Let's Brainstorm Schools That Might Still Be Accepting Students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Springwell?

I need a middle school that is inclusive to gender non conforming kids and isn’t too far from SSFS area.

Sigh…

We need a high school that is similar.

I’ve heard the LAB has been great for middle and upper school gender non-conforming students.

Lab specializes in dyslexia, so it is a niche school. From what I've heard, it is welcoming of gender non-conforming students. It's also in/near Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

Consider Lab at all grades—very supportive community of different learners

[Anonymous]

Has anyone visited schools yet and can provide feedback? I wonder if we could use this space to hear some reports back from tours, emails, phone calls, info as we all march/trudge forward. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! I know we’ll all end up doing the actual legwork of touring on our own but sharing information and thoughts might be helpful. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Did SSFS provide any resources or contacts to parents? Did they make initial calls to see who might be taking kids? Are any of the board members SSFS parents? Are they searching too or did they apply out during the regular admission season so they would have a place to land?

[Anonymous]

Potomac School in McLean? They have a shuttle and pick up from Bethesda, Largo, couple other MD spots.

[Anonymous]

I know the SSFS counselor has been reaching out to counselors at other schools, and that many of them are connecting her with admissions counselors at their own schools for help matching kids with open spots. As stressful as this is, everyone is trying to help and I believe most if not all will find an appropriate spot elsewhere. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be a longer commute or less aid (remember, most aid was given out to those students accepted during the normal process - yet another way SSFS really stuck it to kids by shutting down so late). It also doesn’t account for the disruption or loss of social networks for kids (their longstanding, supportive relationships with peers and educators). But I do believe everyone in the area is empathetic and doing their best to help the displaced SSFS students. If I were a SSFS parent (I’m an educator at another school), I might try to send my child with a friend to a new school if possible. Even one friend can make a huge difference. Barring that, I’d ask for a shadow day and a “buddy family,” if possible. I’d also find out if there are any orientations during the summer for new students. Make sure you get on all mailing lists. My advice would be more or less the same if the shift is to a local public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The other issue facing all schools is this:

The current tuition levels are becoming unsustainable for many. I hear some say, “Oh, yes, but people said that 20 years ago and nothing happened.” The fact is that tuition rates of schools increase by close to 50 percent every 10 years if you assume 4 percent annual increase in tuition.

With current tuition rates, fewer people can afford K-12 throughout. So what tends to happen is that the top K-12s might still have their pick if students, other schools like the k-8s might have to fight a bit harder for the overall smaller pool of kids. And the high costs also mean that some families will simply defer private school until high school to reduce the outlay. This again points to weaker demand across the board in the K8 range. This is a cliff schools need to anticipate.

Doge will also have spillover effects on the DC economy and will permeate sector across the board that could also see not just those in government questioning whether they can continue to afford private school.



Some private schools also developed a false sense of security as demand for school outpaced available slots during Covid because public schools did such a poor job. While some kids stayed in the private schools system, a large number have also returned to public schools.

Schools that continue on this path of unabated increases could hit a wall and should ensure they have robust reserves and/or stand ready to cut costs.

But the bottom line is the board should have seen this train wreck coming and should have taken measures several years and years ago — whether it was via the annual fund and other donor outreach or finding ways to reduce expenditures, renegotiate with creditors, etc.

This should be a cautionary tale for any school on shaky financial ground or thinking about undertaking big expenditures.

I like you.

[Anonymous]

McLean School in Potomac is accepting students, and is diverse and welcoming of all students. They are excellent at meeting students where they are and challenging them to reach high. I think there is a meeting on Monday night at the school for SSFS families?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The other issue facing all schools is this:

The current tuition levels are becoming unsustainable for many. I hear some say, “Oh, yes, but people said that 20 years ago and nothing happened.” The fact is that tuition rates of schools increase by close to 50 percent every 10 years if you assume 4 percent annual increase in tuition.

With current tuition rates, fewer people can afford K-12 throughout. So what tends to happen is that the top K-12s might still have their pick if students, other schools like the k-8s might have to fight a bit harder for the overall smaller pool of kids. And the high costs also mean that some families will simply defer private school until high school to reduce the outlay. This again points to weaker demand across the board in the K8 range. This is a cliff schools need to anticipate.

Doge will also have spillover effects on the DC economy and will permeate sector across the board that could also see not just those in government questioning whether they can continue to afford private school.



Some private schools also developed a false sense of security as demand for school outpaced available slots during Covid because public schools did such a poor job. While some kids stayed in the private schools system, a large number have also returned to public schools.

Schools that continue on this path of unabated increases could hit a wall and should ensure they have robust reserves and/or stand ready to cut costs.

But the bottom line is the board should have seen this train wreck coming and should have taken measures several years and years ago — whether it was via the annual fund and other donor outreach or finding ways to reduce expenditures, renegotiate with creditors, etc.

This should be a cautionary tale for any school on shaky financial ground or thinking about undertaking big expenditures.

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Potomac School in McLean? They have a shuttle and pick up from Bethesda, Largo, couple other MD spots.

Unlikely to have spots, I would think. Potomac is a very competitive admit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just spoke to Barrie. They're still accepting applications and have an open house scheduled for this Friday for SSFS families.

Barrie is a great option for families to consider. We've been there 5 years and our daughter loves it. Barrie is hosting a 2nd Open House on Thursday, April 24th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Christ Episcopal School has been fantastic for my rising 5th grader. They are still accepting applications.

It's a gem! We have been there for many years and love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check Grace Episcopal in Kensington. They have a sliding scale for tuition based on income

I wish more schools did that

[Anonymous]

Word of Life Christian Academy has a few spots open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In response to the SSFS closing thread, I can't imagine what those parents are going through, especially those with current juniors. This community could be a really good resource for them. Please comment if you have information about schools that are underenrolled.

Let’s not capitalize every word in a subject heading though, okay?