$1.2m -- Need more certainty

[Anonymous]

OP, you don't need to get in at an early age for a "good" private. The so-called Big 3, so often discussed on these boards, have major expansion years in the upper school usually 6th or 7th, and then again in 9th.

[Anonymous]

It depends on your kid as much as it depends on the school. You can send your kid to the best private school in the world and if they aren't a particularly strong student they may end up at mediocre college. Send the same same kid to a weaker public school, they may get much better grades because the bar is lower - and get in to a better college.

[Anonymous]

go public until high shcool age, then make the decision....

[Anonymous]

Stay where you are. Really, It is no brainer. My children are in a Big 3, but only because money is not an issue. If money was a concern, no question, my children would be in public school. I still struggle with our decision even in our situation. Don’t give it a second thought.

[Anonymous]

Stay where you are. Really, It is no brainer. My children are in a Big 3, but only because money is not an issue. If money was a concern, no question, my children would be in public school. I still struggle with our decision even in our situation. Don’t give it a second thought.

[Anonymous]

Please stay in public -- you sound creepy OP

[Anonymous]

OP: It sounds like you have already made up your mind that private school is a waste of money. Why are you even bothering to ask?

[Anonymous]

13:15 and 14:08 - I am not the OP, but find your posts offensive. First of all, 13:15, the OP sounds fine; however, your comment shows who is "creepy". Second, 14:08, the purpose for this forum is for people to ask questions about schools - any questions. Other people are free to respond with information they have, opinions and advice. If you feel any question is not worthy of your time then skip it, log off, etc. It appears OP has not made up her mind, or may be they are leaning in one direction, whatever her family's status is, it is clear they are mulling over the question she posed. So provide some information, advice or opinion to help or simply go to another thread.

[Anonymous]

I agree that 13:15 was annoying. But I think 14:08's question is right on the money. OP's post strongly suggests she's already made up her mind.

If you want to hear some reasons people spend money on private schools, here is a whole thread from just a couple months ago -- http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/166857.page

[Anonymous]

go public OP -- it's for people like you

[Anonymous]

OP,
Some privates expand at Grade 4. We switched to private at Grade 7. It is done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:go public OP -- it's for people like you

What is up with the snobby, mean comments? OPs questions were perfectly legit. Perhaps some private school people feel threatened bc she is calling a spade a spade?

[Anonymous]

Full disclosure: My ds is starting a private k this fall. That said, when we were touring privates last fall, I was not impressed with some of the curriculums at these schools, even (or esp.) at the top ones. Too nurturing and not enough of the 3 R's, IMHO.

So I think entering at 4th or 7th grade is a very good way to go. And may also broaden your child's social life because they will keep in touch with their friends from their previous school. One of the great things about public schools is that you're plugged into the community.

[Anonymous]

I would do private if I were you. But maybe start in 4th. But I'd only do top 5 private. Why don't you apply and see what you think and see if they get in. Top privates are really excellent in so many ways and there is really no comparison, even to MoCo. We've done both. Money is tight so we had to take out one dc. It's like asking if you'd rather have steak or hamburger. Many people rationalize that public is just as good as top 5 but I don't think it is, for multiple reasons.

[Anonymous]

Op here --

The comment about being "creepy" is pretty laughable.

I have not made up my mind. Wish I had -- would be sleeping better at night.

Comment about how "I belong in public" is also pretty ridiculous. I totally get that people who are in privates obviously feel it is the best option and want what is best for their kids, but really? Maybe your in the "tuition payments don't even hit my radar" camp -- if that is the case, congrats. I hope you situation never changes.

FWIW, we make 700k per year and have $4m in the bank, not including equity in our house. I am sorry for stooping to this -- some people bring the worst out of you. I drop in the bucket for some I am sure.

Point is that I didn't end up relatively well off by making decisions and spending a lot of money without solid facts.