Private school admission in 1st grade?

[Anonymous]

We have a 5-year-old who will be in kindergarten for 2026-2027. We did not apply to any privates or enter any lotteries because she had the option to remain at her excellent university-run PreK/kindergarten for next year -- and after that we'd planned to move out of state. It turns out our relocation isn't going to happen, so now we've got to make a new plan for first grade. Seeking recommendations for schools you love that might have grade one openings.

A little more info:

- We live in MD. DC schools are also doable, but VA probably are not.

- Our household is not religious, but we're not necessarily opposed to some religious-affiliated schools (We would not be comfortable, for example, at schools that required statements of faith opposing same-sex marriage, etc).

- Our kid is bright and pretty mentally mature, but also fairly introverted and takes a while to come out of her shell.

[Anonymous]

Hey! So off beat years can be a good year to switch in sometimes because people leave due to moving, not the right fit, get into their preferred school, etc. The applicant pool tends to not be as dense though. So this isn't a total loss and can definitely land in your favor. The other thing is I would look into how good is your local public elementary school because most are pretty solid in this area. 3rd and 4th grade is a year where a number of schools actually open up and are major application years, so I would take a look at those schools, and sure apply to some places for the years in between, but aim to make the leap around 4th grade (even if schools don't officially open up spots in 3rd/4th grade, more spots open because people are moving to the schools that do open up). Giving yourself multiple years, can give you a clearer head on picking the right fit for your child.

[Anonymous]

Have had people tell me that spots open up in 1st and 2nd at some schools as siblings and legacies that were given the "benefit of the doubt" for K admissions are counseled out.

[Anonymous]

Stone Ridge often but not always has a spot or two open up in 1st grade because boys are allowed to attend through kindergarten but must leave for 1st grade. Usually the boys are children of teachers or siblings. While Stone Ridge is Catholic it is as liberal as most independent school in DC. Tour guide told us school eliminated morning prayers to support inclusivity and the school has in the past supported students wanting to transition to male in high school but remain students at Stone Ridge. They were very open and proud about this so while some families at the school may be more conservative the school itself is liberal. If you are not Catholic, you should know Catholicism is like any other religion and some subgroups are more liberal than others. Might be worth a visit.

[Anonymous]

Primary Day sometimes has a spot open up in 1st grade. Because it’s a pk4-2nd grade only school very few families apply for 1st grade. Just not worth the effort. But if you’re expecting a work transfer in the next couple years pk4-2 might work for you.

[Anonymous]

DD was accepted in 1st grade several years ago. As PPs have mentioned, people move, their situations change etc. They are filling out the class and so it is a great age to switch as the transition is usually very easy as there are whole class parties and parents are generally involved. However, if you prefer to do public for a few years, you likely have some good options in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have had people tell me that spots open up in 1st and 2nd at some schools as siblings and legacies that were given the "benefit of the doubt" for K admissions are counseled out.

those siblings are usually counseled out pre intake years so right before third grade usually for many schools. It would have to be an exceptionally horrible fit for a kid to be counseled out at the end of the year after only one year of attendance, before the school knew they have people to immediately fill that spot(ie a year with the class expanding). Also kids who have learning disabilities/differences get the hint that other schools will be a better fit by 2nd grade when everyone is expected to read.
OP, call all the schools you would be interested in and explain your situation and ask. They will likely take your application and tell you they will let you know in the next couple months. Call Norwood, Sheridan, NPS, primary Day, Capitol Hill Day School, Green Acres, St Andrews Episcopal, Bullis, and if you want to give it a shot Maret but that is unlikely.

[Anonymous]

Children should not be judged by the color of their skin but the size of the parents bank account. That's called freedom.