Now, did anything strike a familiar note? Did anything reflect the principles and beliefs of the man who is now the Pres-elect? I do think most of you feel after following him for 2yrs that you know a wee bit of what he stands for. Sidwell Friends sounds like the the mother of all schools, where a child can be moulded into a well rounded individual.

Why does it surprise you that a former Community Organizer (I say that respectfully), a true respector of all persons, would send his children to a school that is strong in teaching community service/involvement, plus a whole lot more??!!

Are some of you people serious about criticizing him for not sending his children to public school? It is absurd to think the choice to send those two girls to a public school where there would be 10 secret service agents following them around the entire day would be distracting and would affect your child's learning. This isn't a "liberal" choice. It's a parental decision. It has nothing to do with politics.
Every single person on here who cares about their children would send them to the best school available republican, democratic and all the like. What you should concern yourself with is how to make your own child's education better by reading to them every night and ensuring they get their homework done. Help them to improve their grades and graduate from high school. Go to college so they have some sort of future to look forward too.
Astonishing!

how can they confirm that when they have not gone thru the application process…..the process is that parents and students are not told until March. This just confirms that the application to private schools is BS! This devaluates the Sidwell Friends education – any kid can get in as long as daddy is a big cheese…sad!

I believe that they picked a great school. These are his children and the first thing is how will they be best protected. We are not talking about your average type of job he will be the President of the United States and the first thing crazy people want to do is go for the kids. This is not about politics it is about parents choosing the best education and protection for their children.
As an educator, I wouldn't put my kids in my school if it was failing I would find the best school for them. So I say "You go OBAMA"S"!!

Why would we even care if the Obamas' send their kids to private school or not ? Its Barack and Michelle's choice and they do not have to explain to the public why. Let's just all be happy that the new President is slowly doing the transition with his personal life and his soon-to-be-job. I believe that the school choice should not be an issue at all because any caring parent would want the best for their kids.

I don't know anything about parenting as I am a single woman living in D.C. But here is what I can attest : my parents gave me the best education by sending me to an all-girls private school and it was the best gift I have ever gotten from them. Nope, we are not rich and I didn't have the best clothes, shoes and toys while growing up. But hey, it was that education that sent me here in the United States of America.

And to those who say that the Obama's are a hypocrite, I have one word for you : jealousy.

Honestly, it is none of anybody's business where the Parents Barack and Michelle Obama decide to send their kids to school. Whether it be based on academics, the nature of the school, security, whatever, IT DOES NOT MATTER. They made a decision as parents and everyone should respect it.

And please for those of you who call him a hypocrite for preaching about public schools and then deciding not to put his kids in one, let me remind you of Sarah Palin and the supposedly "moral" Republican values that she preaches when it comes to children, only to have her teenage daughter turn up pregnant.

It does not matter to me where their girls attend school. Safety is first before anything else. Besides they have the money to afford whatever school they would like their daughters to attend. Any wealthy person or at least one who can afford, will send their kids to the best school of their choice. THIS IS NOT ABOUT PLEASING THE PUBLIC, THIS IS ABOUT THEIR FAMILY PRIVATE LIFE AND WHAT FITS BEST FOR THEM RATHER THAN WHAT PEOPLE WILL SAY OR PERCEIVE.

Good luck to the Obamas!!

Tim stop being so sensitive – you sound pathetic. Chill out.

The world is going to hell in a hand basket and you people are upset because of a school. No wonder my 401k Is shrinking. People get your priorities together.

My question is why do any of you care? During the campaign the kids were off limits (both sides) When did the kids become fair game?
Back off, would you want others telling you how to raise your kids? Or use them for political proposes?

Yeah. those girls should go to PUBLIC school and just carry a pistol…but what kind of PUPPY are they going to get???!!!
I hope it's a Labradoodle. (irony)

Never mind that we are on the brink of NATIONAL ECONOMIC COLLAPSE, the country is at ENDLESS WAR, and this is the first generation of kids expected to have a higher HIGH-SCHOOL DROP OUT RATE and shorter life expectancy (due to OBESITY) than it's parents…THANKS GWB.

I challenge one angry REPUBLICAN on this thread to name a single President during the past 80 years that sent their kids to public school. Seriously, name one…

Good choice. I am very happy for the girls and for those who do not agree I say who cares.
People will never be happy anyway and they will always be ready to
critize.
GET A LIFE PEOPLE AND MIND YOUR BUSINESS!!!

We will continue to be a divided nation if we take issues such as this and make them vindictive. I work in a public school and if I could afford it, I would send my children to a private school. Why not surround yourself with children who have caring, educated parents that emphasize education first rather than alot of ill mannered children whose parents don't have a clue as how to raise them and do not teach them some basic manners and respect. Let's focus on working together to heal the country, and let the first family get on with their life. Enough of extreme right wing politics!!!!!!!!!! Moderation is the key.

I suggest all the "negative hypocritics" go get a life!!
A good parent is supposed to do what's best for their kids
and it is entirely up to them to decide what school to send their kids!!
He is not seeking public opinion from any of us…matter of fact he is not going to read this, get it? Use your time wisely folks!!!!!!

Yes, I said it – Hypo-Critics – new invention, go figure….

Linda,
I have one small question. Were your friends, either one, the president of the United States? Let's flip the script and you were in Obama's shoes, would you allow your kids to attend a public school….knowing the nut-cases that exists in this society? Let's be more logical in your thinking.

Of course, it is about safety. The public school will have say 1000 students and private school maybe 300. Much easier to check 300 than 1000, not to mention the inconvenience for the extra students.

Also, Palin certainly did not do the safety issue any good with her hate speeches to whip the Klan into a frenzy.

All these people hating on the Obamas for this choice are probably the far right, rush limbaugh loving whack jobs who hated the President elect to begin with. And now they will use whatever they can to say something negative and hateful. I don't have kids. But If I did I would want them to go to the best school possible. And odds are, it's not a public school. So all those spewing hate, worry about your own kids. Then again, you probably don't have any.

Not a bad thing at all to follow in Clinton's shoes…though I trust he's making the best decision that he and his wife think is best.

Matthew from PA is right; the liberals need to stop being hypocrites and give the rest of us school vouchers/choice.

The Obama haters here will use ANYTHING to post their negative agenda and I knew for a fact if the Obamas put their girls in a private school they would come out crying about it. Well unlike the president and his wife I don't make $400.000 a year, BUT both of my kids are in a private school not for security but for the best education I can give them. If he had put his kids in a public school, then you haters would have complained that he doesn't care about the other children that are there and putiing them at risk just for the sake of his own. You people just need SOMETHING to hate on and I guess the internet and news sites like these are the only relief you get. Perhaps if you would read some of your posts before you hit SUBMIT you would see how silly it all sounds. Just shows me though how you anti-Obama folks view things and makes me happy your type will no longer be in charge of our nation.

This is pure nonsense to think that they would not send the girls to a private school. And I want him to fix the country and put us on solid ground and I don't care who he finds to help him because we are in big trouble. Just stop being so judgmental and let the man do his job! I won't complain until after he has some time in the white house and nothing is getting done.

Safety of the kids has to come first. If that school provides the safest environment for his kids, great.

It would be nice if everyone had the means to send their children to a private school. I'm in favor of limited government and of drastic reductions in the non defense Federal budget. The one worthwhile program the government should enact following the elimination of wasteful spending is a school voucher program. The public schools in our inner cities have a monopoly on providing education and they will NEVER improve until they have to compete with private schools to atttract students. The government should help fund a private school education for all those in need who want one for their children.

I also am a public school teacher in FL. We rank 50th in the US thanks to our "wonderful" Governor Crist who is up for re-election in 2010 (can't wait). While there is nothing wrong w/public schooling, I agree that this was a wise choice for the safety of the children. I hope that Obama and his team can fix NCLB – because children are left behind every day. Teachers are overworked and underpaid – mainly because we not only have to teach…but we also have to parent. And from reading many of these posts, it's obvious to see why we have so many problems with our students. Apples don't fall too far from the trees. If you teach your children hatred and racism – they will bring it to school. Trust us…as teachers…we're doing our best to "change" them for you. You're welcome.

Honestly, I can't imagine *anyone*–Republican or Democrat–*choosing* to send their children to public school. I do not like President-Elect Obama's politics, but, as a parent I see nothing wrong with putting your child into the best situation you can. That's why we homeschool. And it's legal in every state. We *all* have the choice to educate privately.

Message boards really are an interesting barometer that measures the total ignorance of many of my fellow Americans. Anyone who thinks President-elect Obama should sacrifice his daughters safety in the name of "change" is outright ignorant. Choosing a school has NOTHING to do with running the country. People, for the love all that is holy, educate yourselves. There are a lot of current Senators who have their children in private schools, each with their own Secret Service detail. There are too many ignorant, psychotic, psychopaths out there just itching to wreak havoc on Senators families. Multiply that a million-fold for the newly elected, and black, First Family.

"Who shall judge the judges" Eli Weisel

Leave it alone let them have some space to breathe.

Its not elitist to chose a private school – and I think he IS thinking of others putting his daughters in a private school that specializes i dealing with children of politicans, diplomats and security issues. Could you imagine for one second if those girls did go to public school – what a logistic nightmare for an unprepared school. Taking time, energy & resources (which are sacrce) away from the students already there. It's a distraction the teachers, & students would have to deal with. In the private school – no one cares who their dad is – because they all come from similar backgrounds.

Good for you Barack and Michelle Obama! You need to do whatever makes you feel comfortable. I hear it's a good school and your daughters deserve the best you can provide.

God bless you and your family.

Is this the change we can beleive in?
Clinton?,Holder? etc…
Give me a break….
I think Obama started disappointing all of us…
This is not change ,cheating the public..

Remember there is nother election in 4 years..

I worked at Sidwell Friends School and it is an excellent choice for the Obama girls. The emphasis on community service, self-reflection, human rights and academic excellence are a very good combination.

I also graduated from D.C. public schools. I have 2 children now in private school in D.C. I would never, ever send them to D.C. public schools. I will work 5 jobs before I allow my children into that school system because I know it is absolutely TERRIBLE – and that was years ago. I hear that it worse now!

Oh lovely! Let's just announce where their kids are going and possibly risk their safety. Smart… real smart! And the change thing people… you're all right… it wasn't 4 more years of Bush "The One" wanted… it is 8 more years of Clinton!

All the talk about being the main street guy is now out of the door…..private schools are only for the elite…….

If security is a big issue….home school will be the best…..

These girls would be at real risk of kidnapping or much worse in a public school. A private school is better prepared to handle the kind of security required to protect these children while they learn. The Obamas made the only rational choice they could make for their daughter's safety in this crazy world.

TO GEORGE IF YOU GOT SO MUCH TO SAY REGARDING THE OBAMA KIDS EDUCATION WHY DONT YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM VOLUNTEER TO TUTOR KIDS AFTER SCHOOL DO SOMETHING TO HELP OR SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a 3 yr old and already it is expensive for her to go to school, but any sacrifice that I need or will need to make for my kids to have the best, I would…period! Those folks on here who have a problem with the Obama's decision in all likelyhood do not have kids of their own. If they do, then they certainly don't care about them the way a parent should.

Good Luck Mr. President.

You people who are whining about the whole school choice thing are idiots! Barack Obama always said that he would not use his daughters as political pawns. No one complains that they currently attend private school. Why would he want to ruin their education by sending them to the WORST schools in the nation? He has to do what's best for his family. Besides, sending his kids to a public school wouldn't change those schools at all, except to make them a media circus and a security nightmare. You hypocrits should be ashamed of yourselves for villifying a good father. You'd do the same thing if you had the means. So please, give the man a chance. You're tearing him down before he's even taken office, and some of you hypocrits said you supported him in the election. SO WHY NOT SUPPORT HIM NOW?!?!?!

I worked the Campaign and I am still happy… My daughter teaches in a great Public HS.. But I don't believe I would want her teaching in public school in DC.. And we are not Famous….Excellent choice.. Needs to worry about safety fist…..

I don't think anyone can argue there are MAJOR problems with DC public schools, and i don't think having the Presidents children attend them is the best approach to fixing them. What may be the right approach is for people to continue to have this discussion, because someone 'up there' needs to hear us and maybe THEY can do something to help the children and parents that DO attend those schools.

I can't believe people are already casting blame and judgment on a man who hasn't even been inaugurated yet. He is not even president yet and Americans are cynically washing their hands. Whether you voted for him or not…give him at least a chance to do something before you break out the criticism!

Yes, there are some people who have been selected from the Clinton administration including Hillary Clinton. However, as anyone considered that pretty much every viable Democratic appointment would have to be pulled from the Clinton administration? Where do you think these people got their experience from? Did you hope that he would pick a no name nobody with no experience? Have we so easily forgotten what happens when such things occur…Sarah Palin for one?
Pretty much every Democratic candidate for positions would have to have cut their teeth by working for or with the Clinton administration!

Give me a break!!!

Who cares what schools the girls go to?? I think Obama made the best decision for him and his family. Anyone who doesn't like it? Deal with it!!!

You don't have to be rich to send your kids to private school, you just have to make education a priority (sadly enough, many public education institutions in the US have educational deficits). How many of you are overweight because you don't cook intelligently or make healthy salads at home? You seem to have have enough money for fast food which is more expensive. How many of you have electronic toys at home, but no books? Do you read to/with your children? How many of you have gas-guzzling cars, don't walk or take a bike and have never sat down with your child and discussed a map of the world and its' geography or politics? Do you even understand why "education" in the US is on the list for improvement? The public schools can not improve without the support of the people. Can you tell me what the capital city of Paraguay is? Can your kids? My immigrant parents busted their butts to send me to a private school, all too often has the public school system failed. I thank them. My God, just look at the OEDC "PISA" scores for the USA! Shape up America and thank God that the Obamas found a decent school in their new town!

Wait a minute, for all of you that are saying these children should go to public school…please…Safety and security first….These children deserve it…If it were you children, you would want the same!!!! So quit hating!!!

Home schooling would be a preferred option, NO?

I hope the Obama daughters enjoy their time at Sidwell Friends. Coming from an environment like the U of Chicago Lab School, another top flight private school was the only choice. Any detractors on the website are probably jealous, vindictive Republicans (are there any other kind) who resent these lovely young ladies. And Kathleen, you are an idiot. Usually it is rich conservative WHITE CHILDREN who attend these sorts of schools. I believe your irritation stems from two lovely black girls whose parents can afford private schooling for their children. Get over it. You too George. The Obama children deserve to be schooled anywhere their parents want them to go. Kathellen and George are probably not smart enough to understand that successful people have more options.

I'm not as successful as the Obamas, but I chose to sacrifice and sent my daughter to a private school. I feel that it was worth every penny. Don't hate the player; hate the game. And by the way LIBERAL is no longer a dirty word. Really Republicans, why don 't you update your thinking?

be safe little ones!!!
a LOT of weird-o's out there

I'm more concerned about the reporting (or lack thereof) of the story by CNN's Ed Henry than the choice of the school the President-elect and his wife made for their children. Nothing was mentioned in the title about whether the school was private or public. Nothing was mentioned in the article about whether the school was private or public. Why was that?? Hmmm…..let me guess!!!

Geez…some people. Their kids are now would-be targets of every nut case and terrorist. Security is a huge issue. Can you imagine a kidnapping situation involving a child of the president…democrat or republican? Give them a break.

Those that think less of Obama for sending his children to private school are SICK.

1. The Obama girls were attending private in Chicago.
2. No public school can keep them properly secure.
3. The children are not pawns in the public/private school debate.
4. It is the Obama's choice and only the Obamas.

My God…you negative people are either stupid, non-considerate…or just plain evil! Let that man and his wife make the decisions for their children. I doubt any of your comments will cost them any sleep!

CNN really needs to have a 'reply' option on some of these comments…people are posting some outlandish things and they need to be addressed…

i'm just glad they're going to a private school.

A great choice BUT they have a drug use problem just like any other school. Watch out.
I have two siblings that attended. The Society of Friends is the right philosophy for a neo multi-cutural America.

Too bad they didn't go to public school. Just think how great that one public school would become.

I cannot believe the responses posted !!

This is not a political issue, this is a principal of what is best for the children, which is first their safety and their level of learning.

Most likely, they may be ahead of their grade level anyway…..heck if you can count to the number ten, you will certainly be a strong canidate to graduate from DC public Schools.

DC public schools are dangerous. Period. I would not risk putting my kids there either.

Ask a DC resident. the sediment is the same.

No matter what Obama does, it will not satisfy all. Get over it.

Celebrity Obama picks a school for his kids. Next it will be "what is Michelle wearing today?" then "what puppy will they pick". When will the media actually focus on what this moron will do for the nation other than his terrible choices already to go with the old Clintonistas. Seems like it is business as usual in DC after all. So much for CHANGE. And thanks for tanking the economy Barry – why don't you try showing some leadership and step up to the plate. Tell Wall Street you have no intention of raising the Capital Gains Tax so people stop dumping their stocks. Oh, that's right you WILL raise taxes. God help us all.

You people are absolutely, ridiculously, detestably insane. You want the most powerful man in the world sending his African-American daughters to public school when there are nuts all over out there threatening him and calling him–and his family–every name in the book? You are drawing comparisons to another president based on the school his daughter went to? I am convinced this country should require IQ testing before registering voters. Maybe we wouldn't be in this situation… or the situation of the last eight years. I am so miserably ashamed that I voted for Obama. Not because of him… he is a decent person……. but because of his "supporters". Or maybe we just need new legislation banning commenting functionality on informational/news Web sites.

I'm surprised they even go to a private school quite frankly – I would think that home school of sorts would be the only safe and logical choice when you're the very young daughters of a sitting a president – our nation's first black president too. But anyone who thinks public school would even be an option is incredible naive.

I am a public school teacher and I feel totally supported by Barack Obama and his family. Though I would be proud to have his beautiful daughters at my public school it would be a security nightmare. Better that they be at a school that specializes in the type of security these girls will need. For this decision the Obama's need only consult each other.

I don't understand why people are surprised. He is following the Clinton's every step. He just wants his name on there.
And for those who think there is something wrong with the public school system, then explain this to me.
A good friend (both husband and wife are teachers:
Their oldest – Rice University-attending Columbia for graduate school
2nd – Graduated from Juliard
3rd child – graduated from NYU
4th child – Senior at University of North Carolina
5th child – A senior in HS (honors) will attend USC.
Parents are in debt helping their children with this education. Kids all went to Public Schools in Texas. Not once did they attend private.
Why didn't the public school system fell them? Sounds like PARENTING TO ME!!!

Yet another hypocritical politician who claims to support public education and sends his children to private schools. Also, this is not about safety. That is a poor excuse. The children are protected 24/7 by the secret service.

Seriously, if he talks about CHANGE, he should apply it to his personal life. Send those girls to public schools and give them extra tutorial in the White House. He cannot be an elitist when voters placed him in office thinking he is just like them.

EB in DC-

Well said…beautifully said. At least we have some intelligent posters on here. Some people just posted pure ignorance. But that was beautiful.

What's wrong with it? As a parent, I will send my children to the best school.

Im glad he made a right choice. Schools in DC are terrible place to learn. There were a huge fights at Anacostia High School which sent 5 kids to hospital. I am pretty sure that Obamas were thinking of their kids safety. More importantly, their education and future while DC public school can't help making it better.

I think it's fine if the Obama girls attend Sidwell. It's an amazing school. But as a Democrat who supports school choice and vouchers for less fortunate children, I wish so many members of my party would stop being hypocrites. Either stand up to the teachers union and support choice or practice what you preach and send your kids to public schools.

Just watch the republicans claim Obama's bad for not risking his childrens safety by avoiding public schools. He made a good decision for his family and I'm glad he did.

More liberal hypocrisy. The Obamas oppose school choice and school vouchers…and at the first opportunity, they deem themselves better than everyone else and hand-pick their children's school.

Hypocrisy, thy name is Democrat.

Having lived in DC during the Clinton Administration, I really do feel as though this is the correct choice.

Not all public schools are unsafe and substandard. My 15-year old attends a great public high school in Kentucky. The school has no safety problems and offers a quality college prep track.

But I wouldn't send my son to public school if their father was the president. Just last week the FBI reported a rise in threats against the Obama family. A public school is simply not equipped to handle the necessary security issues.

Several on this blog have complained about their own lack of choice in schools for their kids. You do have a choice. Do your research and move if you have to. There are good public schools out there.

If we were the President, we would have done the same. Even if you were not the President and you have the possibility to do it like other people do. Come on, do not criticize the same things that you would have done for your kids. This school or other private school, is nothing related to if Obama is going to fix the country or not just because of this. If they pick this school is because they like and they can accomodate the Secret Service better just like they did with Chelsea Clinton. They did not pick it just because Chelsea went there. The best for your kids, whoever you are, is nothing to do with being a President, is related to be good parents and worry about your kids education. Do you think instead Obama the president, were another President ( Democrat or Republican)would have not done the same? Of course, they would had.

I don't understand WHY they think we care. This
should NOT be "Breaking News".

Obama flatters the Clintons. Clinton era appointments, Hillary as secretary of state, and now the same school as their daughter. What does this tell you? Obama doesn't have a clue and needs modeling to proceed.

OK, no surprise. It's dumped on a Friday nite so I guess they expect some backlash.
Me, I'm just tired of hearing about "the girls".

If the Obama daughters were to attend, and inevitably disrupt the normal day to day activities of a D. C. pubilc school, the reactionaries writing on here would complain about that. When your only position is to be contrary, you can hypocritically argue any side of any issue, as we have witnessed the Republicans do for decades.

THINK PEOPLE!

Having the girls attend any of D.C.'s best public schools, would have added a host of complexities for the Secret Service, the White House, the public school, and the students & faculties of that public school. Think people before you render a judgment that cause you to sound stupid. At least try to appreciate the "highly unique situation these parents" face as they try to find what is best and appropriate for their girls.

Maybe it would be a good idea if all you "negatives" walk a mile in their shoes before you judge where they let their children go to school.
I just love reading all the comments from people who know what's best for the first family, but don't know how to run their own lives. Get a life.

I know the Obama's would have preferred to send their kids to public school. But a private school, in this case is in the best interest of the children for their safety's sake. Putyourself in his situation people.

Wasn't the country in pretty good shape when President Clinton was in office? What's wrong with President-Elect Obama using some of the former Clinton staff people? That would still be change from the last 8 years!

Wow, so much for public education…thats real change obama!

The fact that anyone would believe that sending the president's daughters to a public school was a viable option is crazy. The comments here are spoken from the minds of those who do not have a clue as to the danger not only would the girls face but those kids around them…Obama has received more death threats then any president in history.

This may be the first and only thing I agree with Obama on. Good choice for the girls.

i am a teacher by profession and used to teach in a dc public school. i truly felt i was the most stressed out teacher in the whole world. I hated my job, hated the school, even hated the kids coz they were so rude and unapreciative, the parents were the worst. well i prayed for a better job and now teach in a catholic school. i don't make much but my daughter goes to the same school i teach in and even though its a struggle to pay her tuition, i wouldn't dream of putting her in a public school. So people, the Obamas know exactly what they are doing and as loving and caring parents, they are doing what's best for their two great babies. Haters get over it. The safety and education of the kids comes first no matter what. DC schools are the worst in the country and I would have been disappointed if the Obamas put their kids in them just to 'please' haters like some of you.

I am sure that they would have liked to send them to a public school but I know that would have been very difficult. If I were the Obamas I would send the girls to the school that the secret service could protect the best. I believe that they did choose the school that could do this since the service has already been at that school because of Chelsea.

this is not any ones business on where he sends his chikdren, he is being a responsible parent and doing right by his children, everyone else should get on board with the proper education of their children whether it be private of public schools systems, I believe all parents are responsible for their children no matter how rich or poor.

Back off on his family and focus on what he is going to do to making are country honarable again

I wouldn't have thought the Obama's would send Sasha and Malia to public school in D.C. My friend's sister goes to a public school there and she is constantly saving money to send her to a private school. And why would a president send two young girls to public school if they're already making such a huge adjustment by moving from Chicago to D.C., and they've been going to private their whole lives? That's pretty hard on a girl, especially at those ages. And it's also the general consensus that the President of the United States sends their offspring to private school while serving their term in office.
As for the school, it sounds like a great choice and I hope that the first children are comfortable there.

Wished I made what it'll cost to send them to this private school!

I can't say I wouldn't do it, but it would cost you and I even more since all the extras would come in to play. Early drop off so you can get to work on time and pick-up after school after you leave work. Not for those two. They'll have a police escort in armored SUVs to and from school.

Isn't it a shame that every parent can't send their child to a school where they will be safe and receive a good education?

"think some news stories don't need a comments section. This is one of those instances."

Here, here Celeste.

No presidents send their kids to public schools…because those schools suck and they can afford to send them to private school…so why do democrats oppose school vouchers and continue to prop up a broken system run by the teachers union? hypocrisy.

Some people are either missing a vital part of their brains or they just chose to hate Obama. The kids could be easy targets of kidnapping in a public school. Not to mention that it is D.C of all places! for goodness sake why can't people think with their brains and not their crap? Obama values his family more than anything, you get it you useless haters there? Get a life or get a brain.

No big surprise here. Good. It's more about security than anything else.

This is SO silly.
Security is so much a concern that a public school would almost, by definition, be a bad choice… especially with Obama.
Like it or not, there are too many racist crazies out there how would (literally) kill for the opportunity to hurt our new President and his family.
Besides, what a child learns at home is more important than what a school can teach.
God bless our new president and his family.

of course — on so many levels. man of the people — who lives in an exclusive neighborhood in Chicago and sends his kids to exclusive private schools. candidate of change — who then appoints all the same Clinton adminstration beltway insiders to serve in his administration. break from the past — who then sends his kids to the same school the Clinton's sent their kid to. of course, this is also why I voted for him — because I knew all this talk about "change" was just campaign bs and he would be just another politician who would maintain continuity with the past. anyone want to bet on whether the troops will still be in Iraq in 16 months? get ready to be disappointed moveon.org.

what a hypocrite. as someone who opposes vouchers, which would give underpriveledged kids a choice of schools, he sends his kids to private school. there is no difference in security. that's bull. it's typical liberal hypocrisy…"what's good for you is not for me". I'm now convinced that the majority of the American people are not smart enough to survive. Therefore, this society will die.

Look, this is not a political issue. Obama wants public schools to be better, but right now, they are not so great. You can support public schools (school board, taxes, etc) either way, but if you have the money, why would you experiment on your own kids? A proven good private school is a better bet for your kids to succeed than our mediocre public school system. Would you place your politics before your kids? If so, perhaps you shouldn't have had any.

I voted for you Barack Obama not the Clintons. I donated to your primary so that you would beat Clinton. I am becoming sorry that I even voted.

All Presidents send their children to private schools. Stop hating on the Democrats for exact same things republicans do, this isnt a partisan issue, this isnt an issue at all. I dont care if his children go to private or public school and I am about to graduate with an education degree.

I am amazed and appauled that some are making political comments regarding this truly personal decision the Obama's needed to make. When does human decency enter a persons soul? Oh, Oh I know. If it was the candidate of their choice. Lets move on to working to getting this country out of the dismal situation it is in than what school a parents wish to send their kids to.

I cant believe some people are complaining that the girls are not going to public school me and my husband would work three jobs to send our children to private school

Those who believe that Obama should make a political statement in his choice for his daughters' school are being completely absurd. Furthermore, I do not believe that you have children – because if you did, you would know that it is UNTHINKABLE to use your children as a political pawn.
Furthermore, I live in an ungentrified area of the District, and am a parent with children in the DC public school system. DC is ranked one of the worst public school systems in the country – we are in the middle of a huge shakeup, and have a burgeoning Charter School movement (nearly half of DC Public school students now attend Charter Schools, including my own). If I could send my kids to private school, I probably would. But since I can't, I work my butt off to make my kids school the best it can be. I believe that the Obamas will work to better public education, but making a political statement by sending their girls to a failing school is not the way to do it.
Not to mention the most important aspect of all this, in my opinion – SAFETY. The safety of the Obama girls is more important that ANYTHING else when it comes to making this decision. This is not politics, this is family.

I'm glad the Obama's chose to continue to keep their daughters in private school. And for all those "haters" that are judging this choice (which is an EXCELLENT choice), I guess for one – you don't want the best for your child/children if you had to make the decision and two – you don't want the best safety of OUR Presidents children (even if you didn't vote for him, he's still OUR President). So to all of you that are criticizing this decision……………………..BACK OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where's the change. BO is nothing more than a used car salemen.

Everyone that is having a problem with this decision is either not a parent or just hateful. When does parent decisions on the education of their kids become something that has to be done to appease people and care less about their kids. Please give me a break all those that see this as politics are delusional and hypocritical. Tell me you will sacrifice your kids for politics if you were in his position.

I think the Obamas made the right choice. The safety of those two adorable girls is first and foremost. I can't believe some of you can't see that.

My daughter attends a Friend's school…..not because it is an elite, expensive school, (which it is not) but because it is the best fit for our daughter. Every parent has to make that decision…..the Obama's are no different. Friends' schools are loving communities that embrace diversity and partner with public schools. I would do homework on the school before I would be this condemning of the Obama's decision.

these are kids. safety matters first, especially considering the hate rallies that stirred up nutjobs courtesy of turkey slaughtering palin.

There is a reason this was released on a Friday evening…

School came before the Sen and President!

Change ……… ? Even the school will be the same as the one of the Clinton girl. Sigh..

My goodness people get over it !! The girls were in private school in Chicago for one. Second, it is a private choice for people to send their kids to whatever school they think is best for their children. People all over the country choose to sacriface and send their children to private schools. Why should the Obama's be any different? This is not a political choice. It has nothing to do with "change" you haters seem to be stuck on. It is about their education and safety perios.

Why don't you haters just wait until Obama takes office and give him the same amount of time George Bush had to screw up the country.

Can anybody imagine the media circus a public school would be turned into with the Obama girls there. A small private school can change their schedule, security and straff to fit the needs of a presidential family . A public school can not. Attending public schools would enviably cost the DC schools tens of thousands just to accommodate 2 students.

"It is my understanding that they did not even consider a public education for their girls. This change is really getting old. With all the Clinton on the scene I hardly see any change at all."

Jimmy Carter was the last President to send his child to DC public schools, and it was nothing more than a grandstanding event that probably cost the school millions of dollars.

DC public schools are the worst in the country, even thought they spend the highest per capita on students. This is the fault of the corrupt local DC government, not the Federal Government and certainly not the fault of a Senator from Illinois.

A private school can handle the security necessary for the daughters of a President in ways that the public school system cannot.

And you can't blame a guy foe exercising school choice – I thought that was what you Republicans were all about, right?

Sheesh.

P.S. – Barack, get a greyhoud. They are such great dogs.

to all who are pushing for the public schools…please, it would be a Secret Service security nightmare. I want those girls safe.

FDR had a Scottie named Fala. Pretty famous dog. Lighten up. Finding out what kind of dog they'll get and what school the girls will go to are just lighthearted stories people like to read to momentarily forget everyday problems.

I really think that this is something the entire country doesn't need to know. He deserves to make at least this decision for his family without scrutiny from everyone in the country.

I am not sure if Obama really is going to bring any changes to our nation as he had promised.

He is going to have all the Clinton people in his team. It feels like Clinton era all over again. Now, their two daughters are following Clinton's foot steps to attend the school Clinton's daughter attended!

I voted to get ride of Clinton administration 8 years ago, and I voted this year for Obama promised to bring changes. Needless to say, it looks like it will be Clinton all over again!

I love to see, if Obama is really going to bring the changes he promised during his campaign. I have heard that no matter who gets in the white house, all politicians are the same, they them keep their promises. Let see, if Omaba will be any different!!

Dear Oxford Voter: Yes CONSERVATIVES are pretty smart people so they tend to like to send their kids to private schools. The difference is that CONSERVATIVES in Congress and state legislatures keep trying to make it possible for you and me to send our kids to private schools too, whereas LIBERALS (like your hero here) want to ensure that only the rich can afford to. LIBERALS ensure this by voting down school choice initiatives everywhere that CONSERVATIVES introduce them, ensuring that people who want to send their kids to private schools must pay both public school taxes AND private tuition; The Democrats' statement on school choice is clear: public schools are good enough for the rest of us, but definitely not good enough for THEM.

It appears a public school in a private setting with government well as none government student. Way to go for theirs safety.

It's funny to see liberals try and rationalize why Barry and Michelle (the Angela Davis of our time) refuse to send their children to the wonderful DC public schools……..which are better funded than any other district in the country. What is the explanation for this? Answer – There is none, other than liberalsim is a mental disorder!

I would dare you to walk in this mans shoes all of our brothers of another color and consider this if you were the first black man elected to office and the threats you were getting tell me honestly what would you do all my white brothers walk in a black mans shoes for once you have seen the movies when they capture the children of elected officials all it takes is one stupid person to do something stupid

It is unfortunate that the president of the country does not trust the public schools! It sends a negative signal to all countries around the world.

You people who seriously think the Obama girls should go to public school as a statement are just ridiculous. Their first and foremost concern should be the safety of their children. Concern #2 should be the disruption that the presence of their children will inevitably cause the other kids. Public school is not appropriate for them for both reasons. Grow up and quit yer cryin'–you lost the election for a reason and the sooner you figure it out, the better.

I am not sure if Obama really going to bring any changes. He is going to have all the Clinton people in his team now, their two daughters are following Clinton's foot steps to send their daughters to the same school Clinton's daughter attend.

Barbara in NC is happy the Obama kids will be in a safe place. Why can't mine be in a safe place ? It is people like the Obamas that have created a society where our children are no longer safe.

These children are no longer ordinary children. They are the children of a president! Their security is of utmost importance to us all. It is always best to get the recommendation from someone who sent their child there and that's the Clintons. You're not thinking!!!! Put yourself in his place, George. What would you do?

Typical elitist bologna. When the Clinton's refused to send their daughter to a public school Hillary snarled that people have to understand the "security" issues with their daughter. WHAT ABOUT THE SECURITY INTERESTS OF MY CHILD ? Why can't I have my tax money to send my child where she would be safest. This choice sours me even more on the Obamas.

What president, other than Jimmy Carter has sent his kids to public school? Enough said! What prominent Rupublican, democrat, or other high ranking official in state or local government sends their kids to public school? Last time I checked, poor people send their kids to catholic private school all the time. Also what is a charter school, but a private school with public funds. Get over it and go back to sending your kid to the exclusive 400k and over valued neighborhood public school with a food court and other amenities. Is this any different than Sidwell? If the White House where in Potomac or Great Falls, then Obama could send his kids to Public School.

I wish them well as they embark on their new home. Moving can be very challenging for young children and it's great that they found a place for the girls to be comfortable. I have children in both public and private school and it's important to find a school that fits your needs. So I am glad that they made their own decision because either way someone would have something to say about it so you may as well do as you please.

Safety is a priority. I wouldn't send my kids to a public school in D.C. even if I weren't a notable public official.

OK… Not much of a story, but since there was a question raised about public vs. private…perhaps CNN would be kind enough to let us know if this is a public or private school! Wasn't that the interest in the story? Should I rely on google for my reporting now and search for Sidwell…fine…I'll do it…

Sorry Ed…you generally do quite good work…I'm just testy after having to hear hosts ramble on about twitter all day and
!!!Breaking news!!! consisting of: Sources say our speculation may be correct…or not…we don't know…BREAKING NEWS!!!!

I don't make anywhere near what the Obama's make, and I still sacrificed to keep my children out of the public school system of a major city. You might as well home school them, because they won't LEARN anything in the public school system. That's just the way it is.

This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with doing what's best for your children. All 3 of my kids went to private school, just like my parents sacrificed to send me to one as well.

yes. we do have a choice to where we send our kids to school. However, as the First Family, don't they have a duty to show American their faith in the public education system? As for the line about security, if this was the sole issue, why not hire a teacher to home school?

Why in the world is another family's personal choices for themselves and their children anybody else's business??? Please remember that there are far more important things in YOUR life than where someone else sends their children to school.

Excellent parents will always make the right decisions for their children,..not for the approval of others.
The Obamas clearly feel that their daughters will be safer at that school. Probably because the secret service knows the school very well.

Obama has the right to send his kids to the school of his choosing. In Chicago his children attended private schools! He doesn't need to send his children to a public school just because he wants to score political points!! To be honest no matter what Obama does there will always be criticsm. Live with it, the choice of schools is personal. Let's keep it that way.

I AM SO SICK OF HEARING ABOUT ALL THIS LITTLE CRAP THAT OBAMA'S FAMILY DOES! WE DON'T NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING! WHO CARES! WAY TO GO, THEY'RE IN PRIVATE SCHOOL, WHOOPDIDOO! WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE THAT MATTERS!

Take care of your own kids, then no children will be left behind.

Security for their kids is critical and will be dramatically easier at a small private school. I don't fault them for this at all. Can you imagine the insanity of having Secret Service agents roaming about a large public school all day long?

I am a product of a private school and a private higher education. Does that make me a elitist? Of course not. What is wrong with you guys?

Take care of your own kids.

E.C.Coleman — one word "IRAQ" in case you've forgotten….

Why dont you leave Obama and his family alone you haters. God and the good will of the American people put him there therefore God will take care of him and his wonderful family.

Hi Hillary 2012 – I know Hillary and you are no Hillary!! begone! and the rest of you hipocrites – we are talking safety here! I'd like to see what you would do if it were your children or grandchildren. Bah – some people really don't have a life – natter natter natter – read a childrens book or watch sponge-bob get a smile in the perpetual frown you wear – it just doesn't look good on you!!!!

These are very young girls. All of us are aware of the condition of the D.C. schools. It takes involvement of parents in a big way to aid these schools, and iI am sure President and Mrs. Obama will not have this kind of time.

This is not a time to make a statement with these girls or any other children.

Let's be real.

Private school is the only way.

Public schools should be safe and sound for all children. Any way, what happened to a free public education for all our children? Just look what you could learn about tolerance in a public school setting.

Why dont you leave Obama and his family alone you haters. God and the good will of the American people put him there therefore God will take care of he and his wonderful family.

I'm not suprised, afterall they currently going to a private school now, why did anything think they would downgrade them now. And didn't Obama go toa prestigous highschool or prep school or something on a scolarship why would he want anything less for his daughers. I'm glad they'll be in private school the secret service will have an easier time keeping them safe.

Dear Mitch,
You took the words right out of my mouth!

George, how would Obama taking his daughters out of a private school and put them in a public school change how he feels about the situation our public schools face? Would jeopardizing his daughters lives and future opportunities prove he supports public school teachers?

Tell me this George……..Does this mean that he doesn't support Public School Teachers? Please, please think before you type. If I send my kids to a public school that doesn't mean that I am sending a message to private schools either. Some people just need to get a life and make sure their own kids are safe and well educated.

Good choice. There is no way they could send those girls to public schools. They have to be in a secure enviroment and what is safest for them and this is the safe choice. Please people remember they have to pick a school were both girls can attend at the same time as they are in different grades so it much harder to defend them in different locations.

I can believe the negative comments. I've learned by watching these blogs that some people are bitter. They're probably unhappy with their own lives and want everyone else to be bitter too. Also if you don't like that CNN is posting a story about this, then maybe you haven't thought of this before but just don't read it. And if you don't care about it, don't waste your time posting about how much you don't care.

Why is the media making this information public? This information should not be publicized. There are too many crazies out there. This is very irresponsible.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Obama's had at least tried a public school? It would have sent a strong message that they really believed in public education. That being said it would also have been nice if Bush's children had volunteered for the armed forces and that would have shown how important the war on terror really is.

How does this even matter at all to any of us in the world? Thousands of people enroll into schools each year – wow! Yet when Mr. Obama's children are enrolled, it's the story of the day. At the end of the day it doesn't even matter as we will all forget about in the morning when it's reported that he uses Crest instead of Colgate.

to the outraged commentators (who, if they even have kids, are most certainly not sending them to inner city schools)… my understanding is that obama promised change as the president, not as president-elect or as a parent. so try to keep your gripes confined to relevant decisions.

I can understand why he picked this school. He is thinking about the safety of his children. He is president elect of the USA, he is African-American. He already has had more threats then any other president. So he picked a school where they are use to the parents being in the public eye and a target for nuts.

I'm glad the Obama's put their daughters safety and education above public opinion. Why should they risk their daughters safety and right to a great education for the views of people who obviously don't want the best for their children?
Texas

I GREW UP IN DC SCHOOL SYSTEM AND AT THAT TIME THE COMMUNITY, PARENTS AND EDUCATORS WERE A TEAM AND RAN A SUCCESS SCHOOL SYSTEM. SIDWELL FREINDS IS THE BEST SCHOOL FOR THE GIRLS. THE MAJORITY OF DC RESIDENTS WITH GOOD SALARIES SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS OR MOVE TO VIRGINIA OR MARLYAND SO THEIR CHILDREN CAN ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOL. THE REASON DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE THE WORST IN THE NATION, IS BECAUSE THERE IS LITTLE PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. I COME FROM A HERITAGE WHERE MY ANCESTORS COULD NOT READ OR WRITE, SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR ONE CHILD NOT TO SUCCEED IN AMERICA BECAUSE THE CONDITIONS FOR MY ANCESTORS WERE MUCH WORST. TURN OFF THE VIDEO GAMES, CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS AND READ A BOOK TO YOUR CHILDREN. LAST TIME I CHECK THE LIBRARY WAS FREE.

Looks like he is copying Clinton from everyone in his cabinet to his daughter's school. That's some change. ….just what was expected!

They actually considered several public and charter schools in the greater metro area. The sad fact of the matter is, though, that public and charter schools do have difficulty providing the level of security that is necessary. A school like Sidwell or GDS is so prepared for high profile attendees that they're able to better help kids like the Obamas blend in and feel less "special."

What a joke the obama supposed "change" is. You talk about his daughters being safe. we all want that for our children, but most of us don't have the option of sending our kids to an expensive private school. What, so the secret service can't protect his girls in a public school?!

Why would they go to a public school? First they went to a private school in Chicago so it\s not a big difference. And who cares if Chelsea went there if anything thats good look how well she turned out with the crazy Clinton drama. And relax it should be the parents decision where there kids go to school I thought that was the republican way for government not to be involve and telling people what to do for all you haters. I cannot believe this is upsetting some people how pathetic are you?

i support the public school system…My son is a teacher in an inner city Pittsburgh school. He said it would be unthinkable for the Obama girls to attend his school for their safety alone….. He feels that since they were in private school and have parents that can afford it ,…that is the best step for the children.

DC has some of the WORST public schools in the nation! I would worry about their safety as well, crime there is pretty bad too.

What is with you people and your HATE. I worked two jobs when my son was young to make sure he could have the best education possible. Are you just jealous or really that hateful.
The Obama girls would not be safe in a public school and could not be protected without a huge disruption to the other students.
Some of you conservatives really need to get a life. We have all put up with the worst leader in history for the past 8 years without hate.
You had better learn to accept what has happen to America or all get ulcers from the anger you hold. It really is pathetic that you take out your frustration over two little girls.
Grow up and get a life!

The title should have been
Obama picks PRIVATE school for kids

Oh Well this is CNN and reporting on Obama and not McCain

Obamas are elite

CHANGE meant no more idiot Republicans in charge. In case you missed it…we've had 8 years of Bush as president. Obama is picking the best people and it doesn't matter if they served in the Clinton administration.

I agree with Celeste, this article doesn't even warrant a comments section. But since there is one…Arguing over where the President, the first black one at that, will send his extremely young daughters to school when there are not only international terrorists out to harm him and the nation but also there are American KKK hillbilly nutjob terrorist that hate the guy and his kids because he's black is just silly.

The safest thing is to never let the girls leave the White House for however long he's in office but what normalcy would that bring. I say Keep them safe (in a smaller controlled setting) AND exceptionally educated and maybe the country can get the first father daughter presidency when one of the girls grows up to run the country, too:)

I thought they said they would look at public schools. I'm sure they did and decided to send their girls to a school where they would thrive and be safe. If they decided to have them schooled there in the White House, people would have a problem with that too.

Does anyone else find it wildly ironic that someone named "Hillary 2012″ is complaining 1) that Clinton folks are going to be in Obama's White House (including Hillary) and 2) that Obama's children are going to the same school as Hillary's daughter Chelsea.

Trolls, come on, work with us. At least stick to the script that fits your troll name.

This is a non-story, and a family decision. If you are judging a President based on where their young children go to school, you are sadly focused on the wrong things.

OMG…do you really think they picked this school because Chelsea Clinton went there? No way could a public school handle the security issues. Those girls deserve the best school. Get over it folks.

Yeah ok send the first daughters to public school in DC? What a joke. Those are some terrible schools that you wouldnt even send your kids to. If the White House was in suburban VA or MD then maybe…

These girls deserve the best education possible, in a safe environment. If this is the school most politicians send there kids, why is it a problem for these girls to go there?

I say that as long as Michelle and Barak are confortable with their choice of schools, thats' all that matters. It's their girls and they have much to think about…like safety.
Mary

I think it is a wonderful choice…a Quaker school that will promote good values.

Let the man make a choice. I love how people immediately label him as a Washington politician because his daughters are going to a particular school.

MIND YOUR BUSINESS, people. He has every right as a parent to make decisions as you do.

Some people are so incredibly jealous!

Hillary 2012,

Perhaps you mean 2016? Sorry you didn't get the memo – ignorance is NOT bliss!

Hillary2012, We don't know what schools they really looked at, only what the media tells us which is not always the truth. Just like they told us what the girls nicknames were, given to them by secret service. Do you really believe those are the actual names?? Stop believing everything the media tells you.

Its their right as parents to send their kids to whatever school they choose. Thats a personal family matter, period. Get over it!

Quakers have a long, long history as educators. In a time when there was no public education, Quakers provided educational opportunities not only to their own communities but to non-Quakers and even to escaped slaves and freed slaves. By educating the latter Quakers often found themselves branded criminals and subjected to punishment, intimidation and even lynching.

It seems a fitting choice that President-elect Obama should choose Quaker education for their daughters.

Private school is much safer for these two little girls whose father happens to be the incoming President of the United States. All the security that will be required is best implemented at a school that has experience with these matters. This would be much too disruptive at a public school, not to mention that public schools are more difficult to secure. If you don't like it, get over it. They aren't your kids and it isn't your choice.

NO PRESIDENT AROUND THE WORLD SENDS THEIR CHILDREN TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL…NOT EVEN CELEBRITIES!!!!!!!

THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE EVEN BEEN PUBLISHED FOR THE SAFETY OF THESE CHILDREN…THERE IS TOO MUCH HATE/ VILE OUT THERE AGAINST THIS FAMILY FOR NO REASON!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Choice! Ensuring the safey of their children…. PS are not safe! Period.

So did Richard Nixon's daughters; he was a Quaker

The Obama children's education should NOT be a political decision, but a private one. No matter what they do, they will be criticized for their decision. I'm sure their decision was based on what is in the best interest of the girls, rather than public opinion, as it should be.

Given the reported spike in threats against the Obmas, and the level of malevolent diatribes you see on some sites, I wouldn't have blamed them if they'd decided to have them privately tutored at the White House

Change, yeah…..that's the ticket. I'm all about change!!!

"School choice for liberals who can afford it, but not for the rest of us."

Get serious. Because "liberals" want the public education system to be better and don't think introducing free market theory is a good idea doesn't have anything to do with this decision. The fact is that Obama's girls are clearly able to have a private education. Unfortunately, inner-city kids don't have the same choices. So the answer is, public schools and the kids and familys that depend on them go to hell. Try and find inner-city private schools, good luck. Voucher that you ignoramus.

typical you people bought this guy……….I send my kids to private school and then tell you go public, wake up people

Kathleen, George, Pamma and EC Coleman and the rest of you who think the same way….. You are a group of really miserable sad people! I lived in DC and wouldn't send my own child to any of the public schools there. Although the new School Superintendent is working her butt off to clean the schools up, I would add. But aside from that, IF you were smart you'd have a clue that when your father is the President of the United States your life has a tendency to change just a little bit! These girls will do well in a great school, good for them. There is nothing wrong with sending your child to private school if you can afford it. The last time I checked, this was a free country. I happened to serve my career in the US Air Force so people like you can spout off your wicked and bitter mouth!

Some people live in their own world and do not have a clue to the magnitude of high profile people. The daughters of the President of the US would be prime targets for radical criminal people, foreign or domestic. How can anyone in their right mind even suggest anything different than what the Obamas plan for their daughters. Yes, yes and yes; SAFETY is the prime reason for this decision. Small minded people are entitled to their opinion, but it is so good that they do not run our country. Now we have honest, intelligent and common sense people gearing up to put the USA back on track. Sure it will take a while, we have to work diligently with the President to make this happen.

All the negative comments are a joke. This was choice that he and his wife made as parents, not politicians. Its their business where they send their kids to school. Its has nothing to do with how he is going to run this country. That was a personal matter between him and his family, period. For safety reasons, very good choice!

As an 11th grader at a Friends school, I couldn't imagine a better learning environment. I'm happy that the Obama girls will be exposed to the openness and superior values of a Quaker insitution.

George.. why are you complaining about support for public schools. Public schools are just another form of evil socialism which should be eradicated from our country, right? I say let capitalism ring! If you can afford private school.. then your kids deserve an education. If you can't afford private school.. then let your kids flip burgers. Isn't that the American (capitalist) way?

i think people need to put themselves in Micheele and Barack's shoes. As the president of the greatest country in the world, would you send your child to a public school or to a school that guarantees better safety?People before you criticize, i think you all need to think a little more

To all the liberals making excuses for the Obamas saying it's a safety concern, the Secret Service managed to protect Amy Carter in the public elementary that she attended in DC.

At least Jimmy wasn't a hypocrite, and sent his child where his ideals where.

Most of you have no idea how many nutjobs have threatened the life of this man and his family simply because he dared to be interested in running the United States of America as a Black man.

Heck, we've got a case in Florida and there is another one in Tennessee of racist bastards that were plotting to harm him.

I have ZERO issue with Obama continuing to send his girls to private school. A smaller more secure campus I might add where the secret service can more adequately protect Rosebud and Radiance.

That way our President can focus on the tough job he has at hand … cleaning up from 8 years of mismanagement and incompetence.

Runs on "improving public education for all" then does this……. sound familiar??????????? (what's good for you children won't cut it for mine; aka Bill Clinton)

are conservatives really making a mountain out of this issue?

thousands of jobs are being lost daily, my mother's 401k (like millions of other boomers) is in tatters, and they're blasting the obamas for choosing to send their young daughters to a school that can insure greater security?
in an ideal world i'm sure the obamas would choose a public school, but with the real threat of their daughters being targets it is in the best interest of all (other than terrorists and racists) sending them to a private school.

memo to conservatives – rebrand your party. kick out the myopic social conservatives, or at least minimize their influence, and try to reach out to minorities instead of demonizing them. better luck in 10′.

I would love to send my children to private schools. I myself attended even though I did not want to go, but my parents felt it was the best education I could get as opposed to the alternative. Given that I live in Minneapolis and the public school system in a nice word sucks and has an array of problems that it is even more crucial to me for my children to attend private schools. However, since the liberals like Obama won't support vouchers I am not sure what i will be able to do. It is nice that he can afford WITHOUT A WORRY, I on the other hand do not have that same luxury. The private schools I have looked at are in the range of 15k, the one he has chosen is in the range of 30k. I thought Obama was going to "spread the wealth", one would think this would also apply to education since it is one of the keystones in wealth.

As a parent Obama has the right and duty to get his children the best education he can. What parent would do differently? However, charter schools in DC give a much better education at half the cost per pupil than the public schools. Obama needs to walk the walk by allowing everyone to have the same choice he does by expanding the school voucher system which he opposes.

Really, who cares where his kids go to school? If anyone can convince me that Obama's school choice is in any way related to how he will run the country then I will believe it makes a difference to me.

Between the choice schools, the choice of a puppy and what Michelle wears, I'm frankly sick of the Obama-mania. The man is going to be the president, not a movie star. Get a life people!

For those who say they can't believe the negative comments, remember back when you were making negative comments about everything Palin did. Like today, with the turkey story.

Not all public schools are failing. It is the urban public systems that are failing (Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, NYC, Atlanta etc.). White suburban and rural people are happy with their local public schools. The reality is that relying on a "locally elected" board of education in the urban area is no longer viable. It is these boards of education that must be removed from the legal structures of public schools. They should be replaced state oversight committees who are empowered to set expectations of behavior and support for parents and to eliminate civil rights for students. Then the public school in the urban area will come to be seen as a valuable resource.

Only another Animal would have said; You can put " Lip-Stick on a Pig"… Is Barack Obama's Wife, and Kids included… Or Just Sarah Palin???

When we all take on the role of President of the United States of America we will be able to judge.

Oh my god! More ties to the Clintons! WHERE IS THE CHANGE?!?!?!?

Ok.. I'm just kidding I haven't read the comments yet, but I'm sure there'll be one in there like that.

THE GIRLS LOOK VERY HAPPY. I HOPE THEY HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME AT SCHOOL.

GOOD JOB MOM AND DAD!

Is this a "fair and balanced" website or do you only allow comments which promote the Democratic agenda, including the bloated and corrupt teachers unions and the Dept. of Education's refusal to allow competition in public education which have turned our public schools into the laughingstock of the rich world?

It is none of our business where he sends his children to school. They need to focus on the economy and the American people that are struggling everyday. They keep giving money to all these companies to bail them out. People are struggling every day and trying to figure out how to pay their gas and electric, house payment and putting food on the table for their children. Who is going to help us? I know I sure could use some help. They are many people that could use help.

Its around $30K per kid per annum; If they can afford, they should… It is their choice !!! I hope we all can get vouchers like this to send our kids to schools like this!!!

How silly and unfair the negative types on this site are. Who would NOT send their children (young as they are) to the best and safest school system affordable — President or not. Let's not be total hypocrites folks. When it comes to the education of our children, we are all the same! Public schools are a joke today — I know, I'm a Instructor who works with at-risk adolescents. He and his wife made the only intelligent choice possible.

Let’s be REALISTIC…It should not matter your politics, but should matter that these are the President’s children and their SAFETY is paramount. This has nothing to do with support or non-support for public/private school/teachers and everything thing to do with being REALISTIC

Hi children are not pawns to be used to make a political statement. Obama has every right to act in the best interests of his daughters. All of you Obama-hating republicans out there, you claim to belong to the party that espouses family values. Well, take note: Family values means NOT using your children as political pawns. It DOES mean ensuring that they receive the best education you can provide for them!

Who the hell cares. Instead of these stupid articles where's our fearless leader during this time of crisis.

George your an idiot a real dumb idiot. why would Obama risk putting his girls next to your toothless redneck kids?

It is my understanding that they did not even consider a public education for their girls. This change is really getting old. With all the Clinton on the scene I hardly see any change at all.

Jealousy will get you nowhere

Who cares?

What do you bet that school isn't apart of the teacher's union. Good for him and the kids. Public schools and the teacher's unions are a disgrace. Obama should come out in support of vouchers right now.

Obama sending his kids to private school does not deviate from his support for better schools. Those with negative comments as to why he didn't choose a public school, take a look at DC public schools. They are failing and violence is nonstop. If you had the choice to send your kids to private school or public school, which would you chose? You are the hypocrites, not Obama. If he had chosen public schools, you all would be making the same comments that he doesn't know what he doing. Sending his daughters to public school will not change anything. Changing the school system will take time. Just because you cannot afford private schools for your kids, don't be mad. Work harder!

All of the naysyers need to stop. My son attends a similar $30K per year private school in NYC and we live in Flatbush, Brooklyn. I'm not rich at all. But I sacrifice and choose to live in a not so great neighborhood and pay very little rent to afford to give my child the best education the city can buy. Contrary to popular belief, private schools do give financial aid and scholarships to 50+% of their students. Those of you who would, regardless of income level, put your children in failing public schools to prove a point to the nation are unfit parents. The Obamas' first responsibility is to their girls and giving them the best possible leg up they can. And please note that the girls were in private school BEFORE he became president. His grandmother scrimped and saved to send him to private schools. Since when was private school synonomous with being "out of touch". Give me a break.

Elitist… change, change, change… he keeps changing everything he ran for…. careful what you which for folks…….

Thanks for this very relevant, very political addition to the ticker CNN.

Now how about some NEWS?

Why should Obama's kids go to a public school? Why is this any different than Chelsea Clinton or Amy Carter? The scrutiny on President Elect Obama is off the charts…and he has yet to become President!

kids of politicians have been going there for years!

Nixon's daughters went there. Teddy Roosevelt's son went there. Nancy Reagan herself went there! Its a good school… more power to them!

I'm happy knowing these precious children will be safe and secure.
Excellent choice, excellent!

What about the poor parents in inner city DC who would like to send their children to private Catholic schools but are unable to get vouchers because they are instead forced to pay into a dysfunctional, mismanaged government educational monopoly?

Don't those parents have a right to send their children to a safe school? Shouldn't they be able to provide their kids with the best they can give them?

It costs $ 15, 800. to educate a student in the DC public schools. It costs $ 4,000. to send them to a clean, safe and better performing Catholic school.

Even the poor should have a choice.

Obama is smart.Rush Limbaugh hated school and it shows.Just being filthy rich,having a large audiance of nitwits and being a college dropout doesnt make you of sound mind.

Thank goodness the Obamas are smarter parents than the negative posters on here seem to be. I've been in the public schools in DC – where kids get shot for their jackets and sneakers. In elementary school. No president in his right mind would send his daughters there, where they'd be instant targets. And neither would you, if you had the choice!

I retired after 35 years in the Dallas Public Schools. No way and no how would I have sent my children to Public Schools. The best teachers are not always in the private schools but at least they get a chance to teach daily instead of having to discipline children who fight, cuss, skip school and have parents whose parent card should be taken away from them The bottom line is that every parent wants what is best for their child. This is not a political statement made by the Obamas, it is one of personal choice.

FIX THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, Mr Obama. That is one thing that the president of the United States should make PRIORITY next to the economy. Every time that the economy goes south or the government needs money they take from education. If you are truly out to help ALL americans, help those americans who have no choice in the matter with you as president and FIX THE SYSTEM! It can't be done in one day, but it SURELY can be fixed in 4 years, or 8.

MAKE IT MANDATORY that education money is NEVER TOUCHED. It can never be lowered and only can be raised. The amount needed to run the system would increase by a minimum of the rate of inflation EACH year but not capped at it! Pay teachers everywhere a good salary and fire those teachers who do not do their best. FIGHT THE TEACHERS UNION so that your 2 girls could have gone to public school if the system truly worked!

Do you care as much about where YOUR kids go to school? Worry about yourself and the rest takes care of itself.

All you weak minded Republicans that have a problem with this should just walk away from the computer and turn on Hannity again.

The Obama's worked hard to make enough money to send their children to private school. The entire culture of America is becoming a witch hunt! If people use their money in a way which other people don't support?… They're burnt at the stake. Everyone was so concerned with Obama being a socialist, and now this? Talk about a load of hypocrites. This is America!

Anyone with a heart and their eyes open can see how much President Elect Obama and Michelle love those two girls (even Bush has commented on this). They obviously put a lot of thought and effort into this decision. And it is THEIR decision. It obsolutely does not matter what he does, those who did not want him to win will always find a way to make a negative comment. I'm really suprised by how many sore losers there are in this country. The Republicans have ruled this land for 8 years, and now it is time to act like a grown up and give the democrats a chance without spewing your venum.

Good choice of school and for those negative comments that we see here, if you had the money, wouldn't you give your child the best that money can buy?????

Liberal media needs to print how much this is costing…you know, like how they smeared Sarah Palin during the campaign over the cost of her wardrobe…Say, has it ever come out how much Obama's wench is spending on her wardrobe?

Ah Kathleen,

Conservatives send their schools to private school. Talk about tpyical hyprocrisy.

All you haters need to get a life. First of all, the kids were already in private school so it would just be fitting that they would want the same thing for them now. Next, I suppose you would want them to go to public school so some wacko could try to harm them. You people make me sick. You are a bunch of so-called christian hypocrites. Where's the love of God that you people profess to have?

Wonderful ! I knew our president elect and his wife will make the best and sound decision for their lovely girls. Another sound judgement in my book. Congratulation girl. Arise and shine.

Auctually, it is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS where these children attend school……….and to criticize a parent where they do send their children is utterly nonsense…….regardless if you are a Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative or not even vote still it is none of our business…….

Oh, Kathleen, I am a liberal who not only sent my kids to public school but taught there as well. In our district there is choice among schools-you can send your child to whichever elementary, middle or high school you choose. We even transport your kid.
Barbara Bush went to Yale-is that a public school? Does that make Bush liberal? Does he support choice? Yeah, get em born, and then the h*** with them. I think the hypocrites are the so-called conservatives who are all for no abortion, not ever, but are more than ready to execute someone who may be innocent, send our children to die and kill in Iraq, and holler about those evil liberals spending our money, when Bush has put this country in a financial hole we may never get out of.

Public schools are good for everyone … but politicians and rich people! The only president I believe in present politics was Jimmy Carter who sent his child to public school. If the schools in the capital are that bad, then, Mr President, please make it your priority to change that being that you live in the district of all those schools starting Jan 19th.

Otherwise you will be just doing lip service. Make the schools of the capital the BEST in the country and then you can use them as an example for the rest of the country!

Money where you mouth is, with all due respect, Mr President-elect.

Why is this even a blog post? When Obama picks members of his cabinet, okay, we can and should comment. But this is a family matter and a personal choice. We cannot judge his presidency by personal decisions. Only by what he does as president. Obama should lead by example with his presidential choices and this is not one of them.

After reading the hate comments toward Bush and republicans in general, the next 4 yrs of bashing Obama and his Clinton administration ought to be fun. Our turn!

Not all public schools are failing. It is mostly the school systems of the large urban areas–DC, NYC, Philadelphia, Cleveland etc. that are failing. Mostly white suburbanites tend to be satisfied with their local public schools. Mostly white rural inhabitants tend to be satisfied with their local public schools. The reality is that the governing structure of "locally elected boards of education" for the decaying urban public schools is outmoded and should be eliminated. Put those public schools under central government controls, define expectations to be met by parents and eliminate "due process" for students and you will see a rebirth of respect for public education in the urban areas.

Yes, Andy.

And FDR's dog Fala was a famous pooch during the Depression.
People like distractions during difficult times. For some, it's the only thing that keeps them from opening a vein.

this is not political news.

Palin's kids would not have been able to get in because they are too much like their mom. Public school all the way for them. The baby boy is smarter than them all.
Obama girls, YOU GO Girls. Mom aint no joke. She will see to it that you will have the best and that you do your best.

Andy – Lincoln did not have a dog. FDR did, a little mutt, but I am not sure what kind. Yes, these type of stories are good and even if there are much more pressing priorities right now, the world goes on. So chill….

This is not news. And for security reasons you, CNN, should not be reporting it.

Celeste – YES!!!!!

Not an elitist choice you dummies…….an intelligent choice!

I'm glad Barack and Michelle are caring for their girls as any parent would with the resources they have. I wish the best for the girls, their education, and acclimation to a new town and creating new friends. I trust the secret service is at their best protecting the family!

Tuition at that school is around $30,000 annually per child. That translates to $60,000 [2 kids multiplied by $30K] for those of you that went to a DC public school and can't do the math. If people think they can relate to the Obama's at any level, they are crazy. They are no different than any other President. Let's make that clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong with providing the best opportunities for your children, but Mr. Obama needs to realize that the decisions he makes for his family contradicts the socialist propaganda that he preaches to the lemmings that voted for him.

Must be nice to be able to shell out SIXTY grand a year for private schools…can't speak for anyone else, but that's more than I make in a year…

@Kathleen
it is not hyprocrisy. It is the love and desire of a parent to give the best they can to their children. Your comment is representative of pure jealously. I would bet that if you had the ability to do it, you would send your kids to the school that is capable of giving them the best education they could get.

@ george
The Obama's not sending their kids to public school is not a signal that they do not support public school teachers. The signal is that they are trying to give their kids the best education they can. Give them a break.

I attended 4 public school in Washington, DC. They are horrible and unsafe. If the city can not keep students safe under normal circumstances, what makes you all think that they will protect the president's daughters? The schools are not fit for any child. They made a good choice, a safe choice. No need to put a child's safety at risk to make a politcal point. Good decision, Mr. President.

I swear, some of you people never think. A private school is much safer for these girls. Such small, bitter, hateful people some of you are.

Pamma, Kathleen. If the private schools, which are mostly religious and conservative, cared so much for the nation's children, they wouldn't keep out the children with special needs (which the public schools are required to serve even if they go to private school) and the needy.

I'm a teacher and a liberal. My child goes to public schools because I believe in public schools and all the private schools here are filled with 99% white people. I don't want my child to grow up in a white-centered world.

Hypocrisy you can believe in!

Awesome! I am so glad that they chose a great school for their children. Family first is why I value him as the President Elect and soon to be President!

Whoever thinks Obama's daughters should go to public school is an idiot. The security implications are huge. Just shows how low the Obama-haters will go just to say something negative about him.

It's their money and it's their choice! If you have the money then go and put your kids in private school too otherwise shut up.

God bless Malia and Sasha.

Message sent: Public schools are fine… for YOUR kids.

Hello,

I went to Private Schools my whole Life and I don't think anyone has the right to say where our President sends his Children. As long as he and his wife are happy then everyone should shut up and mind there own business. Besides he they need to feel scure like any parents would be sending there children to school in this day and age. Good Choice!!! You won't regret it !! Good Luck and Study Hard.

Can I please have a voucher to send my kids to a private school too?

For all of those who think it is wrong to send the Obama girls to private school. I bet you did not have a problem with Bush or any other republican and where their kids went to school. Look we are talking about two very young children who need to get the best education available to them and the most secure environment possible. These girls were already in private school before Barack ever chose to run for the presidency. I am not rich or white but I saved and made many sacrifices to send my child to private school because the public schools just don't make the grade. It was less of a sacrifice to pay for private school than it would have been to pay for a funeral because of all the violence in the public schools.

I am a product of public education and have done well for myself. However, I was in the public school system years before the medal detectors and the bull you all call "time out". It was also a time when teachers taught because they loved it not because they just needed or wanted an easy paycheck. Let's face it, times have really changed.

For all of you idiots that want to criticize Obama for insuring his kids safety, you would do the same if you were the first African American President in a country w/racist idiots. But I guess you would not understand that seeing that you are first, not African American. With the history of violence here,they need to be in a private home school.

@ george and Kathleen: With all of the bitter Repubs clinging to their bibles and GUNS out there, not to mention how the Queen of Hate (Palin) stirred the pot of racism for the less intelligent during the campaign, as well as the number of threats made against Pres-Elect Obama, basically it is YOUR kind who forced his hand….. quit your sniveling.

For goodness sake, some of you need to grow up.

People stop being so negative and concentrate on your own life's. Where these girls go to school is frankly none of our business. And for you anyone whom is so negative about it or makes it sound political is just a very unhappy person.

Pamma,

Um, don't a lot of CONSERVATIVES send their children to private schools??

Your side lost. Get over it.

I am a public school teacher; my kids go to a public school, and that is my choice. However, if I were a high-profile figure in the news all the time who had received death threats and was likely to receive more and if my children were well-known by sight, I think I would put them in private school, too.

I really wish that some of the posters here would stop just reacting from their clearly biased angles and think for a moment. Blurting out (or typing) the first rant that comes to mind is a sign of true intellectual weakness. Also, could we please stop using the term "liberal" and others like it as weapons? Using them lumps individuals into convenient and comforting categories, again allowing the user to avoid actual thought.

Thanks.

Private school is the only choice for the daughters of our President. Anything else would be folly.

Great choice! The girls deserve the best of everything. Their parents certainly earned it for them.

Kathleen,

Grow up. Lots of conservatives send their children to private schools.

There is nothing "hypocritical" about doing the best you possibly can for your children. In fact, wouldn't that fall under the heading of "family values" that bitter voters like yourself love to harp about?

Jimmy Carter sent Amy to a public school. Neither Clinton nor Obama obviously would consider anything but the best for their precious ones. The public schools in Washington, D.C. are among the worst in the nation and far below the Obamas. By the way, can we guess the racial makeup of the lovely children in Sidwell??

Pamma and others who criticize the Obama’s on their school choice:

I am firmly of the opinion that we have the repubs to thank for doing away with public education.

One question for y'all: how's that Reagan/Bush trickle down theory working for y'all?!?

I am an old Kansas man, and I schooled with Obama's mom in Kansas. Don't just blame our governments for bad public schools. Blame yourself as a mother or a father! Parents are role models of children. If you don't know how educate your kids, don't produce them!

Obama is just a president, and he couldn't do everything for you. He couldn't change African-Americans alone. He couldn't change public schools alone. He needs your help to educate your kids.

You Obama supporters are missing the point. If Obama is so against voucher for private school, why is he sending his kids to one. Let other parents have a choice between public and private schools.

Jimmy Carter sent Amy to a public school. Neither Clinton nor Obama obviously would consider anything but the best for their precious ones. The public schools in Washington, D.C. are among the worst in the nation and far below the Obamas. By the way, can we guess the racial makeup of the lovely children in Sidwell??

I am astounded at some of the comments I have just read! As a teacher, I work in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Houston! I work their because I am trying to make a difference for those children. Would I have sent my children to my school? Or my grandchildren now? NO, I would NOT. Do I LOVE those children I teach? You better believe it! And I keep coming back to try to make a difference in their lives. Our school gets better every year, and I am proud to say that I am part of that transition. Now with our New President, I feel sure that all schools will be improving instead of receiving ONLY lip service and Testing!

Until you have taught in the in the trenchs of the inner city schools, you do NOT have a CLUE as to what we go through… as well as our students! They need a hand up and a vote of confidence, NOT criticism! You have no idea how very hard we ALL work to improve those public schools we work in that so many people are SO very eager to blame the teachers for! Instead of criticizing, get out there and volunteer in those schools…. then you criticize our teachers and our students! Talk is cheap…. I don't see the critics doing anything to make the situation better…. but complain about it! Poooph…. I feel like spitting…. I'm so frustrated with stupidity!

$30,000 Bucks a Year!! WOW! Maybe THIS is what Obama means by bringing CHANGE to Washington.,

That's some chuck of CHANGE for schooling grade schoolers. I wish I had that type of money for college!

Who in their right mind, in Mr. Obama's position, would send their kids to a public school? It would cause such a raucous to have secret service there, not to mention how unsafe it would be for the girls. Good choice President-Elect Obama. To all the haters out there, you acquire bad karma hating so much. Sending his kids to public school will not fix our broken school system. We need to rally together to stop constant school budget cuts.

Good for them! As long as he keeps his promise about tending to the public schools and the teachers, all should be fine. Besides, the SS know the school well and have a better chance of keeping the girls safe. God Bless the Obamas and this country.

It is a comment on public education in this country. My children go to private school and I intend on offering to help them continue their education in a private college so they have the BEST chance at success.

SO PLZ GET A LIFE ALL YOU HATERS

Of course any thinking person would send their kids to private school. That's why we need vouchers to create competition.

Education is very important for the future of this country. May God bless and keep this family safe.

I find it funny that conservatives call Obama an elitist for sending his kids to a private school when they do the same. Except they do it not to promote a better learning environment but to propagate and indoctrinate their children with idiotic superstitions like "intelligent design" and god.

why is it such a big deal about what school he chose for his. That is a man who went to college to get a degree so he would be able to have the finer things in. Wasnt nothing giving to him he earned everything he has. Y is it so much hatred towards him. YOU ALL HAD A CHOICE IN LIFE TO. HE CHOOSE THAT EDU WAS THE WAY OUT

I totally agree Celeste… No one should be able to say where they should or shouldnt send their girls to school.. This is ridiculous…

I don't know much about schools for children of Presidents but I can't believe people are criticizing Obama for this.

You're forgetting one thing… Obama is going to be President, he needs to pick a school in which his girls can stay safe in case some nutjob wants to go after his kids.

I love Public Schools, but this is not one of those times where they are the best choice. For normal kids it's ok, for children of Presidents… nah uh.

After reading some of the comments here, it's quite clear why they need to be in a secure environment — there are too many hate-filled morons in our society!

I wish them well

I am sure if those of you were in President Elect Obama's position, you would do the same thing. For the safety of my children I would send them to a private school. It appears that some people are going to complain for the next four years no matter what Obama does. He won the election. Get over it!

Why didnt Barry put his kids in DC Public schools? They get more education funding per puil than any school district in the nation……..Liberals are always telling us that funding is the most important part of education. More liberal hypocracy……..

This is not suprising to me. It is not possible for any President's children to attend a public school. Especially in these times . They need tight security, there are too many whackos out there that would love to do harm to Obama and/or his family.
What is suprising is the number of people who think that he would even consider public school for his girls, even if that public school was top notch.

It is what it is. How about that Sarah Palin, eating a turkey.

Thank God that Sasha and Malia have caring, thoughtful parents who care more about the safety, education and overall well being of their children than trying to appease the sore losers that want to complain about his every move. Clearly George, Kathleen, Pamma & Shannon are not parents. That's the only way to justify their foolish comments suggesting that President-Elect Obama should be "politically correct" and send his children to public school. Here's a news flash: PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEIR CHILDREN, LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE, DO WHATS BEST FOR THEM, PERIOD!

IF THE PRESIDENT NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED FROM CRAZY PEOPLE WHAT DO YOU THINK HE IS GOING TO DO FOR HIS 2 DAUGHTERS. THEY NEED TO BE IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS. IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO SEND YOUR KIDS TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS WHY NOT DO IT. STOP THE HATE. MOVE ON PEOPLE

At least this is a family who values education, unlike the president administration. Remember Bush bragged "just look what a C student can accomplish."
The Obama girls need to function at their own comfort label, not one we set up for them.

And Andy…FDR did have a dog named Fala, and the Lincolns did not have a dog as Tad was allergic. (just kidding on the last part) We want human presidents, that's why people care about that.

You conservation, capitalists constantly preach about self reliance and competition to reach the top. Howver, you are selective regarding who reaches such lofty goals. If there is hypocracy, it lies with those you can't mind their own business.

That is great. The girls should be safe.

I am not shocked by this choice. Public school would be too much trouble.

I TOTALLY agree with Celeste. Ironically, we who do not see the need for a comment section here, have commented.

Just another pol. He works with Ayers on schools, then sends his daughters to schools outside of the reach of him and Ayers.

Obama = Carter. At least we only have 4 years of this. Then again, it is really a Clinton administration.

Believe it or not, Washington DC actually has a handful of really solid public schools: Oyster, Merch, WIS. So the fact that the Obamas are not sending their children to a DC public school is NOT an indictment on the system. Sidwell Friends is just another good school, relative to some of the good DC public schools.

Also, please do not label all DC public schools as failing. The DC School superintendent is putting alot of hard work and capital into fixing the school system.

For all those pointing out that it's a "safety issue", doesn't it disturb you to concede that public schools aren't safe enough? Remember that Obama is the candidate who was touting the greatness of the public education system.

If barack does not worry about the safety of his kids, he has all the time to be a good president

Once again, it is not in the publics interest to report this sort of info. Out of bounds cnn.

Sherrol, is that why you live in CANADA???

This is our country's first black president. We need to make sure he is safe and the girls are safe. We all need to stand behind him and his family right now and have faith that he is going to lead our country into a better direction.

No Comments from the North, Eh? You have no right to comment on this.

Let's face it: some nutcase is going to try to kidnap or kill those girls within a year. I think they need all of the security they can get. If that means a private school with secret service experience, so be it.

The Obamas have a lot more to consider than educational standards. They have to…. no, MUST think about the safety of their young daughters. That school looks like a fortress… I HOPE IT IS! When we have had nut cases shouting terrorist, kill him, etc.; we and they have to expect that those girls are not exposed to anyone or anything that can hurt them! That would be THE way to hurt our President most, and believe me, there are people right here in this country who want to hurt him! Terrorist may be the least of his worries. I pray for them all daily!

Given the chance and time, I believe the country will realize what a good and wise man we have elected. But until that time, our first family needs to be protected… especially the weakest of them, those little girls!

Very Strange. Obama is sending his children to the very schools he opposes. His stance on private schools for his family is different than his stance for ordinary people. I don't get it! I guess the rich will continue to set double standards and tell us poor people what we should do.

Yeah right. What about my children?. I want to send them to a safe and a good school too. But no money for it.

Doesn't bother me none, already knew they were going to a private school being that they attented one in Chicago. And plus, it was said that it would be harder to protect the girls in a public school environment, so as long as they are getting a good education, great. Besides, didn't they not say the public school's in D.C., to put it quite frankly, they suck. I wouldn't send my children there either if I had any. I would want all our children to receive a good education, we need to reform our school system and parents to get their children into their books.

sounds like a good and wise choice.

OH MY!! People who think he should send his 2 young daughter's to the horribly failing – and crime ridden – DC public schools are crazy!

OH PLEASE – so because he admits these schools need help, he's supposed to send his daughters there? For what? To send a message?

DC schools aren't just failing they are DANGEROUS.

I live 3 miles from DC & our schools aren't that great – if I could afford Private School I would! The nightly news always has something that's going on in or around these schools.

DC schools aren't just falling apart physically, the students and neighborhoods are a problem also.

These girls are going to have secret service with them and will be shuttled around in special cars, etc. This school and others like it, have the know-how to handle these families.

If the girls had gone to public school it would have been such a show every day – and crazy.

The people who are criticizing him for this obviously didn't vote for him and are just trying to find any excuse they can!

Look up the facts on the DC public school system!!!

George
Kathleen
Shannon
Pamma
E.C. Coleman

If Obama went out tomorrow and captured Osama bin Laden (read that carefully… it's a different guy) single-handed you'd say he just lucked into it or wonder why he's spending time in Pakistan when there are problems here at home. Just come to grips with the fact that you hate Obama and won't like anything he does. Your first step in wising up will be to stop watching Hannity and Limbaugh.

"Don't hate me because I sent my kids to private schools"

come on people…let Obamas do what's best for their children.

Oh all you haters just shut up. A sitting president cannot send his kids to a public school.

Would YOU send your kids to a public school where there would be a 95% chance of kidnappings, bombings, shootings, etc? And what of the disruption to the other kids in that school?

Think about it – they are the children of the President of the United States!

Get a life.

It's not surprising. I'd do exactly the same, since it is a Quaker-founded school and may still retain its original pacifist teachings. Hopefully it also retained its Quaker egalitarianism and treats everyone absolutely the same, regardless if they are Presidential offspring or not.

First of all the children were in private schools prior to coming to DC so why should that change. I don't view this as elitist and considering the safety factor, they had to go with a school that could accommodate that. Chelsea Clinton went to the same school so what is the problem????????????

His children are in the spot light now. If I was in this position, I would certainly put my children in a school that kept them safe and with some privacy- He still supports education, public schools and teachers. Him sending his children to a school with will allow them some normality, doesn't have anything to do with his support for public schools, teacher and his morals. We certainly can get off base about the issues.

You people criticizing this decision are really sad. It would not have mattered if they had gone to a public school, a private school or Mars, you would have criticized it and denigrated the Obamas and liberals in general. You are such sad, hate filled people. You take every opportunity to spew your hate filled rhetoric at liberals no matter what the subject is.

I was taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Considering all the HATE being directed to the Obama's from the right wing nut jobs in our country, a private SAFE school would be the logical choice. I know that "logical" part throws some of you dropouts.

If Obama girls attend one of public schools, the school needs major renovations and repairs like most other public schools in D.C. The city doesn't have money and I'm sure Obama doesn't want the city to spend very limited resource just for his daughters.

They were in a private school in Chicago why now would they go to a PUBLIC school. I know Chelsea Clinton went there and Michelle talked with Hillary Clinton about this school.

I think some news stories don't need a comments section. This is one of those instances.

The way to fix it is by giving people school vouchers so they can choose to send their kids where ever they want. If he really cared about our education system he would have taken care of the mess in Chicago when he had the chance but instead he voted for the same old crooked cronies and where teachers are overpaid for the hours they work.

It should not surprise anyone that now that he is a multi millionare he will do nothing to change our system in 60 days, 6 months or 4 years. THe stock market is tanking because NO ONE has any faith in turning our economy around…

He can make changes to better his life but don't count on him making changes that will benefit your childrens education.

We only have his past to look at too know what he will do with the future. I hope I am wrong.

I find it amazing that with all the things going on in this country and all over the world economically and otherwise, that their school and what kind of dog they will have are two of the top stories that everyone is following. Anyone know what kind of dog FDR had? Lincoln? These guys were president in trying times before, back when people had their priorities set on more important things than an individual family's private choices.

I cannot believe the negative comments. Everyone wants the best that money can buy for their children and would also do just about anything to ensure their safety. Those of you who penned the negative feedback, are you sure you are capable of logical thought?

i applaud the courage the Obamas show in choosing a course of action that is bound to incite derogatory remarks but which is in the best interests of their family and so for our country also..

Many of us are frightened for the safety of the Obamas. Barack Obama must be able to function as our President knowing that, at the school he has chosen, the girls can be well protected.

so, how's that gonna help us outside the club?

If they had chosen public school Republicans would be saying he was making a political statement at the expense of the girls safety, education and well-being. The people making negative comments on here are the ones only interested in playing politics.

When it comes to their kids (as I hope it would be with every parent) they don't play politics. I don't believe anyone here would do anything different if they were in the Obama's shoes. I know I wouldn't risk the safety of my kids just to make a political gesture. If you say you would, you are either a liar or a fool.

By the way, I am a Public School Teacher and have been for the last nine years.

In addition to my earlier comment, I believe one of Joe Biden's grand daughters also attends Sidwell. If you are leaving everything you know (Chicago) wouldn't you want to go to the school where you already know a student?

Excellent decision!!!

not to worry
we will pay for it are taxes are coming just in time

As a public school teacher, I think the Obamas are doing what is right for their children. Many public school teachers and administrators send their children to private school for personal reasons not as a slam to the public education system. Our public education systems would be better off if parents put more value into it. I spent two years teaching in Japan and was amazed at the extreme parents there went to ensure their child received the best education. Why can't we do that here?

A very wise and realistic choice on Obama's behalf, and I see nothing hypocritical about it. If four years from now he has failed to address the issues of the public school systems, then I will look back in retrospect and shout hypocrisy. But for now there is no reason he cannot send his children to a private school as a father, while working to improve our public school system as the president. I have confidence in the man that he can and will do both.

SAFETY AN ISSUE?? Have you heard of the Secret Service? An army of Secret Service will be at ANY school they attend. This is nothing more than blatant outright hypocrisy. Wake up you drones!

This is such a no brainer. Of course it's the right decision. No news here. Next story.

Change? What change? The only change I see is that American investors have lost ONE HALF of their money since Obama appeared on the radar screen. Stand by for MORE CHANGES just like that.

It sounds like the haters on this blog are stating that only rich people(liberals) send their kids to private schools while the rest of the world(conservatives) send their kids to public schools.

Grow up Haters!!!!!

More GOP sour grapes….

with so much crying and whining about every move that Obama makes, will make, will hypothetically do or not do…

now even his kids are going to a private school… OMG!!!!

I used to be a Republican. After reading so much of this petty sniping about nothing from GOP folks, I'm glad that I've moved from the partisan column to a centrist -independent. It's a nice place to be.

Are you kidding me George and Kathleen,

You send your kids in harm's way and then you come back and tell us how you would put them in public schools just to make a stupid statement. I'd have those girls at Camp David if it meant they'd be safer.

To heck with you and your ilk. You are the phoney baloney ones.

The Obama girls are still fairly young and need the security and safety of private schooling as our President's daughters!

Why would anyone want to take political trashing out on two innocent young girls? You need to go back to school and learn some common sense and courtesy!
We can only turn our Country around if we can Unite and put hate aside for a
CHANGE!
Carol Weyle
Colorado Mom

Private school is in keeping w/Obama family values of protecting their daughters from the public/media scrutiny & potential attacks, providing them with the best education, and making life as normal as possible, which i believe are basic American values that we all want for our kids. These 2 girls have the potential to be amazing leaders when they reach adulthood. Do be positive, George & Kathleen, because private school is neither hypocrisy nor liberalism but an excellent example of free enterprise, freedom of choice, and family values – and would you like mom's apple pie with those when you get home from volunteering in your local public school?

As a member of theReligious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, I am proud that the Obamas have chosen a Friends School which emphasizes peace and equal human rights and other Quaker values, as well as excellent academics.

If you had your children in private schools, why would you put them in public school george. It does not make sense. I happy they put them in private, it goes to show you they will live their convictions, and not ours.

I went to public schools, I am now a professor at a prestigious university. My daughter went to school, she was a Merit Scholar. My son is going to public schools, he is earning more money as an internet programmer than I earned when I was his age (13). PUBLIC schools can be great, or they can be a nightmare. It depends on parents, mostly. If you want your children to have a great school system, all you have to do is demand it. If you don't care, you won't have good schools. The most important influence on schools is the local parents. The least important influence is, and will always be, the federal government.

Obama can't fix the schools, BUT YOU CAN, IF you care about the next generation.

This issue does not merit public comment or disclosure. In this case, the Obamas are parents sending their children to the school or their choice. They also have to factor in their girls' security, unlike we regular folks. Also, the majority of us regular folks send our children to very good public schools with great curriculums. We tend to only hear about the failing schools and inner city schools in the media and from politicians. Those schools are not the majority of our Nation's schools by any measure. There are schools here in Arizona that I would be happy to move into with their oppulence and high-tech environs.

While some may call this hipocrasy, I have to completely disagree. I am pretty sure those few would have a problem even if he sent his children to public school. Then, their complaint would be that he is a horrible parent and not protecting his children. I couldn't currently afford that school, but I respect these parents and their wise decision. Certain individuals simply will not be satisfied with any decision our president-elect makes.

Also, labeling people "liberals" or "conservatives" is divisive. While I fall into the liberal category, I will refrain from the lableing I see on here.

Stop dividng, start uniting, and at least try to respect our president-elect. He hasn't even begun his job yet. If you had any part in his campaign, you would realize that it was incredibly organized, unifying and obviously successful.

While I don't challenge the idea that a parent looks out for their kids first, I would like to point out the hypocrisy of the liberals who defend Obama for sending his kids to private school, and yet wanted Bush to send his kids to Iraq. As if it's the kids' fault their dad engaged America in an unjust war!!!

George and Kathleen:

Wouldn't it be hypocritical of you guys if something happened to the kids and you come on here and say how the Obama's should've put the kids in private schools? I'm sure you are the type of people who would because you are the type of people to find the negatives in articles instead of thinking about outside the box. Yeah politics first, a child's safety whose father is on most radicals hitlist second, good thinkin'!!!

I am a teacher in a public school and I send my son to a public school, but if I lived in DC and had the choices the Obama's have along with the security issues to deal with, I'd choose private also. I do think that fixing public schools should be a #1 priority for Obama, Most children have to attend public school due to cost or availability. Sending his children to a private schools doesn't mean that he can't be a public school supporter. This argument would be different if the public schools they had to choose from were comparable to the private schools. I hope his choice reminds him of how much work needs to be done to the public school system.

So … one of the great enemies of school choice, leader of the anti-school-choice party that has worked tirelessly to defeat school choice options in state after state, has chosen a private school for his kids. I guess Obama's philosophy, is "good enuf for you, but not good enuf for me." Pretty much the same as his and his party's position on Social Security (public for you, private for me). You really can't beat the Democrats for hypocrasy.

The Obama girls already attend a private school in Chicago. The school they attend is called the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Michele Obama worked at the University of Chicago, where the school is located.

Why would their parents now put them in a public school?

In addition, Biden's grandchildren also attend Sidwell Friends. Based on public reports, Malia and Sasha have developed friendships with the grandchildren. I am sure for them it will be easier going somewhere they already know students.

JMHO

He made the right decision for his girls. Good for him as a father. As a president, perhaps he'll now allow other DC residents the opportunity to get some of their tax money back from failing public schools so that they can send their kids to safe schools. If he doesn's support vouchers at this point, he's a hypocrite.

I am a public school teacher and started my twins in a private christian school. My children learned so much and were challenged through a rigorous curriculum. They have been attending public schools for 3 years. It was hard to pay for the tuition at the private school. I would like for them to attend another one perhaps in middle or high school. I think the Obamas made the perfect choice.

So George, and other dimly-aware, and poorly-educated "conservatives" following your faulty logic, would you propose that Obama send his children to a struggling inner city school to "help" that school? Would you suggest that he put his children, the children of a president, in a public school, where security is lax or non-existent?

Try very hard to understand this, George. There are other ways to help schools than by just placing your children in one (how that would help, I admit, escapes me). How about you give Obama a break, and let him actually get into office, so he can begin to work on these things. He hasn'te even fully picked his staff, and you are making snide remarks about where he sends his kids to school.

If I had the money, I would send my kids to the best school I could possibly afford, even if it was a private school. Why? To get them a good education, so they don't become a drag on society, and so they can use their educations to better the entire society.

The days of sneering at people with college educations from good schools are coming to a close, thank god. People with college educations are who keep the lights on, who design things like the PC you are sitting at right now, and who design radios and other media that allow you to listen to Limbaugh and other knuckleheads. No DumbA$$ ever did anything of any value. Education counts.

George, get over yourself. Poor loser. Let the Obama family alone. You guys lost – get over it.

I wish people would stop and put themselves in the new President and his wife's shoes for a minute before starting to judge them.

He had said "I love you more than you ever know….." to his children in front of millions people, so there is no doubt that he wants the very best for them. Wouldn't you, if you could afford it?

And yes, security is another problem which they have to face every minute of every day for the next 4 years.

Now, I would not trade shoes with them for anything in this world.

Good for them. I hope the girls have a wonderful time and meet new friends. I am happy the Obama’s didn't use their precious children as a political pawn to satisfy idiots who wouldn’t put their own children in DC public schools. They are not following the Clintons. They are following the recommendations of another high profile family that has had great success with their child in that school. If they were a white family would we be having these conversations? You racist snakes need to fall back. When Amy Carter went to public school it was a totally different scene and time in American history. You cannot even begin to compare schools of that time to now. So shut the hell up and get those degenerates you are raising out of jail.

So, what you people, who disagree with their choice like it was yours to make, doing to make public schools better? Are you working with the boards? Tutoring? Raising funds? Writing your representatives for upgrades? Are your kids in public schools?

The American dream for the little guy is to take the opportunity provided through our public education system and making the best life you can for yourself and a better one for your kids. Obama going to public schools, becoming successful, and sending his daughters to private schools is an exercise in the American Dream. Only the haters have a problem with this.

My children attended a small town public school. Sending them to a private school would have required transporting them to the County seat. Since I was working that was not an option even for a mostly liberal democrat. The public school in DC are not very effective or safe. You people who cry hypocrite are being ridiculous, the girl`s safety is all important. I`m sure if Barack Obama had chosen he would have been bad mouthed just as much. I have even heard cries for impeachment from some of you who can`t accept that they lost the election. Impeachment is not possible before the man is even inaugurated, can only be done for just cause. Why don`t accept the facts and do your best to help solve the many problems this country has?

Lucky Toto's!!!! Now what about the rest

I would like to get a count of how many Republican Senators or any of the Bush administations children go to public schools. I would be willing to bet that most are in expensive private schools along side the kids of the CEO's of the big Corps that have been ripping us all off for the past 8 years. Why don't we all wait and give him a chance to get in there and do some things before we start putting down these decisions he's making to get his family to Washington and to keep them all safe. I think we all would choose the safest possible school for our children.

Giselle has a good point. His daughters do not need to be the token gestures to reform the education system. When I had my child I knew I would do whatever it took to send him to private school whether it meant getting a second job or working hours of overtime. Every parent wants the best for their child. The Obama's are no different.

I wholeheartedly agree with Giselle. Placing the Obama girls in public school won't change policy. I am confident that President Obama will make big changes in education including overhauling No Child Left Behind, and returning respect to the profession of teaching. We need to somehow attract the young, bright minds into becoming teachers.

Come on haters!
If you could send your kids to a good private school you would. You would if you love your kids more than what people think that is.
Besides, the security aspect trumps everything!

Wow ,America's Talibans are out in force and showing their colors once again. Positively scary….

To George/Kathleen:

Get real buddy, if you were a targeted black man who can get targeted at any moment, don't you think this is the most logical choice for the safety of his daughters and family? Could you imagine the headlines indicating the Obama's as terrible parents forbid anything happens to them? I guess most people like George and Kathleen only make judgements by what they hear and can't think of the consequences that might happen had the girls not have protection from predators and radicals who want to target the Obama's given the chance. You don't get that same protection in a public school. Good choice, family security first Obama's!!!

YES!!! This is wonderful!!! I don't see what took so long. And all these people writing this message board saying that the Obamas should have chosen a public school sound stupid! Yeah, I get it, send the daughters of the first Black President to public school – where it's safe! Are you kidding? Frankly, I'd be arranging for home-schooling if it were my decision! And this whole angle that somehow President-elect Obama is being hypocritical by sending his girls to private school is completely ridiculous! With the things going on in schools today, coupled with who these girls are, there's no way in the world they would have been safe – Secret Service or not.

Who would really expect the new President Elect Obama to send his children to public school? be real here these girls safety are far more important than all this nonsense many of you are posting.
*Lets not forget the Obamas are African Americans and honestly this has not been accepted by many ? with that in mind >think of the death threats this family has been getting (prior to the election)"
He has no point to prove at the expense of his daughters.

Sure they want what's best for their children. That's what we all want. So give us the vouchers so that we can afford to make the same selection as the rich liberals make!

What a hypocrisy! private schools for all then? Kings and Queens are the desired leaders of liberals.

Unless you are acquainted with a whole bunch of public school teachers, please don't say we are "all for ourselves and not for the kids." I took a huge pay cut 5 years ago to switch out of the private sector and into teaching high school math in the inner city. I have never regreted it, but it certainly isn't for the money — it's ALL about the kids!

The safety of those precious girls is the most important factor.

A clintons stereotype! This guy is been naming clintons people all over again to his cabinet, yet he shifts another gear to drop his 2daughters at former chelsea's school. With his daughters @ a D.C public school I believed attention must be paid to the system, but sending them to a riches private school this is the begining of the the end of hoping for a radical change in addressing the Public schools problems!

Darn, give the guy a break. He is doing what is right for his children. The education system sucks. His kids were brought up in private schools so they should remain there. Also, he hasn't even been sworn in as president yet! Lol, the nut jobs just want to have something negative to say. All I can say is just wait. You will see this man is brilliant. He is going to fix the mess Bush put us in and the school system will benifit from it as well. Give him a chance. He is not stupid.

Will all of you fault-finding individuals for one moment stop blowing unnecessary steam and think of those 2 girls' safety. Obama and his family have received more death threats than any other President. It's not a matter of what school is better – public or private – it's a matter of which is safer, not only for the 2 girls but the other kids who will be around them.

There is no doubt in my mind our President-elect supports public schools, however, given what they are up against with the Secret Service and the crazies out there, are they capable of handling what needs to be done? So all you anti-Obamas loonies who are just looking for any excuse to hate on our next President, please get over it. Your man lost. If you were in the same position, you probably wouldn't do anything differently. If you claim you would then I would question your judgment as a parent wanting to keep your child safe!

If we didn't home school, we'd send our kids to private school too; not only to keep our kids away from the spit wad throwing riff raff, whos parents send them to school smelling like smoke, but mostly because public school teaches too much worthless crap that has nothing to do with making it in the real world.

Physics, chemistry, bio science, high level math, and the same type of reading/comprehension skills that a kid will have to know to be successful on the SAT, LSAT, MCAT, ACT, etc.. THAT is what matters!

Think we'll be teaching our kids the names of Christopher Columbus' wooden ships? Puuhleeeze! Think we'll have them read McBeth? Not! We think our kids could better spend their time- all the lame humanities they can get in college when they take (you guessed it) HUMANITIES!

I refuse to set my kids up for failure.. we're giving the educational tools so they won't work at a place like GM or UPS for 20 years, then don't have a pot to piss in when the company goes flop.

Public school? LOLOLOL riiiiight! The Obamas know what time it is!

What's so wrong with the Obamas choosing private school over public? They are concerned for the safety of their children. This shouldn't even be a topic of discussion.

To George and Kathleen–

Have you ever been in a DC public school? They are horrendous. No sane person living in DC with the resources to send their child to private school would ever send their child to a DC public school. This does not make the Obamas hypocrites. It makes them good parents who care about the safety and well-being of their children. Besides, the Carters tried sending Amy to a public school when Jimmy Carter first took office, and it was a disaster, security and media-wise. Why repeat this mistake?

Um…what are you people complaining about? Why are you outraged that Obama picked a qualified, safe school for his daughters? It is obvious that a public school is pretty much out of the question when you consider all of the safety issues that are required for whichever school they chose. Last time I checked the President *does* make about $400,000. Just because he is successful doesn't mean he has lost sight of how the American people are struggling. He wasn't born into money; he has earned and worked for everything he has. Just look at how hard he worked to be elected! In my opinion he has earned the right to pick the best & safest school for his daughters. Don't be a 'hater' just because he is successful and cares for the well-being of his daughters; it's petty and pathetic. I would do the same if I were in his shoes and you probably would too if you think about it.

Good choice. Get off their backs.

WHAT !!! WHy do we ALL work hard …. only to have the best for our kids.
What the heck is wrong with that…. How would those kids be safe in public school….. ???? COME ON….STOP AND THINK…DUH!

The safety of the President's children comes before anything else. Furthermore, there is not a single person who would not send their child to a private school if it was possible. If you deny it, then you are not to be believed. Every parent desires for things to be better for their children then they had. If they do not and yet are able to, then I question their parenting.
It is NOT hyprocrisy to, it is common sense.

I agree wth all of you who write that safety for the girls is what is most important. How would all of the people here, who object to them going to this school feel, if something horrible were to happen to them?

I'm a public school teacher and I do not see a problem with this. They've made the right decision for their family. It's a personal decision.

There were over 500 credible threats made against the Obama's during the campaign. It's unfortunate you poor losers don't see this as a safety issue. I bet if your kids were in harms way you would make a similar choice. If you didn't vote for him and didn't agree with his policies you aren't going to agree with the decisions he makes on anything. Quite your whining.

Obviously, Obama's 'moral outrage' of the education system was purely for political reasons and only for the benefit of undereducated or uneducated voters.
Too bad that he fooled those poor people.
Obama is no different that what we have seen in D.C. for years and years.

I do not blame President-elect Obama (and his wife) to choose the best for their kids. If they can afford, they should avail. Of course, security is a concern and choice should be made to have the family safe and sound.

I voted for him. But, so far I have not seen much change. Yes, he shows maturity in his press conference but it is the same team, same choices that we are familiar with and he is just another politician so far.

I never expected him to change things overnight. But I do not see much change, it is same inside the beltway gang.

When will the country learn that a politician is a politician and that they will say anything to get a vote?

Sure, while he was on the campaign trail it was "we must support public schools and their teachers" but now, he's won…who cares what he said then. Send my daughters to a school 3/4 of the country cant afford.

I'm all for giving your kids the best education you can, but come on! BE HONEST and say Yes I support public schools but the state they are in, I'm not going to put my kids in one.

As Kathleen said, typical hypocrisy….maybe 4 years from now the Republicans new slogan can be TOLD YOU HE WAS NO DIFFERENT!

I Have four kids. Washington DC, White House, No White House, President or regular joe. My butt would be working 5 jobs to put my kids in private schools.

Leave this man alone. He is doing the best for his daughters!

How dare Obama think about the education and safety of his girls. Anyone who has a problem with this is dumb.

Kathleen are you the potus i didnt think so this job comes with perks
eg you ride in the marine 1 air force one etc thats why he is our potus dont hate did you want him to send his kids to be mugged in these bad schools no.

Honestly, there should be a requirement that President's daughters send there kids to a private school. They are not "normal" kids, not everyone can say that there dad is the President of the United States. Not to mention that the education in public school sucks!

George and I'm sure many others!!!

Are you serious!!!!!
Why would the President send his children to a public school…..do you think them not worthy of security for heavens sake, what a ridiculous statement.
So I guess now his children are going to a private school all Obama's plans for public school's will be put on the back burner….boy, how quickly people jump to that conclusion and it is so stupid.
Those children will be in a different environment come next year and they need full protection and rightly so…..all you folks who are complaining about typical politician, typical liberal…..need to remember he will be the President, not a politician or liberal and the safety of his family is paramount.

Why are you people so hateful? Oh that's right, your guy lost and your present guy also has destroyed the country through his selfish and "maverick" ways.

Good choice, the secret service knows the school well, the school knows how to protect their privacy. Those kids are adorable and I hope they are happy with their new home and make a lot of friends in their new school. I wish them nothing but the best!

I just say look at Chelsea Clinton, who went through Sidwell. As a brilliant and poised young woman, what better recommendation could the school have. Everyone hopes the very best for these two little girls.

Glad to hear their family has made a choice that's best for them.

It's a security issue. They are the first family and they should attend the best school fit for the first family. Why would someone questions President-elect Obama's standard when he as brought the coutry to a place of equality and pride. Now that the girls have a school, they can move to the next item on the Obama's to do list.

Love my First Family

Miss Lady.

his girls were already in a private school in chicago, so this is no different.

I am not a fan of his…obviously….but as a father, i respect his committment in doing what is best for his daughters. He chose a school based on safety and quality of education. What parent wouldnt?

If you people on this board haven't figured out that Obama is pure fraud, too bad.
Obama is a greedy, self-agrandizing elitest, just like all the rest of the DC insiders.

Just like the Clintons… interesting…

I would be just as upset as all of you who feel they should send their children to public school if it wasn't for one minor detail…

HE'S THE PRESIDENT!!!!

Let's not pretend that they are the typical American family.

This is where the girls should attend school. Obama sending his daughters to a private school isn't making his outrage towards public schools any less. It doesn't mean that he does not support public school teachers. I am a public school teacher and this is the best choice for his girls to be safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DC public schools suck. Of course he's sending his girls to a good Friends school. It's green, progressive and teaches properly.

Now. it's indicative of getting on path the proper way. Stop "cutting taxes" (like McCain promised) and let us all help the public schools get back on track. It's easy to tear down when you're not involved in the process, but I'd like to know who is going to be a good American and give a little more money to get things back on track.

10 trillion, people. That's the deficit! Not going to cut defense in a time of terrorism. Let Obama become president and funnel some money to education, and not "teach to the test for everyone" like No Child Left Behind (P.O.S.).

Thank you. goBama.

Okay. who cares if he is sending them to a private school. Obviously there are going to be crazy radicals who could hurt the girls. They are not average children. They deserve more security. What is wrong with people these days…

Above all else Pres-Elect and Mrs Obama are parents! They made their choice! End of story!

Hm, I thought Bill Clinton was barred from having a third term?

You people ripping the choice are morons. It would be irresponsible to put them into a public school for safety reasons alone. Look how Jimmy Carters daughter was treated in public school, it was a disaster. At least this school has a track record dealing with high profile students. I think the Obama's have shown wise judgement looking out for the best interest of their girls, not for how it will look politically.

Amy Carter went to public school while living in the White House. They didn't handle it well and she is still a basket case. Sidwell Friends knows how to do it.

This is actually a savings for the taxpayers since the Secret Service is at Sidwell anyway for Biden's granddaughter.

obama made the best desicion.

Shut up you hate mongers.

I wouldn't put my kids in the public school system either, not after how the republicans have completely reduced them to worse then third world centers of child abuse and mistreatment. The places suck thanks to all of the horrid treatment the Bush administration has bestowed upon them.

Had the democrats not been vetoed the past two years and outnumbered the previous six, our public schools would be a good place to have our children gain an education. But as it stands, the republicans have made them nothing more then a good place to get pregnant, get high, or get killed at.

Honestly people….are you that out of touch with reality? No matter how wonderful a public school might be…it is no place for the president's children. It has nothing to do with race, economic reasons, or his policies on public schools. How in the world can you critisize the man for wanting what is best for his children? The school he chose will be able to provde a safe environment where they will have the best chance to learn and be successful. I teach 6th grade in a wonderful public school. This does not outrage me in the least. What does outrage me is the insensitive and irrelavant comments some of you make.

President- Elect Barack Obama and his wife, the future First Lady, Michelle Obama have shown by their actions just how much they do love their kids by putting them in private school. Putting them in public school would have been ludicrous.
Public schools need a lot of re hauling and restructuring before it is ready for any child. People enroll their kids in public schools because it is mandatory and they cannot afford a good education for them. Putting one's child in an inferior educational situation to prove a point is stupid, and the Obamas' are not stupid.

The girls are already attending private schools in Chicago, it doesn't make any difference if they are attending another private school in DC.

It's pretty normal for children of high profile people to attend private schools. I can't name one child of a celebrity living in NYC that is attending a public school.

I am sorry but Obama does not need to try and prove a point with his little girls lives by sending them to a public school, he needs to worry about running the country, not worring about his girls safety while they go to school. We all know we have nut jobs in this country, I think this was a very good choice…………….

it's a shame, as it would've been fantastic support for the public school system…on the other hand, I worry for his family givne the hate in this country. Obama shouldn't bet his kid's security for ideals.

Sidwell is a Quaker school and the Society of Friends (Quakers) have always stood for peace, justice, equality, fairness and simplicity. Congratulations to the Obamas from making this thoughtful choice.

Kathleen

What president youknow would send their small kid to a publ;ic school. You really have issues beyond ignorance. Growup and get over it He won fait and square unlike Bush 2004.

I understand his choosing this particular school as he wants what he believes to be best for his family both safety and education. I think he can still want and ask for better public schools while still maintaining the utmost support for Public Teachers. I have a friend that used to live in a former bigger city and moved to Fayetteville and decided that because of the way public schools were in the bigger city that they lived in felt that their kids could only be in private schools. I do not feel like it is a bad thing to want for you kids best interests and for their safety first and foremost.

I'm glad they decided on a private school for their daughters that the secret service knows. With the McCain/Palin rallies that stirred up so much hate and anger this is the best choice for these two beautiful Obama girls. I wish them loads of success in their new school.
God bless the Obamas!!

Obama girls deserve to attend the safest, best school around DC, rest of the world should mind thier own buissiness.

Stop it people! His girls were in private school in Chicago. Why would he put them in public school in DC? You give your kids the best you can regardless. Obama cannot be faulted for doing the best he can by his kids. Geez.

Are you people serious? You want the President of the United States to send his children to a public school where there is an obvious lack of security? I thought CNN readers might be more intelligent than that. It has nothing to do with politics and EVERYTHING to do with the safety of their children – you know, considering that their father is PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES for cryinoutloud!!

If you were the most powerful man in the world, would you not send your kids to a private school for security reasons?

Plus, how would they be able to get an education at a public school with all the secret service people with them? Or anyone else in the school?

The election is over ! McCain lost ! Get Over yourselves !

Public schools have a safety problem. Good for the girls to attend a private school. Nothing wrong with that. I would do the same.

It all comes down to safety for the girls and education. Good choice

First off the kids were in Private schools in Chicago to begin with. Second… if you really thought that a public school in DC would have been safe for those girls, your insane and you care more about politics than the life and happiness of two adorable children.

Why is it that people seem to expect The Obamas to 'make a statement' by sending their children to a public school when we have all learned that the public schools, including D.C. Public Schools, are failing? Yes, he acknowledged that the schools need work, but should his children be sent to a school that the parents are not confortable with JUST beacuse people would feel comfortable with the decision? Being a parent is his job, long after he leaves the Oval Office. I can't imagine having to worry about the educational safety of my children, let alone their physical safety. Fixing the broken educational system will take time. It will not be fixed on January 20, 2009. In the meantime, Malia & Sasha still need an education. Leave the family alone and allow them to do what they need to do – for their family.

leave him alone. If you haven't been keeping up, Obama is going to be the next President of the United States. He might be making a decision about which school to send his kids to based on slightly different factors than you, me, and Joe the Plumber.

All you haters make me sick!! How could the President of the US send his children to a public school. Get a freakin' grip!! I don't blame or fault him. Of course his innocent girls should be protected from ignorant people who wish them or their family hard. Get a grip.

Anyone would be foolish to believe that any sitting president should send their kids to a public school especially in this day and time regarding kidnapping & terrorism. You have to be prudent & realistic and go with an institution that has a good history of dealing with (from a security perspective) high-profile kids. Thus, good choice!

I don't think it's horribly hypocritical to send his girls to private school. They're going to be in the biggest fish bowl in the country and I have a hard time believing they could have a "normal" experience in public school. Safety issues and what not. At least at the one they're going to, it's old hat for White House kids. It doesn't mean Obama has given up the public school system already.

All you fools who criticize this decision…don't you realize the impossibility of keeping the Obama kids safe in public schools…you are just stupid, jealous, envious Republican losers

To George, Kathleen and Shannon:

Private School, would be to keep people like you away!

Wow, just tear the guy apart, waiting to rip into him. Truth is the last Presidential child to go to public school was Amy Carter in the 70's. Why? Liberal elitism? How about safety and security. Not just for the Obama kids, but for an entire public school of kids. The intrusion of the necessary security for Presidential children is far more than any public school or it's students are equipped to handle. This is especially true of this Presidents kids. Unfortunately there are many out there ready to do harm simply because of the color of his skin. It is really a sad commentary on what is supossed to be a progressive society. And while we are at it, I have another gripe. Why do I keep hearing about the wealthy liberal elite, when every single culprit of this collapse, every single investment banker, stock broker and commodities trader involved has been a Republican? It is hard to stand for the litttle guy when they are busy standing on the little guys throat. If liberal elitism is code for educated and intellectually curious then I will take that label all day long. We had the MBA President that everyone wanted to have a beer with and he about ground us into irrelevance and poverty. If elite liberals is what it takes to fix it, so be it.

Seriously people? You are criticizing Obama because of the school that his daughters are going to attend? You people are morons. Absolute morons.

Wow, the tuition fees are $30,000/Year. Wow, That is more than a lot of households income. Crazyyyyyyyyyyyyy…
What happened to the public schools?

Call it what you want. I call it a mom and dad taking care of their kids. I know most of you would like for him to make a statement here but his girls are not regular kids like ours they are now targets that many wack jobs would love to get their hands on. Bottom line they are the Presidants kids and they need to be put in a place that is the most out of harms way.

Richard-

I agree with you on the Special Service comments, but to say it is better than a public school is too broad of a comment to be true. I'm biased, but I believe the school I teach at is just as good, and I've been to other public schools that are phenomenal. Unfortunately, No Child Left Behind has really decreased the quality of public schooling in the U.S.. It was a very clever way of trying to destroy public education.

Placing his daughters in public schools will not transform the school systems. Serious reform is going to occur only when Americans make investment in education as a core value. Educational policy reforms, conscientious oversight, investments in teachers' salaries and training, and increased value of intellectual endeavors are the critical elements of transformation. Little Sasha and Malia do not need to be President Obama's "token gestures" to education reform; the real acknowledgement of education's central place in his administration's priorities will occur when we see who he appoints as Education Secretary and the policies that he supports.

It's well known that DC public schools are terrible. Obama may wish to support public schools, but first and foremost, he's a father. He has the means to send his daughters to a school that is known for excellence, why shouldn't he?! To call him a hypocrite for that is unfair. Wouldn't you want the best for your kids, especially considering that their safety is also a big issue?

So……….who is surprised?
God forbid that Obama would make an independent and individual decision that deviates from the Clintons.

He want the best for his children. Dont hate .

This choice is not in any way a snub to the public schools. Let's be serious here, this decision was made for a variety of reasons the most important of which was probably security. Private schools can offer security and privacy that public schools (in D.C. at least) just can't. The Obama kids should be as safe as possible at all times and this was the best way to do it. Put yourself in Barack and Michelle's shoes, they're parents confronting a totally new situation with all these new elements in their lives. Their children's security should be something they shouldn't have to worry about. Plus, Chelsea Clinton went there I think and she's doing great!

This is a PARENTAL decision not a POLITICAL one. So all of you who are treating it as such need to grow up.

The only choice….although a lot of people here think that this is an elitist move, its the only choice for safety for the girls….a public school would not only be dangerous (security wise) but a secret service presence is more likely to cause intrusion and disruption for a lot of the student body.

Excellent choice. I plan on sending my son there as well. You know is "typical liberals" VALUE education!

right choice for his daughters. This is about safety and security for them (in addition to best education). It is too difficult to protect them at a public school. Too much access to the general public. It's hard enough for them to be thrown into this political spotlight. They need a smaller, more stable environment where they can also be protected from the general public. Don't blame them. They didn't run for office, their father did.

Good choice!! It was made in the best interest of the girls and that is the ONLY factor that should matter. Politics aside it shows that the Obamas take education to be a priority and wwish for thier kids to have the best!!!
Cannot begrudge them that!!!

Geoge and Kathleen, you are absolutely correct. The LIBERALS love the public school for everyone else, BUT NOT FOR THEM!!!! The public school teachers and their unions, are all for themselves and NOT for the children. It makes me sick.

Give the guy a break! Would anyone out there send there kids to public school in DC?

Anyone who knocks Barack Obama for sending his daughters to a private school is really just looking for the tiniest thing to get upset over.

Stop nitpicking.

If you don't like his policies, fine. If you don't like the decisions he makes, fine. Discuss that.

You lose credibility when you complain about something so menial.

uh George, one can support public teachers and attempt to fix a broken public school system without it being at the expense of their childs' safety, education and well-being. I'm a prime example and I am no liberal, nor am I rich but to me my child's education is more important.

So get real people.

If I had the money and put my kids in a run down public school system… THAT would be all about politics. But, if I had the mney and gave my kids the BEST education I could find for them… that is called being a great dad!!

Just because Obama is all about fixing the public school system does not now mean that he has to stick his kids in the same broken public school system. Let him fix the public school system before you all start screaming hypocrisy.

And there is a huge difference between taking public school money and applying it to private education vs being able to afford private school education and NOT taking money away from public schools to get it.

Would anyone object if I, as a regular joe, scraped up enough money and happen to know a couple of people so that my kids could attend a nice private school? If not, then why should anything else matter? Perhaps Obama just wants the best for his kids, which is not any different from any other parent.

How is this hypocrisy: his kids go to a private school now. Even with school vouchers there are schools that the vouchers wouldn't cover the cost.
I have no issue with vouchers, but one of the problems I see is transportation. Sees like the near destitute would be left at schools with almost no funding. These are issues that need to be worked out. Also if you're at a bad rural school how far would all the families have to travel to get a better education?

A mother and a father who are Harvard trained attorneys are SUPPOSE to put their kids in private schools.

Seriously, does anyone expect the POTUS children to attend public school? Not because private schools are better. It just makes sense. What a distraction that would be for the other children when they see the Secret Service following them everywhere. Celebrity children go to private schools mostly to keep the paparazzi away. What about Malia and Sasha attending a much smaller private school for safety reasons?

We sure do have a lot of opinions without knowing why a decision was made. Of course, as Americans we think we know the answers without all the details. What a surprise…..

You do the best you can for your kids. Or should. Anyone that has a problem with this doesn't have kids, doesn't have this kind of choice or is not the parent they think they are.

George,

What happened is potatoheads like you….

It's what he has to do for the safety of his beloved daughters…..

He had no choice but to send his kids to a private school and a school that is known to have been used by a President's daughter. Which means the Secret Service is aware of how the school operates. And because of all of the threats on the family. So a public school would not work.

How can anyone object to them sending their children to private school. We all know that will be the safest place for them consideirng all the threats coming their way and I know that will continue for the next 4 years. These 2 girls have always gone to private school, so I don't have a problem with them continuing that trend.

This is a safety issue. I would have preferred to send my daughter to public school but it was not an option and I'm not even rich.

I'm a public school teacher and initially I was very disappointed in this decision. However, sending the girls to a public school would have been a huge burden for the school in many ways. They do not have the resources to handle that. I would not have been excited to have them at my school; learning would all but cease completely. It makes complete sense to send your kids to a school that can handle having major public figures there

We ALL know that if Obama had sent his kids to a public school, everybody would be talking about how he was just doing it as a political decision.

It IS encouraging that Obama selected a Quaker private school which, from what I know, values the contributions of all students, doesn't release scores, and doesn't believe in ranking students. This is the opposite of NCLB values. RIP NCLB, I hope.

The only reason this is blamed on liberals is because the republicans in recent years have been too old to have young kids. Correlation is not causation. Nixon sent his kid there…definitely not a liberal.

Seriously, this seems like it should be the kind of thing not broadcast for all the world to know!

And, I don't care how pro-public schools one is, when you're a controversial president, your children's safety definitely takes precedence over your platform!

Let’s be REALISTIC…It should not matter your politics, but should matter that these are the President’s children and their SAFETY is paramount. This has nothing to do with support or non-support for public/private school/teachers and everything thing to do with being REALISTIC

Why must people spew such venom and hatred towards a lovely family with beautiful daughters? What would your mothers say of you?!? Shame on you!!

PLEASE – walk a mile in the shoes of the Obamas!

President-elect Obama is soon going to be the most powerful person in America; naturally, he is going to send his daughters to a school renowned for its ability to protect children of politicians/diplomats, etc.

His daughters attended private schools in Chicago, so I am uncertain why folks are so vinidictive of the Obama's choice for the girls' school.

Please pray for the peace and secuity of our nation and the FIrst Family. Just like I did, while the Bushes were in the White House.

This from a diehard Dem!!

The Obama daughters have always gone to a top notch private school (U of C Lab-where both parents worked) in Chicago as well, so it hopefully will be a smooth transition for them.

The girls have been going to private school in Chicago, and have been throughout the campaign–no secret. Obama never promised that his kids would go to private school. And he would be a fool to put them in public school given the threats against their lives and the need for high security.

Silly naysayers.

Sidwell Friends is a great school. Lived about 3 blocks away on Wisconsin Ave. DC has the worst public schools in the country, get real if you think the President's kids are going to go there regardless of how much he supports the public school system or not.

Clearly you are just looking for anything to snipe at if you are derriding him for that.

The Obamas are free citizens just like the rest of us and so can CHOOSE where they want to send their children….what's wrong with that!!!!

Safety has to be the major concern. Not just for the Obama kids, but anyone in the school. Some nut could walk into a public school and open fire, killing anyone in their way. Go ahead and call the Obama's hypocrites. You would do the same thing if you were in their position, so that would make you a hypocrite as well.

Shannon,
you're way off base with you comment. Any other parent's kids, rich or poor, wouldn't have the possible risk of harm that the Obama kids would have if they enrolled in a public school.

Sidwell School enrolls students who have parents that are foreign diplomats, Senators, and other prominent elected officials. If some nut job has it in for one of these kid's parents, how do we know if they wouldn't kidnap the kids are harm them? Sidwell School is better equiped and prepared to handle such incidents.

Besides, think about the risk imposed to the other school children if the Obama girls went to a public school.

This is not a deviation from his poitical agenda, it's strictly a safety issue.

People should really keep their dumb comments to themselves. Their parents make their decisons, not America. If God felt he could trust you to raise and make logical decisions he would make you parents. Idiots

People, people relax. The reason they decided on a small private school is obvious. It's much easier to provide a more safe and secure environment. A large public school would make it more difficult for the security team to protect them. It's as simple as that. I would do the exact same thing if I were in their position. Barbara, I agree with you.

Obama sold this election on the message of “change”. Naive Americans took and swallow this bait. Now they are going to have a lot of heartburns.

Why should the Obama's school choice be an issue for anyone? The Obama girls attended independent schools in Chicago so Sidwell is a wise choice. To those who disagree with their decision, do you live in DC and are you aware about the conditions of the public schools there? To not acknowledge the city has problems with their school system is a disservice to those children that attend the city's public schools. I'm a single mother (far from elite) and sent my children to independent schools in Alexandria and DC. Good for them!! Note – Montgomery County Public Schools are quite different from most of DC's public schools and what a shame!!

You sore losers need to get off your high horse, the girls were in a private school in Chicago. Also, with all the hate Palin dredged up during the campaign, he'd be an idiot to put them in public school. And one thing about Michelle and Barack, they are far from being idiots.

I'm delighted! Friends are peace loving and non judgemental.

Any body that has the means and capability to send their child to the best school of choice they can, would. Of course saftey is of concern for the President Elect's daughters and the Secret Service is already quite familiar with that school. All of you on here showing your fake outrage about Obama sending his girls to a private school need to look no further than the closest mirror to find the true hypocrite. Or, are you saying that if you had the abbility to send your kids to the best school you could, you would not because you either don't care about your kids or want to appear to take the moral high-ground and send them to a public school so you could look down your nose at the parents that decided the best education possible was in the best interest of their child? Get a life !

For all you that have something negative to say
Obama is the first one to say our pubic school system is inadequate and he wants to upgrade them and the teachers. Why in heavens would he want to send his children to public school before that is done.

I went to public school. There was enough drama without 2 children of the president going there that was a good move. Security first, everyone else’s hypocritical opinions second!

What is the big deal if he wants his daughters to go a private school? Would you want your kids to go to a public school in DC? I am far from being an Obama supporter, but criticizing his choice of school for his daughters is absurd.

Being President does not deny Obama the right to choose the best school for for his children. Security is a major issue and the school has many children of high profile parents. Both the school and the Secret Service have been down this road before. People that want to waste time on this matter need to get a life!

It had to be a private school. Can you imagine trying to protect these girls at a public school? What a mess that would be. I don't understand why anyone would think in this day and time that there was a chance in hell they would attend a public school.

I think it's wise to not send the girls to a public school. It would not be fair nor safe for them or the school. Of all the issues to address, this one is really a non-issue. The girls deserve protection, and the president will not need the added worry of the dangers of high-profile children in a public school. I am a Republican who voted for McCain who feels that Obama is doing the right thing here.

I say more about it at http://www.bubbleofsanity.blogspot.com/

You guys commenting on this article are sick sadists aren't you?

Do you really think that daughters of the president should attend public school which would leave them vulnerable to kidnappers, terrorists, and the menacing papparizzi?

And just because he and his wife are taking they're daughters safety into account (God forbid) doesn't mean that the public school system and it's teachers have a diminished role.

Is your recommendation to send them to public school as a show of support for public teachers, with no regard to the children's safety and indirectly the country? (because if his daughter's aren't safe, how can he focus on leading the nation?)

The stupidity in some of the comments above confounds me.

First of all the girls went to Private school in Chicago, second, there are too many crazies out there that might try to get at those babies if they are in a public school. Yes, the Obama's could have sent a message to the nation by putting their girls in public school, but I think they have done the right thing for the safety of their children.

Picking a school for your children is a very personal decision, and no matter what they did, they would be criticized either way. I don't think it is fair to call the names because they picked an expensive private school.

My parents picked a private school for me because I was a shy only child and they knew I would have a hard time in the harsh public school system, and you know what? When we moved to a new town and they couldn't get me in to the private school, I went to public school, and I got eaten alive by the mean aggressive kids.

It's not all about money or status, it's about doing what is best for your kids so they can have a good positive learning experience.

First of all its about the safety of the girls. they will be safe at that school.as Richard Larson said, the secret service knows the school inside out since Chelsea went there.

2nd, the parents reserve the right to take the kids whichever school they please. we cannot have a say in the decisions the Obamas make as a family. how would you feel if someone tried to run your household?

Like most parents, the Obamas sought to do what was in the best interest of their children. Many people chose private over public, christian/catholic over public, etc. I am sure that the Obamas, like most parents, thought of their childrens interests and well being first as all parents should.

This is not hypocrisy at all. For those of you that have children, have you really examined DC public schools? They are in turmoil. The current Chancellor is making some progress, and the Obamas have committed to making change in the DC community… and that includes the schools.

I believe that the best is yet to come… for everyone. Including DC public schools.

The Obama children attend a private school now (very expensive), not a PUBLIC school…

As Obama proceeds, perhaps his supporters will finally see that no matter who the politician is, not what they promise, status quo is what they do…

This would be "change" you can believe in. But, I do feel confident that he will make major changes in this country…

Some of you haters need to grow up. It would be absurdly difficult to provide Secret Service protection for the Obama children in an inner city public school. Futhermore, they attend private school in Chicago, why would you expect them to downgrade to public in D.C.? I completely believe the President-elect is outraged about the issues of public schooling–the precise reason for not sending his own children through the system.
I also believe reform of public education will be on his agenda, along with the million plus other problems lying ahead that he must tackle. Be careful on those moral high horses–they're willful creatures that tend to buck and throw a rider at the most inconvenient moment, for all the world to see the fall.

His number one concern should be for the safety of his daughters – and it is!

The president isnt the only person in the world who sends his children to private schools. Gripe about the economy or those Detroit Lions or something.

Kathleen November 21st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

No surprise there. School choice for liberals who can afford it, but not for the rest of us. Typical hyprocrisy.

so, you think someone else should pay for your kids to go to private school?
Sounds like "socialism" to me

For those of you criticizing the Obama's choice of school for their children, you can thank that "racist" Palin for the rise in hate group activity….if your children lives would be in danger because of someone else's hate and ignorance, wouldn't you make the best possible decisions to try and keep them safe? If you wouldn't you would be a "sorry" parent…I am poor and I wouldn't want my children
to attend a public school system that was not up to par…and by the way "better schools" and better pay for teachers are part of President-elect Obama's agenda….

Shannon you're just jealous

Do you seriously think that the first african american president would be dumb enough to send his children to a public school where children of poor white skinheads can freely attend???

grow a brain Shannon.

People…please…his daughters were already attending "private" school in Chicago….so why is it a problem for them to continue with that? Just because he's not sending his daughters to "public" school is not saying public schools are bad it is his and his wife decision. They are paying for it not me…please keep in mind he will be THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES…just not your everyday person!

Some of you people make me sick. I am single disabled Mom and my 8 yr old son is going to a private school. Because public schools suck. I am macking a lot of sacrifices for him to go there but it is worse it. Pre-elect Obama has to think of security and a good education. He is not even in the White House and already getting ripped appart for this and that. Give the man a chance, and stop the hate. I hope and pray that the entire Obama Family will be save.

To those criticizing Obama for not sending his kids to a public school……..give me a break!! I am a public school teacher myself, however, no would want to send their kids to a large D.C. public school if they had a choice, especially with the recognition they would get. Let's see….your father is one of the most famous men in the world…and your security is going to be at risk. For all those who want to criticize wake up. I am glad that Obama put his daughter's first above making a political statement. Those same people woud be criticizing if he made the opposite decision. For those people, Obama can do no right.

Well, O?NO! kids went to private school in Chicago, so why would anyone expect less now that he's president.

same ol same ol

C'mon cut the family some slack. They are just regular folks whose public and celebrity lives will never be the same. There is no way the secret service could protect the girls in a public school. The disruption would be a huge disservice to the rest of the children.

I don't think this is any of my business. It is a private family matter that we need to stay out of. Funny how you right wingers say you believe in privacy until a democrat gets elected president, then you criticize his every move. I don't want you telling me where my kids should go to school anymore than you want me (or Obama) to tell you where yours should. You don't even know his family or his kids, so stop judging.

Why would any President put his or her kids in a public school? To put his kids in a situation that could bring harm to them or any unnecessary risk to prove to conservative/liberals or anyone for that matter that he and his family are just like you and I. Nonsense, they aren't regular kids in a regular situation and any one of us that could put our children in the best schools would. The only thing that keep us from doing so is money.

I was sent to private school and my family wasn't particularly rich or into politics. People do what is best for their children, and while Obama would like to reform public schools so they are better for his kids, right now, especially the ones in Washington D.C., are not acceptable.

As president he also has to balance a wide variety of variables like secret service recommendations, security, and interference with other kids. Obviously this school provides the best balance or he wouldn't have chosen it, and Clinton wouldn't have chosen it before him. I see no hypocisy in this.

I will do the same if I had the options. I will not make a political statement out of my children's education. So should you not. Bush wouldn't, Carl Rove wouldn't, Hannity wouldn't. Heck, none of them served the nation in any selfless way anyways.
Obama is just being a good father. If he doesnot do the best job as a father, how do you expect him to do a good job as a President?

They are his children, when he cries, he cries alone if anything bad should happen to them so we should stay out of his affairs. He ran for president and not his children. You do what you want with your own children and leave him alone to do what's best for his. With all the negative things you crazys are writing I would trust the welfare of my children in a public school so you fools can cause harm to them.

His kids' safety is more important than his need to make a point about the public school system.

So all of you who criticize his choice, where would you send your own kids if you were the 1st black president and your family was receiving death threats?

Lay off him!!!

President-elect Obama can’t do anything without people scrutinizing him.
Give the man a break and let’s see what he will do for this country and then we can judge him. He was elect for 4 years and his term starts on January 20, 2009.

Obama's daughters were already attending private school. These children education is not our business. He still supports improving public schools. Why do you not allow him to get to office before you start being so critical? School choice is for everyone democrate independent, republican, any American. These are not everyday kids and will not ever be for the rest of their lives. These kids need protection. Those people who wish him harm could very well vent on his children. I think the Secret Service will be able to control their safety in a private school. Isn't this what we all want–their safety?

Before you guys judge him for not sending his daughters to public school, remember that this is D.C. we're talking about. It has some of the worst public schools in the country. Even my parents wouldn't have sent me to D.C. public schools, and we aren't even rich. He shouldn't place his daughters in schools with no books and no heating just to prove a point. They need to be safe, and I'm sure that if given the chance, most parents (rich and poor) would make the same decision he did.

Barbara @ 5:20 "Wish there were rules about campaigning that say "ONE hate-inciting rally, the candidate is out". Period."

But then Obama wouldn't be our President-elect — "They'll make you afraid of me" x 2, "The other race will always be menacing and apart," "cling to their guns and religion," etc.

I disagree with Kathleen and george. The girls' safety is #1. This is the best choice for them.

Well, no surprise to me. Guess he does not like vouchers. And to think there will be Change….what is truly left are the pennies for those that send their children to the DC schools. Another politician, and the country fell for it. We all knew this would be the case. Hey, when you pay $1500 for a suit, do you really think he would send his kids to public school?

Why would the president sent his children to public school. It would be dangerouse to them and every other child there. I know it's fashionable to call people elitist for going to private school but use your head. You can't complain about everything.

JUST LIKE ANY GOOD PARENT. THEY WANT THE VERY BEST, SAFEST PLACE FOR THERE LOVELY DAUGHTERS. IF YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT, AND CAN AFFORD TO SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO A GREAT SCHOOL IN LIGHT OF ALL THE CRAZYS OUT THERE. YOU REALLY ARE NOT BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF. P.S. STOP HATEN. PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE SOME OF THE REASONS DECISIONS LIKE THIS ARE MADE.

Not really a ticker story but CNN wants to stir things up I suspect.

Security 1st for these kids. Obama will still advance public school education.

Start the fake outrage from Obama haters pretending to be democrats that voted for him in 3 … 2… 1…

Besides .. the biggest thing that makes kids achieve academically is how much the parents engage … not the school.

Think about it folks…if they were your children and your were moving into the white house what would you choose for your kids?

Quit the hateful remarks. My kids can not afford a private school either for my grandkids but I do not begrudge those who can.

Grow up people. If I am able to afford private school for my children I will send them there. Just because he choses to send his children to private school does not mean he does not want to fix public schools. The fact is the public schools will take a long time to fix. Everyone is so judgemental.

There are some people on here who seem to take issue with Pres Elect Obama, just to do so. If it was your kids whose safety would be constantly threatened, you would make the same choice. I would. It doesn't mean he doesn't support public schools. He does. However, I am sure that the Secret Service counseled him to send them to private school – perhaps this one in particular. I support his right to do what is best to keep his kids safe. Any parent in that position would do the same thing.

Good for them! I went to Friends for 10 years before it became unaffordable for my parents. I finished my last three years in a public high school. Public education is a joke! I was so far ahead of my peers I was bored.

I want my president – the leader of the free world – flying in Air Force One and not waiting in lines at the local airport. Similarly, I want the First Family to have the security they need, including be able to send M and S to Sidwell. This has nothing to do with support for or against the public school system.

Sidwell Friends is a great school. Maybe Michelle Obama can create as part of her agenda that all public schools should be as good, but that would mean: 1) a lot more parent involvement and commitment to their kids education than currently exists in public schools; 2) motivated students; 3) motivated teachers; and 4) no innane worthless metrics like tests required by No Child Left Behind. That's a really ambitious agenda worthy of high-level attention.

The kids don't need to be in public schools. It's not safe for them when their father will be president of USA. They supports public education, but it doesn't mean they must put their kids to public schools. I graduated public school and I put my kid to a private school. SUE ME.

Cry me a river people, seriously. I would have been really surprised to see Malia and Sasha attend a public school, but it's a lose-lose situation either way. Nothing ever satisfies the pessimistic and whiny people of America, hence this blog. Sidwell Friends is safe and sound and will offer the education the Obama's are looking for. If you have the money, then go for it.

My sister was in a private school at the church for a while before my parents moved to NY and now she attends a public school where she dominates without even thinking. If my parents had the money to send her to a private school, they would, but until then, they're not whining about the Obama's sending their kids to a respectable school for higher learning.

Knowledge is power, whining is crying. The later we don't need.

What's wrong with sending them to private schools? I have the money to send my daughter to private school and so she goes…what's the big deal? We're talking about the Presidents kids, not some jackal from Daisy, Alabama. I have moral outrage at what is happening in the public schools, but sending my child there won't fix the problem. If anything, it will add to the issue of kids who are NOT causing trouble being denied a good education because of the disruptors. I'm not sure how this is hypocrisy when people all over the country send there kids to private schools everyday. If he had sent the kids to a public schools, you same whiners would have said that the Secret Service would disrupt the learning of the *regular* kids…get off of it..sheesh.

There are some serious whiners whining away about this in these comments. Yes, what a shock- Obama's daughters are going to a private school where there is guaranteed to be less distraction, better education, and far less possible danger than if he sent them to an inner city DC school.

People here act so surprised, as if the POTUS is going to send his kids to a ghetto school ('cause guess what- pretty much ALL the schools that are within the district line are either private/exclusive OR a warzone. I should know- it's where I live.) The truth of the matter is that every single one of us would send our kids to a good private school if given the opportunity, yet some of you haters want to act like Obama looks hypocritical (as if he ever said he was definitely sending them to public school).

If you're the young son or daughter of a president, you're NOT going anywhere but a high-end school. It's how things work. Get over it.

Surprise, surprise…let's not keep the president's kids in with the poor kids who have to go to public school…looks like business as usual in Washington…hope everyone likes donating a whole lot more of their paycheck to Obama, because i guarantee he will raise taxes for all of us to pay for his welfare programs for those who have too many kids or drug addictions to go out and get a job…why do any of us bother going to work any more? Ol' Uncle Barry's gonna take care of us all! (More like Uncle Tom…)

Oh come on, like all of you wouldn't send your children there if you had the chance.

As a former educator, I applaud the Obamas for their choice. Children are not pawns. Sasha and Malia deserve a good school. While Obama supports public schools and their teachers, it doesnt mean his kids must be subject to them. We all support the poor and homeless giving them our cans and turkeys. Should we be homeless to prove our support for them? Moral outrage with public schools doesnt't mean you put your kids in them. It means you do everything in your power to make them better– precisely what he has promised to do.

PRIVATE OR PUBLIC?

Anybody on this commentary complaining about Obama's choice to send the girls to 'that particular private school', show their ignorance and lack of wisdom to appreciate the highly unique situation this set of parents face as they try to find what is best and appropriate for the girls.

Having the girls attend any of D.C.'s best public schools, would have added a host of complexities for the Secret Service, the White House, the public school, and the students & faculties of that public school. Think people before you render a judgment and make yourself sound stupid.

All you do-do's complaining that he's not sending the girls to public school need to get a brain. Look for something LEGITIMATE to complain about!
A public school would have to go into virtual lock-down if the President's kids were in attendance. Think of the disruption to all the kids & staff there.
A smaller private school (which has already gone thru all the security modifications once) would be much easier for the secret service people to monitor.
This decision is in the best interests of not just the girls education, but also in the best interests of the kids attending any public school they might have considered. Trust me, parents would be having a fit within days of dealing with all the security. (The Sidwell parents already go thru this because the school is filled with kids of diplomats, etc.)
Just trying to get thru a neighborhood when the President is around is a royal pain– imagine having to deal with it every single day. The people in the Highland Park/University Park area of Dallas are going to get to deal with it in about 2 months when Bush moves back to Texas– I suspect they aren't going to like their new neighbor too much at that point!
Any by the way, since when is it wrong for a parent to want to get a good education for their kids and keep them safe????

Ok, before a bunch of you go off the deep end crying about hypocrisy toward public schooling, you need to put yourself in his shoes. If you were the most powerful and recognized man in the world, and felt that the security of your children was best kept by attending this private school AND it came recommended AND the kids like it AND……

Point is, this ain't Joe the plumber's kids, or Fred the foreman's kids or Sally the secretary's kids. So get some perspective before you get all self-righteous.

Just because his kids are going to attend this school does NOT mean he doesn't value public education. My kids will never attend private school, because my Professor wife and I were products of public schools and do very well. But if I was the Prez?? I can't say, and neither can you, that I wouldn't do the same.

Obama has worked hard to get where he is and where he can afford to pay for private school. He didn't have a free ride! You sound jealous – get a job and work hard and maybe you'll be able to send your kids to PRIVATE SCHOOL

Another smart choice…public schools especial in D.C. suck!

Were his children, while in Chicago, in private school, come on?. If the DC schools were like the nice surburban schools then now I have an issue. DC might be a HUGE culture shock.

Besides most of us would send I kids to the best possible; period! so unless "your child be darned" you would send yours to a DC public school give him a break.

And those of us who live with the fairer sex- is that a fight you want to take on?

I'm a BIG supporter of public schools. I went to them K-12 and my kids will too. I don't want to see vouchers or other subsidies given to families who choose to send their kids to private schools. In my mind, high-quality public schools for all are *extremely* important for the stability of our society. However, I don't have a problem with Obama chosing a private school and neither should anyone else.

All of us except the President can choose which city or town to live in. The quality of the public school factors into our decision where to live. Only the President doesn't get that choice. He or she has to live at 1600 Penn Ave. Thus the President can't choose to live in a place that has public schools he or she feels comfortable with like the rest of us.

President Obama must be a father first, then president. He and his wife owe their children safety and security, a happy and loving home, and the best education they can provide…as do all parents. I see nothing in his actions that lead me to think he's doing anything less than that.

All the better that the Secret Service is familiar with the school. God bless and keep all four of them.

I think they made an excellent choice. I can't believe they were even considering public school. The girls are not regular kids since their dad is now the president of the united states. They should not have to put themselves, nor anyone else, through the rigors of having the secret service protection at school,and everything that comes along with trying to protect them at a public school.

OH YOU CALL THIS CHANGE, BARACK!?!?

This is where Chelsea Clinton went….What are you trying to pull?!

Oh wait…I don't care where his children go to school and none of you should either. Grow up. Goodnight.

As a former teacher in Montgomery Co., MD and a fine private school, they really made the best choice. Plus it is about 12 min. from the WH.

The Obama children have Always been in private school. Why would that change, especially now that they are the "First Children"?

The decision by the President-elect and the First Lady of keeping their children in private school, which they're accustomed to, out of safety concerns and their best interest in no way takes away from their efforts to improve the Public School System.

Support for public schools and actually attending one are different things. The school system in DC is horrible, quite possibly the worst in the country. I don't think it's feasible for the girls to go to a public school considering security and everything that's involved. Instead of railing him for this decision, please name former president's children that have gone to public schools.

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon are two big dumbos.

All of you criticizing the Obama's choice of school need to just shut the hell up. You sound so petty. They did what they felt was in the best interest from an educational AND safety standpoint ( Something that THE PRESIDENT has to worry about on a bigger scale than average parents) . If it were some of you haters were in the same position as the Obama's you would do the SAME thing. It's utterly amazing that some of you idiots find fault in a president elect and his family vetting both private and public schools for their children and choosing a private one, that Bill and sent sent Chelsea to, and the Secret Service is familiar with as well. Then again, it's not that amazing to believe that some of you would find fault in this. You are probably the same tools that listen to Limbaugh, Hannity, and other neocon blowhards and voted for Bush twice. GET A LIFE, neocons ( along with the fresh ideas) maybe someone will take you seriously again.

There's a high level of security and privacy that is needed for those girls and a private school is the only way that can happen.How can anyone even comment that the president of the US's kids should go to public schools nowadays?

Wow, judging by the comments here I guess Michelle and Barack should put the safety of their daughters at risk and disrupt the workings of a public school with secret service agents or their hypocrites.

I voted for this man due to his intelligence and the judgment he has thus far displayed. He and his wife are sending their daughters to a private school which already has children of diplomats in attendance and is much more able to handle the security aspects of their safety than a public school – an excellent decision, as their safety should be paramount.

Their children need to be protected from the unbalanced, disturbed people out there, who are no longer able to vent their bigotry and frustrations by attending McCain-Palin rallies.

Considering the number of hate crimes that have been occuring since Obama has been elected I think that this is a great choice.

Enrolling his daughters in a public school does nothing to fix our broken public school system. Show me one mother and father who doesn't want the best education the family can afford.

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon two of the biggest idiots

Anybody who can afford to send their kids to private school and wish to do so, more power to them. I'm not a wealthy liberal. I sacrificed and sent my kids to private school. All you haters, get over it. Let's work together to get our public school system where it needs to be. After all, our tax dollars go to pay for the system. We should demand that it work for students who can't afford or choose not to go to private school.

His kids should go to public schools or public charter schools. He is just a typical politician. Too bad he really isn't different like he claimed to be. ALL children deserve the same education…no matter what their parents do for a living. I wish he believed it, too.

This IS a safety issue, and i would not gamble with my kids' safety either!!

Here come the bitter conservatives again. Private schools are only for Republicans, don'cha know!

Shows wisdom in putting his girls in a school that will challenge them intellectually. Do what is best for your children, not what will pacify critics. That is capitalism. You earn more money, you have more options.

Not surprised. It is of the utmost importance that the school not only provide a good education but be a safe place for the girls. With so many hateful, nasty people in this world, their safety should be a top priority. For anyone to criticize this choice is absolutely absurd. I doubt any President's child attended a public school. So get over it people.

Brilliant! I am very happy the children of this wonderful family will be blessed with such a fine education. They deserve every bit of it.

Yes we can.

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon on this page are two dumbos

I don't understand why some people are angry over Obama's choice of school for his daughters, these kids used to attend a private school in Chicago why now they should attend a public school? I thought we are living in a free country and everybody including the president has the right of choice.

Why does it matter if it's a private school or not?

Many parents send their children to private schools.

Just show some respect for the Obamas to make the right choice.

Obama and his family will be in the public eye enough – give them SOME privacy, seriously!

For heaven's sake, it is easier to provide security in a private school and that's an important aspect. As to choice, if parents want to send their children to a private school, it is within their rights, isn't it? I'm a public school teacher and I am NOToffended by their choice! If there had been a good private school near when my son was in K-12, I would have considered it. Meanwhile, I do everything I can to serve students in the public schools.

Any child can attend private school because it depends upon the type of sacrifice that a parent is willing to make on the front end. Because if the child performs well then they have many scholarships available for them to pay for school. My kids attend private school and it is taking a HUGE bite out of my pocket, but they are worth every penny of it…Guess what..they will receive scholarships to pay for their tuition…

There are many that do not like our new President-Elect, but his girls have NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IS GOING IN THIS WORLD. They need to be safe and not have to worry about the total madness in this world. This madness going on now was not caused by our President-Elect, he has got to 'clean up' the mess left behind.

Leave the kids alone..If you want a parent to snap….mess with the children !!!! Stand in line to get your tail jacked !!!!

The Obama daughters deserve the best education that they can get–let alone security- and cannot be used for the politics of their father, such as to show those objecting here that he is sending his daughters to public school .

so what some of you are saying is that no conservitive white folk that are in the public eye send their children to private schools, how dumb and short sided can you be, if it was my child I would want them to be as safe as possible

THink about the added security burden this would put on a public school where there is open access and there can not be true restrictions. I really believe that the choice was based on logistics and not that the school is any better than the public choices, etc.

THink safety folks, not a slight against the public school system.

Barbara in NC – I agree.

aweful comments guys. The Obamas sent their children to private school while they lived in Chicago. This is not uncommon, this is how highly educated people deal with such issues. although I am not the smartest guy in the shed. Something tells me that the Obamas will be willing to pay the most amount of money that they could afford for their children to have the best education. How dare those elitist!!!!!

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon on here are two idiots.

Re: Obama School choice for family

Security is a must for this family, so please quit the nasty attacks and wish the future US First Family well. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle were not raised with silver spoons, or government handouts, so let's work together a help this newly elected President make the much needed necessary changes. PEACE!

No matter where he decided his kids should attend, those who don't like him would have something to say. The sad fact is that this will be the mose scrutinized Administration since George Washington. The Obama's as parents have an obligation to make sure that their girls are safe and get a good education at the same time. Safety, especially in light of the hate & anger still swirling around the Right wingers demands that they attend a private school. Perhaps in a few years, they can move to a public school, but I don't trust the fringe thinkers to leave them alone. They don't have to attend a Public school in order to get the schools fixed.

Smart choice. Look at how well Chelsea Clinton turned out. Best of luck Obama girls.

Looks like the conservatives are going to need some cheese with that wine.

LOOK: This is not a comment on the public school system. These poor kids are going to be the target of every crackpot loon out there. The Obamas have to consider security in their decision, and sadly, there just is not a way to completely lock down any public school in the District. There just isn't. I'm pretty sure that is the number one reason they picked Friends; because the Secret Service knows it well from the Clinton era, as it was where Chelsea went. I'm sure they'd love to make a statement as great as trusting the public school system, but, from a security standpoint, it's just not possible. This is a hard decision not just from their point of view (of course they have their children's best interest in mind), but from a national security angle. I mean, imagine the tragedy if something happens to these poor kids?

Kathleen, George! Get a life and stop hating! What parent would not do everything they could to protect their children!?! Those girls would not safely be able to attend a public school simply because of the position their father holds. In addition to the dangers all of our kids face on a daily basis, they now have to be extra careful because of who their father is. Thank God they have parents who choose to put their safety ahead of public opinion. God Bless those kids and yours too!!

CNN once again leaves out critical information in its articles — let's just say it was for political purposes. Once again Obama is acting as the usual Washington, D.C. politician. His word is meaningless.

would all the nay-sayers here honestly say they would send their children to a low-performing school just to make a political point. i guess you would be happy if the Obamas found the worst school where their children would receive the worst education. but no matter what he does you will hate him. shake the haters off.

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon on this page are just two idiots.

FOOLS! Please stop rushing in! You need immediate therapy!
Call Dr. Hepdaluza at 1-800-IMA-LUZA right now!

i am beginning to believe that obama thinks he is hillary clinton! what happened to the new leader of hope, change a new direction? this is all very disappointing since the media hyped obama as the next coming – what they didn't understand was that is was the next coming of the clintons!! ugh and puke!!!

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon on this page are two idiots.

you can't blame them for wanting to send their children to a nice safe school. honestly, where would you send your children if you had the choice?

maybe obama will work hard to make sure more families have that opportunity.

Is this the black Clinton they meant to say..now the same school.

As much as he's been following in the Clinton's footsteps, I'm beginning to think we should have elected Hillary!

Intelligent move once again Obama. Keep your daughters safe while you repair the school system for everyone.

Kathleen and Shannon on this page are idiots.

The school the girls used to attend cost about $20,000 a year per child.

In other words, it wasn't private.

Kathleen, george, Shannon – do you think it's possible in these times to provide security for a president's children in a large public school without really inconveniencing all the other kids? I would think it would be highly intrusive to the other kids whereas in a small school, like this one, it would be less of a burden to the other kids – and likely safer for the prez's kids. I don't know – not a security expert – but strikes me that way.

The people questioning Obama sending his daughters to private school are really scratching at anything to say negative about him. They will be the frigging President of the United States kids you morons so no they aren't like everyone else's kids. When your kids go to school do they have secret service with them? If you can't recognize there is a difference then I'm surprised you have the ability to use a computer in the first place.

The girls definitely need to be at a school capable of handling all of the securty requirements without being too intrusive upon the entire student body. I'm sure they made the best decision for their girls under the difficult circumstances. Regardless, this is a private family matter.

I think it's perfectly rational to send their kids to a private school that deals with children that have high security needs. I wouldn't want my child to go to a regular public school that couldn't handle the security issue.

We all know that if everyone could afford to send their child to a private school they would do it, so everyone whining about it needs to shut up.

They attend private school here in Chicago, so it should be no surprise that they chose a similar school in D.C. As one poster stated earlier, with all the anger and negativity about Obama the girls should be in secure situation. No matter what decision they made someone is going to be unhappy with the choice. I wish them all the best…

HYPOCRITE OBAMA! Public schools have to be GOOD ENOUGH for everyone else, but only the best PRIVATE SCHOOLS for your precious daughters. Afro-americans, do you still think he is still one of you? What kind of example is this to set? A great opportunity to show confidence in public schools was lost. Of course if he has no confidence in public schools, I guess we shouldn't be at all surprised. Palin's son goes off to war, all of McCain's family served this country, and yet Obama would not even risk sending his daughters to public schools? I understand the school "best fit their needs"? What would have best fit this country's needs would have been to elect a President who walks the walk in addition to talking the talk. Obama, you are as FAKE and two faced as they come!

Sam Chandra
Chicagoland

To the critics – would you seriously endanger the well being of your children in an attempt to prove a point/further your political agenda on an issue such as this? I think not. Sending those girls to DC public schools was never an option and not in the best interest of anyone including any kids being educated in DC public schools.

Amazing that there are so many people angry at the way the election went, that they would rather toss hateful comments than use their feable minds.

First – the girls are NOT like every other kids… they are the kids of the President of the United States, and as such, need to go to somewhere that the Secret Service can provide security at.

It would obviously be very difficult to provide security at a PUBLIC school – where there is less control on who visits. Private schools make perfect sense for these two.

And actually, "george", "Kathleen", "Shannon"… this makes perfect sense. As a parent, he wants the best for his girls. He does have concerns about the public school system, so he's going to send his kids to get the best education ever. What purpose would it serve to send his girls to public schools, where he believes they won't get as good an education? Just to make a political statement? Would you do that with your kids?

How about cut him a bit of slack, and watch to see if his administration does anything about the problems with the Public School System? If not.. .then make snide remarks if you must.

The kids were already in a Private School so I'm surprised anyone expected them to go to a Public School now. It's their choice and I think it's a good one for them considering their situation.

I was watching CNN television today approximately 2:03 PM California time and learned where the Obama children will be attending school. What the hell is the matter with CNN? I curse this network, and the producer for airing all over the world, where the Obama children will be attending school .

CNN and it's producer's are stupid and should be FIRED. These children belong to the President of the United States and the First Lady. Why in the hell is CNN broadcasting all over the world where these children will be attending school? The producers of the Wolf Blitzer show including Wolf Blitzer should be FIRED. I don't know where they received their college degree, but the first thing you learn in journalism, and or communication school is you don't broadcast this kind of information FOR SECURITY REASON. HELLO…………………………….is anybody home?

This type of behavior is DUMB, and it is STUPID. Both the producer and Wolf Blitzer should be held accountable for their actions.

Public schools? How in the world is the President of the United States supposed to protect his children in public schools? His children are not to be used to make a political statement. His children are his most important and precious priority. With all the nutcases out there whatever he can do to keep them safe is not only supported, it is completely understandable.

Hey Kathleen,

I send my kids to private schools also and I am FAR from being rich..plus people tend to forget that the president DOES get paid for what he does so get over it people.

Why are they broadcasting which school their kids will be attending? Their security and safety is a priority also. The general public did not need to know this information.

No decent parent that could afford otherwise would send their child to a public school in D.C. Big part of why I left when I had a child. Sad but true.

If those were MY daughters and threats has been uttered on my life and those of my family by record numbers of wackos, there's no way they would go to public schools. Just isn't safe or prudent to expose people you love to that kind of risk–no matter how it plays politically! Obama is a parent first. The White House won't be his after 8 years, his daughters will be.

CNN needs to be sued. How will these kids be safe? Why are you reporting where these kids will be? Not only are you putting them in danger but also the other kids that are attending this school.

Enough!

Stop, please I’m begging you, no more reporting everything that our President-elect Obama is during for the safety of his entire family and others.

This is coming from a loving mother of two young children.

A private school is the best choice for security reasons. How can he be an effective leader if he is worried about the safety of his children? Enrolling them in private school does not diminish his campaign promises towards the Public School System crisis in the country.

Some people are true idiots. His daughters attending this school does not mean that he doesn't support public schools or their teachers. His daughters need additional protection and I think that makes him a good father. Look at the idiots who tried to harm him before he was elected…should he run that risk with his children. Goodness, stop the hate and be happy we are in for change!

I'm a public school teacher and am not at all upset by this decision nor do I feel betrayed by it. I totally understand the reasons for this decision. Given the alarming rise of threats against the Obama's from the lunatic fringe elements in this country it is absolutely necessary to keep those children safe from harm. Sidwell Friends has served a number of children of high government officials and is well-prepared to deal with the myriad of security requirements required by such students. A public school isn’t. A public school by its very nature and purpose is more open and approachable than a private school and that makes it more difficult to secure.

I'm happy they are in a private school. They will be in a more safe and secure enviroment. It has nothing to do with politics — this is a safety issue.

How insensitive some folks on this post are…Who cares…what is first and foremost improtant is the safety of those girls…if private school makes them more safe than private school it is…

His administration's attention to making public schools better has nothing to do with where his children attend school…If he is genuine in his desire to change the school system he will do just that…get off it!

Some crazy comments. How can this president –with plans to take his life uncovered already, before he is president– send his kids to school with the public? Are you guys thinking?

After all the pretensions of being the "peoples president" and empty campaign rhetoric such as "our public school" system its a pity to watch the obama's choose a PRIVATE school for their kids. Its a candid acknowledgement by the president elect that the public school system in this country is rotten. While millions who voted for him continue to depend on public school system for their kids it is painful for all of us to watch Obama's action betray us. When are we going to have a president who will walk the talk and truly prove to be one of us.

His girls have always gone private–why is anyone surprised?

Forget the carping. Sidwell Friends is well known to a lot of us as is its founding by Quakers whose philosphy it espouses to the present day. Hunter Biden's children go there as well.

The "carping" by some above about "liberals", "hypocracy" and a few other choice words, reveal a "reverse snobbery". The Obama girls have been in private school in Chicago, are very bright and need to be challenged. Sidwell Friends fits the bill to a "t" and I know most Americans will join me in wishing them all the best.

Security is a must for this family, so please quit the nasty attacks and wish the future US First Family well. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle were not raised with silver spoons, or government handouts, so let's work together a help this newly elected President make the much needed necessary changes. PEACE!