Families who can afford private but go public, why?

[Anonymous]

Another one for the math and science here.

[Anonymous]

My eldest is at a private that is a perfect fit for her. I’m seriously considering not sending her little brother to private because the reasons she is at a private don’t seem to apply. Big struggle.

[Anonymous]

+1 for math and science.

But also- neighborhood friends. Lonely kids are not a good thing. And it’s way easier to have neighborhood kids hang out than to schedule play date after play date.

And finally: the public schools here are excellent. I know there are people who would say otherwise, but given the rigors here, we would never go back to MOCO or NJ schools. There is a tenuous balance that some schools are doing well at.

[Anonymous]

Because I went to private school and I want to spare my kids the snobby, entitled attitudes. Average HHI in McLean is almost $300k. Many more people can afford private than go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:- We really want a neighborhood school and school friends who are close by / involved in other nearby activities. This is the most important factor.

- A big diverse school has more opportunities to find your "niche" which helps protect against suicide, drug use, etc.

- Nearby private school options not very impressive.

- I went to private K-12 and saw many weaknesses. Other than my high school being single sex (which was positive) I have little good to say and don't think I got a great education.

These first two reasons are our main reasons. Our third is being uncomfortable with our kids growing up with peers at the level of wealth seen at these schools and them thinking this is normal. To be blunt, we have a lot of money (although neither of us grew up with money) and are at a level of wealth where our family would fit in to this scene. I have friends and close relatives in this scene. I don’t want my kids growing up like that and one of the several ways our lifestyle is more “normal” is public school.

[Anonymous]

Why would I send my kids to w WCAC school when they aren't Catholic, and can get a better education at several public schools in Arlington and Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would I send my kids to w WCAC school when they aren't Catholic, and can get a better education at several public schools in Arlington and Fairfax.

Who said all privates are in the WCAC?

[Anonymous]

My friend teaches at a very fancy private school and honestly while I think the kids get to do cool things (they go on lots of field trips and get to explore topics in unique ways) it seemed like most of the tuition goes towards networking for parents (so many fancy parent parties at people's houses) and things like fancy catered lunch for the kids each day (that she says largely winds up in the trash).

She also sees the same behavioral issues that go in our public school and seemingly has zero ways of addressing it (aside from the school not inviting the kid back, which rarely happens because $$$).

I guess it just didn't seem like the education was worth the increased price at the elementary level.

[Anonymous]

Because of math - far better in public.

[Anonymous]

A “complicated” reason is that you went to public schools and turned out ‘fine”? Why is that complicated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would I send my kids to w WCAC school when they aren't Catholic, and can get a better education at several public schools in Arlington and Fairfax.

Fairfax maybe, but not Arlington

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would I send my kids to w WCAC school when they aren't Catholic, and can get a better education at several public schools in Arlington and Fairfax.

Fairfax maybe, but not Arlington

Are we talking O’Connell or Paul VI (certainly no better than APS) or Potomac, GDS, St. Albans or Sidwell (clearly superior to any area publics except TJ)?

[Anonymous]

We want the neighborhood school experience for our little kids, do we bought in a close-knit neighborhood where most kids walk to our local elementary. We might change our mind in HS because MCPS high schools are so big. It will sword on the kids.

Also, I used to teach at a prestigious private school. I’ve seen how the sausage is made and I know it isn’t always better.

[Anonymous]

Where I’m from private school is for kids who can’t handle public. The stigma it carries is something you can’t over come. You can’t get any job if people know you went to private school. It basically means you don’t have any hope for your child of ever having a career or even going to college. It’s for extremely slow learners and extremely violent children who get kicked out of public.

[Anonymous]

Because it made me want to vomit sending my kid to a school that was not available to all. Financial aid only goes so far and all private schools are bubbles. I do have complaints about our public, I know just as many private school friends who’ve had complaints as well and they’re paying $$$. I would rather invest $ snd energy into making public schools better.