Potomac parents are SO ANNOYING

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It mentioned how there is a former board president that writes recs - whenever they write a rec the family is guaranteed acceptance to the school. This doesn’t help the toxic culture at the school nor does the fact that some families are also accepted simply based on the size of their perceived wallet. It’s sad that some schools like Potomac do this to appease parents and forget to consider fit for the child.

I think you are lying when you claim that whenever a former board president writes a recommendation, it is a guarantee of acceptance. I know a former board president with his family name on one of the buildings that can't guarantee acceptance with a recommendation. Which former board president are you talking about?

I think you are lying when you claim that families are accepted based on the perceived size of their wallet. Potomac regularly turns away wealthy families, either because the child is not an academic or social fit for the school.

It's one thing to make subjective judgments about how annoying the parents at Potomac are, but you are making false factual claims.

That’s fine for you to think that 👌

So which former board president are you talking about?

Names get removed so you aren't going to get an answer.

Correct

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It mentioned how there is a former board president that writes recs - whenever they write a rec the family is guaranteed acceptance to the school. This doesn’t help the toxic culture at the school nor does the fact that some families are also accepted simply based on the size of their perceived wallet. It’s sad that some schools like Potomac do this to appease parents and forget to consider fit for the child.

I think you are lying when you claim that whenever a former board president writes a recommendation, it is a guarantee of acceptance. I know a former board president with his family name on one of the buildings that can't guarantee acceptance with a recommendation. Which former board president are you talking about?

I think you are lying when you claim that families are accepted based on the perceived size of their wallet. Potomac regularly turns away wealthy families, either because the child is not an academic or social fit for the school.

It's one thing to make subjective judgments about how annoying the parents at Potomac are, but you are making false factual claims.

That’s fine for you to think that 👌

So which former board president are you talking about?

Names get removed so you aren't going to get an answer.

It's because the name doesn't exist. Nobody is guaranteed admission because a former board chairman wrote them a recommendation. I don't even think it would help very much. A great recommendation from their previous teacher is probably more impactful.

If you're going to lie, make it something believable. This just seems like someone bitter about being rejected by Potomac that wants to believe the admissions process is so corrupt that their Larlo never stood a chance. Their Larlo never stood a chance because their Larlo is just not competitive in the pool of applicants.

This is not a lie - just chiming in for the first time. I do know a few of the people who have benefited from these recommendations as well as many who were excepted simply by donation. Every school has a back door. There is nothing wrong with pointing that out. However, when schools have a major bullying problem and wonder why - it’s worth noting this backdoor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It mentioned how there is a former board president that writes recs - whenever they write a rec the family is guaranteed acceptance to the school. This doesn’t help the toxic culture at the school nor does the fact that some families are also accepted simply based on the size of their perceived wallet. It’s sad that some schools like Potomac do this to appease parents and forget to consider fit for the child.

I think you are lying when you claim that whenever a former board president writes a recommendation, it is a guarantee of acceptance. I know a former board president with his family name on one of the buildings that can't guarantee acceptance with a recommendation. Which former board president are you talking about?

I think you are lying when you claim that families are accepted based on the perceived size of their wallet. Potomac regularly turns away wealthy families, either because the child is not an academic or social fit for the school.

It's one thing to make subjective judgments about how annoying the parents at Potomac are, but you are making false factual claims.

That’s fine for you to think that 👌

So which former board president are you talking about?

Names get removed so you aren't going to get an answer.

It's because the name doesn't exist. Nobody is guaranteed admission because a former board chairman wrote them a recommendation. I don't even think it would help very much. A great recommendation from their previous teacher is probably more impactful.

If you're going to lie, make it something believable. This just seems like someone bitter about being rejected by Potomac that wants to believe the admissions process is so corrupt that their Larlo never stood a chance. Their Larlo never stood a chance because their Larlo is just not competitive in the pool of applicants.

This is not a lie - just chiming in for the first time. I do know a few of the people who have benefited from these recommendations as well as many who were excepted simply by donation. Every school has a back door. There is nothing wrong with pointing that out. However, when schools have a major bullying problem and wonder why - it’s worth noting this backdoor.

+1 I have heard of this before too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It mentioned how there is a former board president that writes recs - whenever they write a rec the family is guaranteed acceptance to the school. This doesn’t help the toxic culture at the school nor does the fact that some families are also accepted simply based on the size of their perceived wallet. It’s sad that some schools like Potomac do this to appease parents and forget to consider fit for the child.

This is always true for all private businesses in America. If you're the right person and willing pay the price, you buy whatever you want.

I think you are lying when you claim that whenever a former board president writes a recommendation, it is a guarantee of acceptance. I know a former board president with his family name on one of the buildings that can't guarantee acceptance with a recommendation. Which former board president are you talking about?

I think you are lying when you claim that families are accepted based on the perceived size of their wallet. Potomac regularly turns away wealthy families, either because the child is not an academic or social fit for the school.

It's one thing to make subjective judgments about how annoying the parents at Potomac are, but you are making false factual claims.

That’s fine for you to think that 👌

So which former board president are you talking about?

Names get removed so you aren't going to get an answer.

It's because the name doesn't exist. Nobody is guaranteed admission because a former board chairman wrote them a recommendation. I don't even think it would help very much. A great recommendation from their previous teacher is probably more impactful.

If you're going to lie, make it something believable. This just seems like someone bitter about being rejected by Potomac that wants to believe the admissions process is so corrupt that their Larlo never stood a chance. Their Larlo never stood a chance because their Larlo is just not competitive in the pool of applicants.

This is not a lie - just chiming in for the first time. I do know a few of the people who have benefited from these recommendations as well as many who were excepted simply by donation. Every school has a back door. There is nothing wrong with pointing that out. However, when schools have a major bullying problem and wonder why - it’s worth noting this backdoor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

🤣🤣

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

🤣🤣

It is so bizarre that you guys know these specifics about Potomac - like the theme of their auction - unless you are Potomac parents or have family or friends that go there. If so, do you hate these folks for some reason? I’m truly trying to understand the vitriol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

🤣🤣

It is so bizarre that you guys know these specifics about Potomac - like the theme of their auction - unless you are Potomac parents or have family or friends that go there. If so, do you hate these folks for some reason? I’m truly trying to understand the vitriol.

🤣just a laugh landing🥂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

🤣🤣

It is so bizarre that you guys know these specifics about Potomac - like the theme of their auction - unless you are Potomac parents or have family or friends that go there. If so, do you hate these folks for some reason? I’m truly trying to understand the vitriol.

It’s called snark, ‘tomac mom.

[Anonymous]

Potomac is Virginia’s desperate attempt to fit in with the upper crust of DC private schools. Will never compare.

The Potomac parents in this thread will act defensively in response to this statement, proving my point.

[Anonymous]

Truly, utterly humorless and completely lacking in the self awareness that while they are talking far too loud and making little jabs like "jealous much?" to a group of people who could easily go to a gala every week, that perhaps that person can make a witty low lift crack in their head and move on within a few seconds. Overhearing someone loudly talking down about everyone around them and making a playful joke MUST mean you are obsessed with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

🤣🤣

It is so bizarre that you guys know these specifics about Potomac - like the theme of their auction - unless you are Potomac parents or have family or friends that go there. If so, do you hate these folks for some reason? I’m truly trying to understand the vitriol.

Someone’s ex husband probably remarried, started a new family, and is sending his new latest of kids to Potomac.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't really see a non-Potomac parent considering Potomac comparable to the Big 3...

The whole idea of a Big 3 is silly. We were a non Potomac parent , but then our DS had the choice between a supposed Big 3 and Potomac and he wound up choosing Potomac. It’s about fit. Potomac has a very good academic reputation even if many DC-centric DCUMers don’t want to admit that.

I don't disagree that school is about fit, but claiming you were a non-potomac parent before ultimately choosing Potomac doesn't make you a non-potomac parent comparing to the Big 3 😂

I’m guessing you’re a teenager that is posting on a parent forum for some reason. I’m not “claiming” anything. Technically I am still not a Potomac parent since DS doesn’t start there until the fall. I’m also not comparing it to the Big 3. I am saying it has an excellent reputation.

Excellent reputation according to whom? What is the reputation you have in mind?

According to their college admits for 2026 -take a look.

College admits equates to solid reputation? Didn’t know that was the sum of a person.

Oh come on. It’s not and you know it but my response is directed to the posters on this thread who insist they are right on which schools qualify as “ big 3” or “big 5” and anyone using that term is presumably talking about academic rigor which is generally measured ( for better or worse) by a school’s ability to send their students to top colleges and universities. By that measure, anyone suggesting that Potomac isn’t in that running should look at their college admits for at least the past decade, with this year being particularly impressive.

Hard to disagree and I think that is why Potomac parents get so upset and bothered. The Big 3 represents a choice set of equal value, but different child personality that DC families decide between. Frankly, Potomac just is not part of that set and statistics don't change that fact.

The Big 3 represents the best options available to NW DC UMC families. Mostly lawyers, that's all.
And speaking as a lawyer, there is no more prestige grubbing group of people than a bunch of lawyers.

This is some big fish in small pond energy.
The NYC and New England privates have never heard of any of these schools except Sidwell but don't really think much of Sidwell either unless the student's last name is Obama or Clinton
The admissions officers don't really talk about any of these schools the same way they talk about Exeter or Trinity or Harker.
They know TJ better than they know any of the Big 3 and they probably know the MoCo W's better than NCS/STA/GDS

If the reason you are sending your kid to private is so you can brag about sending your kid to private, your kid probably hates you. And they should

As a former UrbanBaby habitué I appreciate your post and the accompanying snark!

Omg the good snark days 😂 there isn't as much good snark on the internet as there used to be... it's like seeing a standup comedy show on your lunch break!

Yes!!!! Can I throw one in for old times sake:
Whoever chose the gala theme Wild About Potomac was spot on... I just don't think it's wildly positive 🐅

🤣The school offered a classic private event, but some saw it as a Bravo Audition opportunity🦁

🤣🤣

It is so bizarre that you guys know these specifics about Potomac - like the theme of their auction - unless you are Potomac parents or have family or friends that go there. If so, do you hate these folks for some reason? I’m truly trying to understand the vitriol.

Someone’s ex husband probably remarried, started a new family, and is sending his new latest of kids to Potomac.

Feels more like coffee shop eye-roll energy than a grand backstory 🤣

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Truly, utterly humorless and completely lacking in the self awareness that while they are talking far too loud and making little jabs like "jealous much?" to a group of people who could easily go to a gala every week, that perhaps that person can make a witty low lift crack in their head and move on within a few seconds. Overhearing someone loudly talking down about everyone around them and making a playful joke MUST mean you are obsessed with them.

Not the next comment immediately proving your point 🤣

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It mentioned how there is a former board president that writes recs - whenever they write a rec the family is guaranteed acceptance to the school. This doesn’t help the toxic culture at the school nor does the fact that some families are also accepted simply based on the size of their perceived wallet. It’s sad that some schools like Potomac do this to appease parents and forget to consider fit for the child.

I think you are lying when you claim that whenever a former board president writes a recommendation, it is a guarantee of acceptance. I know a former board president with his family name on one of the buildings that can't guarantee acceptance with a recommendation. Which former board president are you talking about?

I think you are lying when you claim that families are accepted based on the perceived size of their wallet. Potomac regularly turns away wealthy families, either because the child is not an academic or social fit for the school.

It's one thing to make subjective judgments about how annoying the parents at Potomac are, but you are making false factual claims.

That’s fine for you to think that 👌

So which former board president are you talking about?

Names get removed so you aren't going to get an answer.

It's because the name doesn't exist. Nobody is guaranteed admission because a former board chairman wrote them a recommendation. I don't even think it would help very much. A great recommendation from their previous teacher is probably more impactful.

If you're going to lie, make it something believable. This just seems like someone bitter about being rejected by Potomac that wants to believe the admissions process is so corrupt that their Larlo never stood a chance. Their Larlo never stood a chance because their Larlo is just not competitive in the pool of applicants.

This is not a lie - just chiming in for the first time. I do know a few of the people who have benefited from these recommendations as well as many who were excepted simply by donation. Every school has a back door. There is nothing wrong with pointing that out. However, when schools have a major bullying problem and wonder why - it’s worth noting this backdoor.

100%!!