Torn between what's a right fit for my child/family and the what ranks much higher

[Anonymous]

For us I think it the grade your child is in might impact our decision. If your child is in elementary you have more time to make mistakes and reroute.

In HS it's much harder to switch after 9th so I think a child's happiness would be my first priority. Grades and successful activities usually come more naturally if a child is happy so I would be looking for school fit. If you are thinking about college, a child who does well at a great school but not a big 3 like Maret or Prep will just as well as someone from a big 3.

[Anonymous]

This stuff is crazy. My kids are thriving at a well-respected public. Just stop.

[Anonymous]

Our MCPS to private high schooler had to take placement tests in math, foreign language and submit a paper for review for English and History. We did appeal one of the placements a week or so in, they spoke with our child who explained why, and they were moved up, no problem. 1.5 years later, all is fine

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This stuff is crazy. My kids are thriving at a well-respected public. Just stop.

Why are you here?

[Anonymous]

If the fit isn’t right, your child will be unhappy at the prestigious school.

[Anonymous]

Exact same boat, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This stuff is crazy. My kids are thriving at a well-respected public. Just stop.

Why are you here?

Schadenfreude.

[Anonymous]

You need to ignore ranking. We’re talking about a small human with a developing brain. The school community will have a significant impact on them. Your preference based on “fit” now is exactly what you should follow.

Yes it’s amazing to get offers from prestigious schools. If the less prestigious one is a better fit now but then the fit wanes with child development you can make a move — in response to child’s needs.

Make pros / cons list. Review why you’re turning down big 3. Make the best decision for your child now on behalf of your child who cannot make this choice on their own.

[Anonymous]

Rankings don’t help you get to the next step, whether we are talking HS or college.

[Anonymous]

Schools are often prestigious based on their performance over the last 50+ years, as well as for behaviors that in 2022 would clearly be frowned upon (ie, years ago NCS/STA would only accept the “elite” which definitely had a strong racial and socioeconomic component to it). Prestige may or may not be permanent (anyone who went to Sidwell in the late 80s/early 90s can confirm how much the reputation of the school had changed over the years).

“Fit” is based on how the school is NOW, which is what your child will actually experience - and that experience can’t be changed by any future fall or rise in the schools perceived prestige.

For me, fit wins.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In other words, the first school is prestigious too, but the big 3 is big 3. In the end, how much does big 3 really mean? I don't know. I just can't get over the "what if" question... so still debating.

On the off-chance that this isn’t a troll, the empirical answer is that it means literally nothing. In fact, other than the few dozen (or maybe 100) people who hang out on this board, no one has any idea what the “Big 3” is. It’s not a thing, it’s not a league, it’s not even a phrase except for people desperate to have their kindergartner or high schooler deemed elite by anonymous people on a message board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are a bit torn between two schools. One we know is a good fit for our family and child. The other ranks higher and is a Big 3. Deep inside I know I will feel more at home with the first choice and the school's mission is more aligned with my family's educational goals, but also don't want to give up the Big 3. What if it turns out better. What's your advice?

Both schools are K-12 and the rankings are not that far apart. But I might be overthinking and too focused on the ranking. And I honestly don't know that much at the big 3 one compared to the other one (other than the big name.) In other words, the first school is prestigious too, but the big 3 is big 3. In the end, how much does big 3 really mean? I don't know. I just can't get over the "what if" question... so still debating.

"Big 3" is a totally made up thing by DCUM (and you will note it excludes all religious schools that are not WASP).

[Anonymous]

Go with fit. You only live once.

[Anonymous]

I am a big3 parent. We chose the school because we felt it was the best fit for our kid and family.

Fit is the most important value here. What is the mission f the school, how does it fulfill it. Are the kids happy? Are the families happy?

If you feel more comfotable at a different school and feel it will be better for your kid, then as a parent, that is your decision to make.

The whole "big3" thing only happens on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are a bit torn between two schools. One we know is a good fit for our family and child. The other ranks higher and is a Big 3. Deep inside I know I will feel more at home with the first choice and the school's mission is more aligned with my family's educational goals, but also don't want to give up the Big 3. What if it turns out better. What's your advice?

Both schools are K-12 and the rankings are not that far apart. But I might be overthinking and too focused on the ranking. And I honestly don't know that much at the big 3 one compared to the other one (other than the big name.) In other words, the first school is prestigious too, but the big 3 is big 3. In the end, how much does big 3 really mean? I don't know. I just can't get over the "what if" question... so still debating.

You are lost. This is a completely ridiculous way to look at your child's education. Imagine choosing a spouse this way? This the the community that will help you raise your child and will be the second biggest influence on who they become. Rank? of K-12 schools? To what end? Nonsense.