More Affordable Quality Independent School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another unicorn hunter!

Surely one school can make the economics of small classes with great teachers and low tuition work? Parochials are more affordable because classes are bigger. Even without great facilities, independents are more expensive because classes are smaller which means fewer kids to spread the expenses across.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This may be an oxymoron, but we are seeking a more affordable quality independent school. We have 3 children and have tried upper NWDC public schools, but we have reached our tipping point. And yes, our children have different needs. Our rising 5th grader will thrive in any learning environment. He’s just wired that way, loves learning and is curious. Our rising 2nd grade needs a smaller classroom size and more individual attention than we can get in a 30-student DCPS, even with the best educators. Our prek kid still naps and loves friends, snacks, imaginative play, colors and numbers.

We are on one income at $250k/year and would love a school in NWDC or not too far in MD or VA on the west side (e.g. Bethesda or Arlington)

Thank you for your help with possible schools to consider in the fall for 2024-2025 enrollment.

Boys or girls? You'll have to drive a bit and parochial schools may be your best bet for the $$. Places like St Stephen's & St Agnes, St Anselms, or Georgetown Visitation (for girls) are good and cheaper than the Sidwell, GDS, Marets, etc.

Why drive anywhere…just go to Blessed Sacrament and SJC? My guess is that OP is not a fan of parochial which is why they specifically said independent.

Your best bet is to apply to a wide range and try to get FA. You are lucky that you have GDS, Sidwell and Beauvoir all fairly close. Clearly, you won’t be able to afford if you are full pay…and remember tuition will increase 5%-8% per year.

Definitely please note the tuition increase and whether your salary increases will keep up, particularly with 3 kids in the mix. Also note that barring illness or other extenuating situations, the financial aid office will not be entertained by a family with one high earner and one SAHP applying for financial aid (particularly long term financial aid).

[Anonymous]

It’s called Catholic school.

[Anonymous]

St Anselms!

[Anonymous]

Just pointing out that your kid can attend an outstanding private that does not cost $50-60K/year, by moving to a different metro area. Even in Philly area the top privates are more like $36-40K, and even less if you move to the Midwest or research triangle area. You’re paying top dollar for a service that is available for less elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

I would leave the thriving kid in public and find a special small school for the struggler and not worry about youngest till you know more about his needs. Kids don’t need to be in the same school they don’t interact at all together. Your thriver will do great at a big public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just pointing out that your kid can attend an outstanding private that does not cost $50-60K/year, by moving to a different metro area. Even in Philly area the top privates are more like $36-40K, and even less if you move to the Midwest or research triangle area. You’re paying top dollar for a service that is available for less elsewhere.

But then you would have to live there.

Don't get me wrong, Philly and the Research Triangle are both fun places to visit for a few days. We have good friends who live in both areas. But I'll take the DC area any day.

[Anonymous]

If you are only looking in high rent areas you are only going to find expensive schools. Schools also have to pay rent or mortgage. If you head east the prices come down.

[Anonymous]

I wish this idea weren’t a unicorn. I saw preciously someone post tuitions for top schools from the 90’s and tuition has far outpaced inflation by whole lot. Why? Did the top private schools used to have fewer frills? I would love it if there were quality secular private schools that mainly focused on quality in academics rather than on posh tennis courts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just pointing out that your kid can attend an outstanding private that does not cost $50-60K/year, by moving to a different metro area. Even in Philly area the top privates are more like $36-40K, and even less if you move to the Midwest or research triangle area. You’re paying top dollar for a service that is available for less elsewhere.

Yeah but then you have to live in Philly.

Signed,
Been there, done that, not doing it again.

[Anonymous]

Try Our Savior Lutheran School in Arlington, VA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who is almost done with going the public route in NW schools, I can tell you that I see very little difference in outcome between those of who went private v public. Unless one of the kids has true special needs, save your money, fund your retirement and/or college plans instead. The SAH parent can do a lot w/supplementing, etc.

It sounds like OP is more concerned about the journey than the outcome. The journey was fine for you, but it isn't for everyone. Also, if the journey isn't working for you, the outcome will be worse. If it ain't broke, don't fix it; but it is broke, don't use it if you can replace it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish this idea weren’t a unicorn. I saw preciously someone post tuitions for top schools from the 90’s and tuition has far outpaced inflation by whole lot. Why? Did the top private schools used to have fewer frills? I would love it if there were quality secular private schools that mainly focused on quality in academics rather than on posh tennis courts.

Supply and demand, it's that simple.

Until enough people stop being willing to full pay, private schools and colleges will keep charging what the free market will bear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish this idea weren’t a unicorn. I saw preciously someone post tuitions for top schools from the 90’s and tuition has far outpaced inflation by whole lot. Why? Did the top private schools used to have fewer frills? I would love it if there were quality secular private schools that mainly focused on quality in academics rather than on posh tennis courts.

I went to summer camp at SFS in the 90s while attending Whitman and the facilities were similar. I think Whitman's fields were actually nicer. Now, even lower tier privates have manicured grounds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The SAH parent can do a lot w/supplementing, etc.

That uses up precious hours outside of school. No thanks.