Fewer Public School Applicants for 9th

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

Why assume that all the kids are “ coasting”? I’d argue the opposite— that kids who are “better prepared “ and had the many advantages of prep schools aren’t the prizes that kids who didn’t have those advantages but have similar accomplishments might be.

[Anonymous]

Our school has way more applicants than we could possibly take, my kids had visitors in their classes all through November, December and early this month. I hope there aren’t more kids planning on coming from public school, we are full.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the new normal is 50+ thousand dollars per year and the tuition is going to increase every single year people are getting priced out….

An alum from our school told me a generation ago it was affordable for families with federal employee parents, sometimes even one fed and a teacher. That amazes me because our current tuition for one kid is about a third of the highest GS salary, there would be no way without significant additional income.

It’s definitely much more expensive now than even 20 years ago; even if you adjust for inflation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the new normal is 50+ thousand dollars per year and the tuition is going to increase every single year people are getting priced out….

Where have you been? Many well educated, upper middle class people are ALREADY priced out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

Unjust? Why? Because some public school kid took your kid’s spot? Next you will be complaining about all the disadvantages of private school for college admissions.

[Anonymous]

OP, why did you ask the privates echo chamber rather than posting to the general schools forum?

[Anonymous]

We live in North Arlington and about half our friends now send their kids to private high school (less so for ES/MS).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

It’s YOUR reality. It sounds like your misery is trying to find company—lol. Sucks for your kid that you didn’t put them in a position to be “hooked.” My daughters attend a Big 3 and their legacies at two different Ivies (and we donate annually). Plus, they both play a niche sport. Next time, plan ahead.

Hope the big 3 is teaching them when to use their, there or they’re.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in North Arlington and about half our friends now send their kids to private high school (less so for ES/MS).

Yep, I’ve lived here for 15 years and the trend is very obvious. Never saw a Gonzaga or Visi sticker. Now they are everywhere and I’m even seeing SJC stickers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

You’ll see the difference in college when your kid makes Dean’s List freshman year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

A common question at open houses lately is "How likely are straight As here?" People don't want to risk GPAs and prefer the safety of grade inflation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

It’s YOUR reality. It sounds like your misery is trying to find company—lol. Sucks for your kid that you didn’t put them in a position to be “hooked.” My daughters attend a Big 3 and their legacies at two different Ivies (and we donate annually). Plus, they both play a niche sport. Next time, plan ahead.

Hope the big 3 is teaching them when to use their, there or they’re.

It was a typo, and I corrected it in a second post. I guess it’s a good thing that I already earned my Ivy degree, and my children are double Ivy legacies. Otherwise, my typo could have reduced their ED chances to those of the unhooked (aka “the masses”). 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

Why does every discussion lead to this? This is not what OP is asking. Stay on track.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

Why does every discussion lead to this? This is not what OP is asking. Stay on track.

Because this PP cannot stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the public school applicants will continue to trend down, especially at the elite, $55k schools.

The word is increasingly out that college admissions for a smart but unhooked kid are better from DCPS than they are for the same kid at Sidwell, NCS, etc. Plus you have to work your a$$ off through all of high school at these privates. I had kids come from DCPS and this is definitely what people are talking about and coming to realize in mass. These are close communities, neighborhoods and communities--word travels.

STJ is sort of it's own animal--it will always get a bunch of families who are skittish about Jackson Reed and figure that paying under $23k for the guarantee of order in the classroom is worth it. Interestingly, some of these kids end up transferring out to JR later in high school.

LOL, so you really think a college is going to have preference for a public school kid who coasted through HS vs a private school kid who "works his a$$ off through all of high school." Colleges know that kids coming out of schools like Sidwell are significantly more prepared for the rigors of college. Sorry, but your your statement is not very convincing at all.

yes. if you don't believe this then you have your head in the sand. Colleges LOVE kids from Walls and Jackson Reed. They love them. It is far, far easier to get in unhooked to top 50 colleges from Jackson Reed or Walls in 2023 than from NCS or Sidwell. If you don't believe this, go talk to the parent of a senior at your Big3. Go talk to college counseling.
I wish this wasn't the case. My kids left DCPS for Big3 schools. They're now learning twice as much and they are doing well. But I know 100% that they would have gone to better colleges out of DCPS. We're applying to colleges now. Their friends who were mediocre students in middle school and barely studied in high school have better college options and are getting into better schools.
I agree this seems unjust (shouldn't the kids who are better prepared be more prized by colleges?) but it is reality.

It’s YOUR reality. It sounds like your misery is trying to find company—lol. Sucks for your kid that you didn’t put them in a position to be “hooked.” My daughters attend a Big 3 and their legacies at two different Ivies (and we donate annually). Plus, they both play a niche sport. Next time, plan ahead.

Hope the big 3 is teaching them when to use their, there or they’re.

It was a typo, and I corrected it in a second post. I guess it’s a good thing that I already earned my Ivy degree, and my children are double Ivy legacies. Otherwise, my typo could have reduced their ED chances to those of the unhooked (aka “the masses”). 🙄

Is this the discussion you were hoping for, OP? Because it’s pretty predictable, right down to specific posters. GL to your kid, soon to be part of this sort of crowd.