Curating our K list

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question for the OP, how is living in Hamilton Heights? Have always been tempted by prices on a brownstone but don't know anyone in the neighborhood and their thoughts on how family friendly it is. We also have a car that we use often in the city so could help with transportation. Thanks!

We love it and think its perfect for families. The $ per sq ft is unmatched and we found a beautiful brownstone that only needed minimal work. Geographically its ideal for both train & car. We actually do a ton of shopping in NJ, it takes us 15 min to get over the bridge outside of rush hours. With City College so close, it feels almost college town like. We've never had an issue with safety, and think the socioeconomic diversity is a good environment to raise children in. Some blocks are quieter than others but that's anywhere in the city. There are people who will fearmonger with stats from the 80s, but they likely aren't the the community members we want anyway. Come spend some time, grab coffee at Sugar Hill Cafe, take a walk to the famous Royal Tenenbaums House, before heading over to Riverbank State Park for a picnic, and end your evening at Fumo for dinner.

[Anonymous]

Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would add st Hilda’s and st Hugh’s
Cathedral seems to have good high school exmissions for a small class. This year they have 1 to collegiate for high school (pretty tough to get) and 2 to trinity

Added- Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

Interesting...we will let the FA office tell us that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would add st Hilda’s and st Hugh’s
Cathedral seems to have good high school exmissions for a small class. This year they have 1 to collegiate for high school (pretty tough to get) and 2 to trinity

Suggested St Hilda's above. Could you give more color on it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would add st Hilda’s and st Hugh’s
Cathedral seems to have good high school exmissions for a small class. This year they have 1 to collegiate for high school (pretty tough to get) and 2 to trinity

Suggested St Hilda's above. Could you give more color on it?

Just that it’s warm and fuzzy while still remaining traditional, from friends who have attended. They seem to incorporate strong grammar and writing (important to us) at a young age. Similar location to Cathedral just a few more blocks north. I have heard their exmissions are decent and they also send 2-4 to Trinity every year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

welcome to NYC! https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/nyregion/nyc-private-school-tuition.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

"Under-enrolled private school"...how clever of you