Why racial segregation is unacceptable but socioeconomic segregation is ok in private schools

[Anonymous]

I am new to dc and I noticed the stark difference between the two types of segregation. Private schools are happy if they are racially diverse, but not so happy to be diverse in terms of socioeconomic groups. If find this attitude a bit schizophrenic. Do you think this is ok?

[Anonymous]

What do you mean? Some demographics more easily afford private schools. How are you expecting it to be economically diverse (other than a few scholarships) if a poorer demographic can't afford the school?

Are you advocating for no private schools? All kids should go to the same schools?

You sound naive.

[Anonymous]

Private schools are dependent upon tuition and philanthropy, not taxpayer dollars. How would OP propose funding a private school in a manner substantially differently than the current method? Around 25% of students receive financial aid, largely through the philanthropy of other parents and legacy endowments. The only way to be economically more inclusive would be to grow the financial aid pool, reduce tuition (though tuition only covers 80-90% of the cost at most schools) or sprinkle fairy dust.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private schools are dependent upon tuition and philanthropy, not taxpayer dollars. How would OP propose funding a private school in a manner substantially differently than the current method? Around 25% of students receive financial aid, largely through the philanthropy of other parents and legacy endowments. The only way to be economically more inclusive would be to grow the financial aid pool, reduce tuition (though tuition only covers 80-90% of the cost at most schools) or sprinkle fairy dust.

I think what OP is pointing out is the hypocrisy.

[Anonymous]

The Catholic schools are generally the most socioeconomically diverse among the area’s independent schools. DeMatha, Seton, St. Anselm’s, Gonzaga, etc. have a high degree of diversity in this area among the independents. Their tuitions are generally lower and a higher proportion of their student bodies (40-60%) are on financial aid. For those considering Catholic schools, this is a real strength they have.

[Anonymous]

Is it hypocritical to have a racially diverse student body that is disproportionately wealthy?

[Anonymous]

Housing is still largely segregated in this city and so even many of the public schools -- even the one our child attended -- may be segregated socioeconomically or otherwise. If you are looking for recommendations for charter or DCPS schools with diversity along both economic and racial lines, there are some and I am certain people can help you identify them. Garrison Elementary and Washington Latin immediately come to mind. Some Catholic schools may also fit the bill. Given the cost to attend private school it simply will be unattainable for many and therefore exclusionary. Good luck in your search!

[Anonymous]

Wait until OP finds out who Mercedes and BMW sell to.

[Anonymous]

OP were you born yesterday? Public schools are way more segregated than private on this axis. Private schools are paying millions per year for socioeconomic diversity through financial aid. Meanwhile home prices and NIMBY behavior are keeping good public schools behind locked gates for most.

[Anonymous]

You are new and were just wondering?

Please, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP were you born yesterday? Public schools are way more segregated than private on this axis. Private schools are paying millions per year for socioeconomic diversity through financial aid. Meanwhile home prices and NIMBY behavior are keeping good public schools behind locked gates for most.

Not in the DC area, apart from a few exceptions in the suburbs like Whitman and Langley. Otherwise the boundaries get drawn to include more economic diversity than you’ll get at most privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP were you born yesterday? Public schools are way more segregated than private on this axis. Private schools are paying millions per year for socioeconomic diversity through financial aid. Meanwhile home prices and NIMBY behavior are keeping good public schools behind locked gates for most.

Not in the DC area, apart from a few exceptions in the suburbs like Whitman and Langley. Otherwise the boundaries get drawn to include more economic diversity than you’ll get at most privates.

Give me a break. These diverse schools are not good public schools.

[Anonymous]

Expensive privates are much more socioeconomically homogeneous than public schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP were you born yesterday? Public schools are way more segregated than private on this axis. Private schools are paying millions per year for socioeconomic diversity through financial aid. Meanwhile home prices and NIMBY behavior are keeping good public schools behind locked gates for most.

Lol no. Even the best privates around here don’t give any aid whatsoever to more than half the students and very few students get anywhere near full tuition. So virtually every student in area privates is paying tens of thousands a year. Private school posters like to say that almost anybody in a rich public school in the suburbs can afford that but it’s not true at all for the overwhelming majority of public school families.

[Anonymous]

Um, OK, and?

And BTW, I don’t recall ever reading someone on this board say that nearly all public school families in higher income areas can afford private.