You can switch schools

Anonymous
There seems to be a recurring theme lately of kids who are unhappy/anxious/depressed but it seems too late to switch schools because they are in high school. It really, truly isn't too late. We switched DC to Field after 11th grade was underway and it worked out perfectly, led to a great college where DC is happy. I was very surprised when I spoke with the Field folks how common this is. I know they are not alone in this and they make it work. While we were agonizing I spoke with a good friend who works at a highly regarded independent school in another part of the country who told me they take transfers from schools at which students are unhappy as late as the beginning of 12th grade.

And if you think you would be sacrificing something by leaving a Big 3, I can tell you having made the change that those schools are overrated. Your child can get a fabulous education without being ground into the dirt. And once you see your child become happy again, you won't look back.
Anonymous
You're not the first person to make this observation. We are in a Big Three but have four friends who made the transition to Field. All their kids are very happy, and all stay in touch with their Big Three friends.

It was the right move for their families, and that's all that matters.
Anonymous
Do you still owe tuition at first school and can you get aid at new school?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:You're not the first person to make this observation.


It's still a helpful post.
Anonymous
Happens all the time. I would say about 5%, yet a very unscientific study.

A 14 yo picking a school is very different than a 17 yo.

I know kids that moved from from private to private, private to public, public to private, public to public, and private/public to boarding school after freshman year.

It's really not all that unusual, it just that many are more likely to stick it out or really just like their school.



Anonymous
I know several students who transferred to Field and it was a good fit for them. It's flexible and kind.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Do you still owe tuition at first school and can you get aid at new school?


Thank you, this is THE question. See O'Brien v. Langley School, Va Supreme Court case from the '90's: parents withdrew DC from Langley and Langley sued them for the full amount of tuition, even though it filled the spot with another kid.
Anonymous
I guess a lot depends on the contract if you switch mid-year. It's good to keep the communication with your teen open enough that he/she can feel comfortable asking for a switch BEFORE contracts are signed.
Anonymous
Obviously if you've paid tuition that you can't get back, you probably aren't going to switch mid-year (unless the issues are severe enough and you can afford to suck it in). Often people haven't paid for the whole year or have tuition insurance. But the main point is that you can switch for the coming year, even late in high school.
Anonymous
But wasn't OBrien v Langley School reversed and remanded upon appeal?
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