Number of instructional days: public versus private

[Anonymous]

I've been looking through the calendar for the private school DC will be attending next year, and I was struck by how long the vacations are, the number of early dismissal days, and so on. Another parent told me that she thinks MCPS may have 10 or so more instructional days than most private schools. Has anyone looked into this? What impact does a shorter year have on how much and how children learn?

[Anonymous]

There are definitely fewer instructional days in private schools. However, because of standardized testing in public schools it probably all evens out pretty much.

[Anonymous]

Part of it also, are the days where the parent-teacher meetings take place, both in the Fall and Spring.

[Anonymous]

Many public systems dismiss two hours early once a week, as do some independents. Beauvoir, however, differs. It dismisses 30 minutes early once a week.

[Anonymous]

Haven't you ever heard that the more money you pay for a school, the more vacation you get? Many days are wasted in public schools however with the ridiculous assessments though.