What is WPPSI and am I really that clueless?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I fell into the private school trap with my first two kids. I was involved with a playgroup where the main topic of conversation was private schools. I never had considered a private school in the past, but wanted to keep up with the Joneses. What ended up happening was that i became so obsessed with getting my children into the right school that it ended up consuming my life. In fact, I know so much about the private school system that I wonder if I should become one of those private school consultants (ha! ha!). All my friends and family thought i was crazy. I can't believe I wasted so much time -- time that would have been better spent just hanging out with my family or developing another interest. I cringe when I think about the hours-ugh!

My 2 children did go to a private school, but are now in public high schools in an average school district. By average, I mean they are not in the Bethesda district. They are both performing quite well, have many friends, are involved in athletics and my eldest has been accepted to georgetown on a partial scholarship. My 2nd child is also in high school and although he isn't a straight A student, he is the editor of the school paper and is really enjoying his friends and extracurricular activities. My third child went to public school from the beginning and he is in an honors program. They have all met great and not so great teachers. They have friends from all walks of life. They are confident and are excited about life.


My point is: you have to remember-private schools are there to make money and not necessarily make sure your child gets the best education possible. Great marketing, a few big name students, and the exclusive factor is what you really end up paying for. What really counts is what we, as parents, do to build their self esteem and curiosity for life.

Good for you on deciding that public school is best for your family and children. I'm sure your children are fairing well in the average school district. We are in a Bethesda district, yet still feel more comfortable sending our children to private school. This is about choices and, as parents, making the decisions that we think are best for our children. Public school works for some families and not for others. What private schools have to offer is valuable and desired by some families and not by others. Live and let live.