Why did you choose private over your WTOP elementary…..

[Anonymous]

If you bought in a good school zone, why go private?

[Anonymous]

For us, the uncertainty of aftercare was a part of the reason. Also, when we did PreK and they offered 15 minutes of speech therapy a week but then 20 plus kids with a rotating aide, I felt like my kid was doomed for kindergarten and wanted to give them a better start.

I’m a fan of public school and maybe one day I’ll transitioning back but we just felt private was better for our kid.

[Anonymous]

Murch zone here.

Because the independent school we picked was better in every respect. On some points the differential was a chasm whereas the gap was much smaller in other areas. We reassessed at MS and again at high school (for SWW, not Wilson).

Also because we value education above a gigantic addition with an open floor plan and an Audi Q7

[Anonymous]

Class sizes

[Anonymous]

PK teachers suggested private would be a better match because time would be spent throughout the day and week on a wider variety of subjects instead of all focus being on math/reading that DC was already several years ahead on. It worked out well. We weren't looking for acceleration, but for a richer environment to avoid frustration.

[Anonymous]

Religious focus. Also hate the bureaucracy of DCPS

[Anonymous]

The top public elementary school in our area entirely coasted on the parents' willingness to supplement.

[Anonymous]

We began in public school but switched to private mid way through elementary school. We wanted smaller classes, more differentiated instruction, and a more interesting curriculum. My child is much happier.

[Anonymous]

Our WOTP school isn't as diverse as our private.

[Anonymous]

K in WTOP public is extremely academic. I want my kid to play longer.

[Anonymous]

We knew we were in the area for only two or three years (Foreign Service family), so were willing to spend the money for small class size and more individual attention. If we lived here long-term, it wouldn't make financial sense for us, but short-term, yeah okay.

[Anonymous]

It was a tough decision, but I didn’t trust DCPS bureaucracy to deal with Covid in an agile manner. Thus far, my child is happy and thriving. My wish is to stay in private, but it will be tough to make it financially long term, so I may end up public. Not the end of the world, but not my preference after experiencing my private school.

[Anonymous]

Prestige.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We knew we were in the area for only two or three years (Foreign Service family), so were willing to spend the money for small class size and more individual attention. If we lived here long-term, it wouldn't make financial sense for us, but short-term, yeah okay.

You will need to return to the US at some point, amiga. Unless you’re a trailing spouse with family abroad, then you can just send your American spouse back to the US and ride out a separated tour.

You’d be surprised what curveballs get thrown in the way of FS families’ big plans. Your kid might develop unanticipated needs that post can’t handle through the school, local providers, or MED. Elder care can become an issue. Promotions or promises might fall through. Your kid might even *gasp* want to graduate from US public high school, not a boarding school. Oh, and the diplobrats aren’t getting into selective collages in the numbers they used to. FS kids are looked at as parental coattailers now. Colleges see through those Embassy internships.
First-gen is where it’s at for college admissions.

I’m sure you’re prepared for every eventuality, but always remember that there are many variables at play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We knew we were in the area for only two or three years (Foreign Service family), so were willing to spend the money for small class size and more individual attention. If we lived here long-term, it wouldn't make financial sense for us, but short-term, yeah okay.

You will need to return to the US at some point, amiga. Unless you’re a trailing spouse with family abroad, then you can just send your American spouse back to the US and ride out a separated tour.

You’d be surprised what curveballs get thrown in the way of FS families’ big plans. Your kid might develop unanticipated needs that post can’t handle through the school, local providers, or MED. Elder care can become an issue. Promotions or promises might fall through. Your kid might even *gasp* want to graduate from US public high school, not a boarding school. Oh, and the diplobrats aren’t getting into selective collages in the numbers they used to. FS kids are looked at as parental coattailers now. Colleges see through those Embassy internships.
First-gen is where it’s at for college admissions.

I’m sure you’re prepared for every eventuality, but always remember that there are many variables at play.

I am unsure what the point of your weird little essay is. The question was "Why private not public?", and I answered. I don't see how any of the possibilities you've outlined would change my family's past choices, and yes, we're well aware that our future plans are not entirely within our control. Go work on your EER.