We are in a fortunate situation financially...never considered private schools to be justified from a Return on Investment, but they do have benefits. If money was a non-issue, would you go private or a W school? |
Private, definitely. Class size is my main reason. |
same |
It's about money but also exposing kids to the real world in a controlled situation.
I am worth millions, personally, but it's in assets, not income. My income is actually quite low. I never wanted to spend my capital on private school, but I was prepared to spend a small portion of it on a house in a wealthy school cluster, since after my kids are done with school, I still have real estate. I have one kid with special needs and one without. For my kid with SN, I feel that our W public with services and accommodations + close parenting + tutoring and therapies has been the optimal solution. The one without is gifted and would have thrived in any school. I'm also a product of reputable private schools, and getting out of that bubble into the real world was quite an experience. I'd rather my kids go to a wealthy public where they have gentle exposure to actual Life. |
Neither W schools nor private schools are anything close to the real world. |
W school for better performance |
Depends. If foreign language or religion was very important, then private. Also private if my kid was average academically. |
Then you live in a bubble. Public school has its share of real world struggles that are very rare in expensive privates. Even in Bethesda/Potomac/Chevy Chase. |
It still isn’t anything like the real world. I went to public school in a wealthy area and am under no delusions that it’s not a bubble. |
With grade inflation through the roof all over MCPS (yes even W schools), I would 100% choose private.
I see stark differences in what my child is learning and doing in school vs. her public school friends...especially in language arts. My daughter is also ahead two years in math, although I understand that math is one area MCPS does somewhat better than their language arts. It's great if your kid is a math whiz, but when they get into the real world, they need to be able to communicate. I have observed that kids in private schools are much better writers and public speakers than kids in public schools, and consequently are much better prepared for college. |
Private always.
The bubble will continue even if others don’t think it exists. MCPS is also the wild wild west. |
The only difference from the w schools and the others is wealthy families. It depends on the child and their needs and the private but I would consider it. |
If money is truly no object private schools are more convenient in many ways. No hassle about attendance/travel, more accommodating for teacher meetings, generally a client experience. It’s a luxury good.
If you’re thinking in terms of ROI i.e. that you’re buying some outcome like a college admission or some certain entry level job, you’re not a fit for private schools. |
Spoken like a true private family. How dare you OP. |
*shrug* the ROI terms just misunderstands the dynamic. It’s like booking a stay at a luxury resort and being mad you didn’t make any money there. Of course you didn’t. That wasn’t ever the value proposition. |