How do we exit gracefully?

[Anonymous]

We have decided to leave our school for our neighborhood public school after one year (K). We've had a very positive experience at the school and so has DC, but have decided this is best for our family right now. Now comes the hard part. We want to leave the school on good terms and not burn any bridges. Thoughts for how we should go about gracefully exiting? Should we speak to the Admissions Director, head of Lower School and/or the teacher? And do we do this before or after we inform the school we are not re-enrolling?

[Anonymous]

I'd just tell them upfront that you love the school, but have decided to try public school for the coming year. I don't think they'll be offended. They've been in the business long enough to see families come and go and it is in their best interests not to burn bridges either...esp with good families that had a positive experience at their school.
Good luck!

[Anonymous]

If you have any specific reasons why the public school would work better for your family, maybe you should mention them to the head. As long as you do it in a non-confrontational, helpful way, they may appreciate learning your perspective and may (or may not) be in a position to work on fixing whatever it is. We did this (also moved from private to public), and the head actually seemed to appreciate hearing our reasons.

[Anonymous]

It is important to do this prior to when your school will mail letters in March ( march 1st). Ask for a meeting with the head or write him or her a letter. The head will tell the AD. That way, you make sure your message is given to someone whose job it is to be nice. An AD might be nice to your face, but if she is not happy ( like if you tell her in April , after contracts are due) speak ill of you to Head and teachers. By informing while accept decisions are being made, you will also be helping another child/family get an admit letter instead of the dreaded WL letter. Schools and families who have all worked very hard in this process all year will thank you.

[Anonymous]

If you think you may want to reapply down the road, then I'd call the school and make an appointment to speak with the head or the AD so you can tell them in person.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure you have received your reenrollment forms, so just call the AD to say you won't be back next year given a change in your family. She/he will understand.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of families leaving private school for public these days. It really won't be a shock to them. Many people have left our school over the course of the past 3 years. With the economy what it is, families end up leaving every year and probably will until things are truly better.

[Anonymous]

On this topic, what is it like when you re-enter the public school? Some of the kids at our public high school weren't as welcoming as they could have been when private school kids came back. In other instances, they just made unfounded assumptions about whey they came back. These three different kids made their way just fine, but seemed to have to go through a period of time proving themselves.

What have others seen? Any advise on thow to smooth the transition?

[Anonymous]

I mean "advice", sorry.

[Anonymous]

I would tell the head of the division directly (i.e., head of the Lower School) and do it prior to reenrollment contracts being due. And I would be very positive about the school and the reasons you're leaving. If there is feedback you think would help the school, I'd provide it directly to the division head. Best of luck in your new school.

[Anonymous]

would tell the head of the division directly (i.e., head of the Lower School) and do it prior to reenrollment contracts being due. And I would be very positive about the school and the reasons you're leaving. If there is feedback you think would help the school, I'd provide it directly to the division head. Best of luck in your new school.

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