Intimidated about being an outsider

[Anonymous]

I have a child in grade 1 in PG County. Their therapist and an outside psychologist suggested that they are bored in school and needs more than what the school offers. We have extracurriculars but it doesn't help the other 30 hours a week they're in school. We are just looking for a more personal experience, nicer environment, with academically interesting offerings. (Distance is not a factor.) My spouse and I grew up in working class families and we don’t know anything about the private school world. We don't have any friends with kids at the schools discussed on DCUM. Sure, I can read the steps of “how to apply” but there are all of the nuances such as answering personal statements, how to make your kid look like a star, what connections you have, and the interview process. Is it feasible that an outsider from PG to just walk into the whole process of choosing and applying to schools without guidance? Should I hire one of those edu consultants? I’d love to hear some support from anyone else who has been intimidated by this scene. Do you get the sense of any families at your kids' schools that they aren't elite, and are doing well? FWIW we applied to FCS on a whim for Kinder and were outright denied.

The other part - our income is low 200's, one child. I feel like we are in that in-between of too high for financial aid but not enough to actually pay full $50k tuition. In our early research, the only schools that fit our budget (20k) would be religious schools but we are not religious. Should we still apply to the schools that are a good fit regardless of budget, and see what is offered?

[Anonymous]

Don't overthink it. Apply to schools you think would be a good fit, apply for financial aid as well and see where the chips fall.

[Anonymous]

Ha! Great post, no big guidance but I wish you luck and would be friends with you

[Anonymous]

Would you be open to a Catholic school? I agree with OP, apply to the school you think would be best for DC.

[Anonymous]

Definitely apply and apply for FA and see what happens. Depending where you are, I think Browne Academy in Alexandria pulls a lot of kids from PG. They do not offer FA, but their tuition is $28k or so.

[Anonymous]

You don't need an educational consultant. Just be honest and specific -- sing your child's praises without going over the top.

[Anonymous]

Ask for financial aid. Don't think you can't get it just because XX or YY. Ask and see.

As for applying, just be yourself. Don't try to make you or your kid sound like anyone they aren't because then you'll end up in place where you really are 'out of place'.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I wish I knew you so I could help you. But if you are on Fa$ebook, there is a group called Black Parents Navigating Private Schools. We get questions like yours all of the time. The parents are very helpful and provide a lot of help and guidance for those new to the application process. I hope you see this message and join. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I applied to two independent private schools in NWDC from PG years ago and we were accepted at one. It can be done!

Have you looked at St. Jerome's in Hyattsville? It is decidedly religious, but it is also a very academically stimulating school.

[Anonymous]

Thoughts:

-Application deadlines are very, very soon--some have passed, some are next week. So time is of the essence if you are thinking of the fall.
-Schools like PG County diversity!
-200K may get you aid. It would at the high school level. It's harder to get in elementary school because that is a lot of money (many years worth) for a school to tie up with one kid.
-It's HARD socially to commute from PG county. Both because of the actual distance and because many people in NW DC have never been to PG (for real).
My kid is at STA and lots of these boys end up moving to the dorms in high school.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

PG County resident here with two kids in private school now. Prince George’s County is vast- so depending on where you are in the county you could seek private schools in VA or DC or even Montgomery or Howard County.
For us, we are in the northern most part of the county and opted for private school in Howard County and very happy.
What I’m happy with is that we have a home and neighborhood we love, and now we had our choice of schools as well. We had always thought we’d sell and buy in one of the public school pyramids that everyone talks about - but learned we didn’t need to.
I agree with others to check out private catholic schools. Many accept and are open to all religious denominations. And they are more affordable.

[Anonymous]

St Andrew's has students from PG county and has bus service there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't overthink it. Apply to schools you think would be a good fit, apply for financial aid as well and see where the chips fall.

This, and just be yourself. Privates often have a wide range of families.

[Anonymous]

You do qualify for financial aid at in private school, and so you should absolutely apply.

[Anonymous]

You’re not poor and you should be able to afford 20-30 k tuition on your income while still meeting regular savings goals. If that’s not realistic for you, you have a debt problem. Keep your kid in public until you pay off enough of your debt that you can direct that cash flow to tuition.