Applying for K

[Anonymous]

Listen to them. Let them tell you their plans. Say We are undecided right now to any specific questions. If they ask your view on what their DC should do, then gently observe that they are the experts on their child and that every child is unique.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re planning to apply to a big3/5 type schools for K and have gone on tours where we have seen some folks we know. One of them, from our current preschool reached out to me and setup a time so we can “discuss options”. I’m not really sure why they picked me to talk to since I don’t know them well. I also don’t want to give away our plans as they’re competing with our child for a slot. How would you handle this?

If you have to worry, then fyi you're not getting into a big three. So I guess none of this matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re planning to apply to a big3/5 type schools for K and have gone on tours where we have seen some folks we know. One of them, from our current preschool reached out to me and setup a time so we can “discuss options”. I’m not really sure why they picked me to talk to since I don’t know them well. I also don’t want to give away our plans as they’re competing with our child for a slot. How would you handle this?

Schools are already lining up tours? I thought that happened in the autumn.

[Anonymous]

OP this is so weird. You have strategies for K admission? Maybe the other mom wants to compare notes abut the schools you both visited and get your opinion on them? What is wrong with that?

[Anonymous]

If you have such an adversarial view of admissions, that will absolutely show in your school-facing interactions whether you try to hide it or not.

[Anonymous]

It's K! It's highly unlike that either of you have genius covert plans that will provide a leg up. Let kindness be your guide here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's K! It's highly *unlikely that either of you have genius covert plans that will provide a leg up. Let kindness be your guide here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's K! It's highly *unlikely that either of you have genius covert plans that will provide a leg up. Let kindness be your guide here.

Do you have some secret kindergartens that no one else knows about?? What are you afraid of “giving away”?? Admissions will be based o how your kid does at the playdate and how YOU do in your parent interview. Either decide you’d like to make a friend, or decline and say you’re too busy.

[Anonymous]

It might be that she wants to make sure her kid doesn’t end up at the same school as yours so wants to know where you’re applying. I could see that if your kid is a nightmare or a bully to her kid or something. She might want to sway you away from schools she likes for her own kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Admissions will be based o how your kid does at the playdate and how YOU do in your parent interview.

No, admissions will be based on whether your family has a hook or other desired attributes. The playdate and interview can potentially sink what would otherwise be a promising application, but aren't enough on their own for admission at the most in-demand schools. It's basically a lottery for K absent hooks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re planning to apply to a big3/5 type schools for K and have gone on tours where we have seen some folks we know. One of them, from our current preschool reached out to me and setup a time so we can “discuss options”. I’m not really sure why they picked me to talk to since I don’t know them well. I also don’t want to give away our plans as they’re competing with our child for a slot. How would you handle this?

Unless you plan to blackmail or buy your way into a school, there's no secret plan to give away.

[Anonymous]

Op, despite what these incredulous posters are saying, you are right to be on guard. But don’t be weird about it. This person could have nefarious intent or could just be a big ol gossip. So just go, be nice, and be measured on what you reveal about your own plans. After all, it’s the summer. I can’t believe that you actually have firm plans or a ranking of schools at this stage. So much can change as you continue your tours, interviews and so forth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This person could have nefarious intent or could just be a big ol gossip

Is that your default assumption of others?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, despite what these incredulous posters are saying, you are right to be on guard. But don’t be weird about it. This person could have nefarious intent or could just be a big ol gossip. So just go, be nice, and be measured on what you reveal about your own plans. After all, it’s the summer. I can’t believe that you actually have firm plans or a ranking of schools at this stage. So much can change as you continue your tours, interviews and so forth.

Nefarious intent? Are you kidding? Grow up and act like a normal person.

[Anonymous]

We went through this process a few years ago and the other children are not "competition," it's a strange process and it doesn't hurt to have a friend in it. Most of the parent and child profiles are very similar and you can't predict what these schools are looking for enough to give your kid a huge edge.