Why are DMV Private Schools 40% More Expensive than Baltimore Schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Private schools are more expensive here because more people have a lot of money.

Yep, it's a market economy. Schools charge what people can spend. In addition, schools have competed for the super wealthy by adding all sorts of luxuries that don't impact the quality of education. Many of these things were added during the economic boom, but they're still being paid for today.

As a middle income family, I can remember being on a tour and walking into a multistory high beautiful glass enclosed art studio for elementary school students, that presumably had cost a ton to build, and now was costing a ton to heat, and to keep those sparkling windows clean. I thought, I can imagine making major sacrifices to get my child a smaller class, a curriculum that I believe in, etc . . . but there doesn't seem to be a way to do that without also needing to impoverish myself for pretty windows and high ceilings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Private schools are more expensive here because more people have a lot of money.

Yep, it's a market economy. Schools charge what people can spend. In addition, schools have competed for the super wealthy by adding all sorts of luxuries that don't impact the quality of education. Many of these things were added during the economic boom, but they're still being paid for today.

As a middle income family, I can remember being on a tour and walking into a multistory high beautiful glass enclosed art studio for elementary school students, that presumably had cost a ton to build, and now was costing a ton to heat, and to keep those sparkling windows clean. I thought, I can imagine making major sacrifices to get my child a smaller class, a curriculum that I believe in, etc . . . but there doesn't seem to be a way to do that without also needing to impoverish myself for pretty windows and high ceilings.

I agree with you. The physical plant at my DD's private isn't ideal, but I am amazed at what goes on in the classrooms and hallways in terms of her academic and social development.
Yet, I know people who look down on the school because it isn't manicured or full of bells and whistles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Private schools are more expensive here because more people have a lot of money.

Yep, it's a market economy. Schools charge what people can spend. In addition, schools have competed for the super wealthy by adding all sorts of luxuries that don't impact the quality of education. Many of these things were added during the economic boom, but they're still being paid for today.

As a middle income family, I can remember being on a tour and walking into a multistory high beautiful glass enclosed art studio for elementary school students, that presumably had cost a ton to build, and now was costing a ton to heat, and to keep those sparkling windows clean. I thought, I can imagine making major sacrifices to get my child a smaller class, a curriculum that I believe in, etc . . . but there doesn't seem to be a way to do that without also needing to impoverish myself for pretty windows and high ceilings.

I agree with you. The physical plant at my DD's private isn't ideal, but I am amazed at what goes on in the classrooms and hallways in terms of her academic and social development.
Yet, I know people who look down on the school because it isn't manicured or full of bells and whistles.

+1. I wonder if our kids are at the same school?

[Anonymous]

In related news, Baltimore is a shithole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In related news, Baltimore is a shithole.

Shut up. I love my dirty little town.

[Anonymous]

Why are you asking a question you already know the answer to, OP?

[Anonymous]

Meanwhile, private school in NYC is $40K - life is more expensive there.

http://www.spenceschool.org/admissions/pdfs/tuition.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In related news, Baltimore is a shithole.

This. Lived there and it's a dangerous dump of a city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Meanwhile, private school in NYC is $40K - life is more expensive there.

http://www.spenceschool.org/admissions/pdfs/tuition.pdf

OP here. That I get - nobody would question the difference in cost of living between DC Metro and NYC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In related news, Baltimore is a shithole.

This. Lived there and it's a dangerous dump of a city.

Ah, relax, princess. It ain't the most glamorous town around, but there's a lot to love about Baltimore. But you just stay in NW DC or Fairfax county or wherever you feel safe. More for us, hon.

[Anonymous]

My colleague just bought an old Victorian in Baltimore in what she claims is one of the best school districts for somewhere around $125k. Literally, they put $5k down. That would buy a parking spot, or maybe two, in a sought-after DC neighborhood. I'm surprised there isn't a bigger difference in tuition between Baltimore and DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My colleague just bought an old Victorian in Baltimore in what she claims is one of the best school districts for somewhere around $125k. Literally, they put $5k down. That would buy a parking spot, or maybe two, in a sought-after DC neighborhood. I'm surprised there isn't a bigger difference in tuition between Baltimore and DC.

I wish this were true. SFH in the best city school district (Roland Park) is more like starting at $250-300k -- and goes way up. Still a bargain by DC standards.

[Anonymous]

^^me

I just checked Redfin and the cheapest SFH in 21210 is $315k. Been a while since I looked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My colleague just bought an old Victorian in Baltimore in what she claims is one of the best school districts for somewhere around $125k. Literally, they put $5k down. That would buy a parking spot, or maybe two, in a sought-after DC neighborhood. I'm surprised there isn't a bigger difference in tuition between Baltimore and DC.

No, I live in Baltimore, this is not possible. Housing prices are maybe half of dc not five percent. So a house that is $1.5 million in DC/No. Va/ MD wouldaround $750,000 to 800,000 here. Big houses in the most desirable suburbs (i.e. Ruxton, Monkton) are well over a million. Even in the city, great houses in Guilford and Roland Park are $750,000 and up, with ridiculously high property taxes. You might be able to get a cottage in a "hot" city neighborhood for $400,000 to $500,000.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My colleague just bought an old Victorian in Baltimore in what she claims is one of the best school districts for somewhere around $125k. Literally, they put $5k down. That would buy a parking spot, or maybe two, in a sought-after DC neighborhood. I'm surprised there isn't a bigger difference in tuition between Baltimore and DC.

I wish this were true. SFH in the best city school district (Roland Park) is more like starting at $250-300k -- and goes way up. Still a bargain by DC standards.

Anything in RP at these prices is a shack. $500,000 plus for a good place, over $800,000 for a truly nice, fully renovated place.