Question about Turning Down School at PK

[Anonymous]

Just found out that we might have an opportunity to attend a NAEYC approved program (PK and K) for a faction of the cost that the top private school would cost. Would you turn down a top private school for PK to attend a low cost, quality preschool and then reapply to private schools in 1st grade?

Any advice is appreciated.

[Anonymous]

if the top private is PreK-12, I probably wouldn't turn it down over $$ (I would if I had qualms about fit and I might if I thought the preschool had a much better program for PreK/K). It might also depend on how many other schools we'd applied for and whether DC had been admitted.

Then again, I'm wealthy and risk-averse, LOL -- YMMV.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't. If you already know that you're going to go on to private and have gotten the acceptance then I would just take it and go. First grade isn't a regular entry year anyway, so it will be harder at that time.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford the private school, then do that. If money is really an issue then do the lesser cost school but realize that you probably will have a hard time getting in at the first grade level.

[Anonymous]

you'll have hard time getting in again - and esp for 1st grade when they don't take kids

[Anonymous]

I agree with the earlier posters who advise you to take the spot. If you can't afford it -- then wait to have your child apply for middle school or high school. First grade generally won't work -- there are so few spots. Also, schools don't want you playing games with them. So, even though a child got in one year doesn't mean they will in another year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the earlier posters who advise you to take the spot. If you can't afford it -- then wait to have your child apply for middle school or high school. First grade generally won't work -- there are so few spots. Also, schools don't want you playing games with them. So, even though a child got in one year doesn't mean they will in another year.

OP Here -- money is somewhat of an issue. Aren't there a few schools who where 1st grade is an entry year?

[Anonymous]

GDS. Last year they took more new families in 1st than in PreK or K. But that could have been an aberration and there were fewer than a dozen new family admits in each of those grades. So even an entry year might not mean much at this level.

Things open way up again toward the middle of elementary school, at MS, and at HS.

[Anonymous]

Norwood took 5-7 last year and I heard Potomac took 6-8 in 1st grade. I also know that Maret takes 5-6 each year in 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Go with the cheaper option. You will be fine applying again in 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just found out that we might have an opportunity to attend a NAEYC approved program (PK and K) for a faction of the cost that the top private school would cost. Would you turn down a top private school for PK to attend a low cost, quality preschool and then reapply to private schools in 1st grade?

Any advice is appreciated.

My daughter was in an NAEYC approved program and is now in a private school (referred to on these boards as a "top" private) and can I tell you there is a world of difference in the quality of both programs. It is hard to believe how much better her private school is. We are so happy to have moved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just found out that we might have an opportunity to attend a NAEYC approved program (PK and K) for a faction of the cost that the top private school would cost. Would you turn down a top private school for PK to attend a low cost, quality preschool and then reapply to private schools in 1st grade?

Any advice is appreciated.

My daughter was in an NAEYC approved program and is now in a private school (referred to on these boards as a "top" private) and can I tell you there is a world of difference in the quality of both programs. It is hard to believe how much better her private school is. We are so happy to have moved.

OP Here -- Thank you so much for sharing.