My 11-year-old son Andrew attends the Covington Independent Public School system. Last year, fifth grade at Sixth District Elementary School was his first experience in public school. Like many parents, I am somewhat concerned about his sixth-grade experience in a consolidated, inner-city school. But I am committed to keeping him in public school.

Andrew benefited greatly from the small class size and individual attention of his private school, but I wanted to be sure he recognized that not all are as privileged as the children there. I did not want him to have an exclusively middle-class upbringing and the political naivete that sometimes comes with it.

I knew going in that Covington has a reputation for being at the bottom of the state scholastically. I also knew that low income is the greatest predictor against school success for a variety of reasons and that Covington has a high rate of poverty.

But so far my son's experience has convinced me that, despite its reputation, CIPS is a highly effective education system with devoted administrators, teachers and support staff. Andrew has had many opportunities to learn and is being taught that learning is fun and essential.

I know the faculty at Sixth District have worked hard to convince the children of the value and usefulness of education.

During the latter part of the school year, Andrew's class went to Two Rivers Middle School for an orientation. Afterward, my son couldn't wait to go to Two Rivers. He is especially excited that he will have after-school activities at Two Rivers. This kind of upbeat attitude is so necessary for keeping children interested in learning, especially if economic and family problems compete for children's attention.

I still have trepidations. I hate the idea of a dress code, however necessary. Two Rivers is crowded and quite regimentedBut so far I feel good. One thing that has kept me confident is that everyone involved in CIPS has always been accessible and willing to listen to my concerns.

I understand that some parents, who have the choice, would rather send their children to private schools. I don't fault them or their reasons. But I wish more people recognized how valuable a resource they have in the public school system. I know the forces that make it difficult for CIPS teachers and administrators to carry out the business of teaching. But they still do, and do it very well.

Roberta Campbell of Covington is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Cincinnati.

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