Sometimes it really does sound tempting as a break.
But, our oldest son attended PS all the way through. It really is just trading one set of issues for another.
You have to live life by the public school schedule. If your kid doesn't feel well, you have to inform the school. If your kid has an appointment, you have to inform the school. Basically- getting their 'permission' for your child to be absent. School lunches here are a huge waste of money- around $3 a day, or you have to take the time to have everything you need every day to pack. It is an endless procession of fees- book fees, picture fees, sports fees.
Even in our little po-dunk town, if the kids wear clothes from wally-world or (heaven forbid :tongue_smilie: ) the thrift store (I love thrift stores), then they are tormented and literally badgered until they succumb to the consumer mentality, and harass you endlessly for 'mall' clothing of ridiculous wasteful price. Oh- and certain shoes and coats too. (all expensive) I spend next to nothing in clothing compared to what I spent on our oldest son, just so he would 'fit in' at PS.
Yes, once they are home for the evening, after spending almost all their daylight hours sitting in a room, they typically have homework. (Dont' forget, while in that room all day, having to ask permission to go the bathroom every time- which may or may not be granted, depending).
Once in a while I am still tempted, even after having gone through it all, just because I need the break, I am overwhelmed. Then I drive by that middle PS and shudder.
I have been doing such as these ladies suggest, taking breaks and changing things up. It really helps.