Having a Hard Time Signing the Renewal Contracts

[Anonymous]

Too many changes at the school this year, installation of new administrators we really dislike and we both find unprofessional and the ones we do like moving on soon, many of the families we liked have left in recent years or are planning to leave.

We didn't apply our kids out this year, but started thinking a little while ago we would next year, when we will hit natural entry years at other schools. Now I'm having a hard time thinking about signing the contracts for another year. This is the first year I've ever said to myself at renewal time, "Well, you know, I could save all that money and send them to the local public."

Ugh. Really don't want to renew but really don't want to yank them out of school without a new placement to go to (and not just something to do until we get to the next place). The kids do not know how unhappy we are with the school, so it would come as a big shock.

We've done everything we were supposed to do because we felt we should give it a chance and maybe it was just us and so on. (We've since heard we are not the only ones - see above about other families leaving after this year.) We made significant gifts to the annual fund and the auction when asked because we felt we were still a part of the community, whatever grumbles we may have.

But when it comes down to it, I just don't want to sign. I know I eventually will. But I really don't want to.

I guess this is just a vent, but hopefully someone else can share a good story about how it was better the next year or how they got through the next year and then found a great school for their kids. Of course, DH will sign if I tell him to, so somehow I feel it's all on me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Ugh. Really don't want to renew but really don't want to yank them out of school without a new placement to go to (and not just something to do until we get to the next place). The kids do not know how unhappy we are with the school, so it would come as a big shock.

Maybe the kids will welcome the change
How old are they?

[Anonymous]

We felt that way and left. It was the best decision we could have made. There are also other privates that accept late applications if you still want private as an option (but saving $ sounds great!)

[Anonymous]

We are in the same boat and I think the same school. DD is not an entry year and we are debating what to do. We think we r going to sign and wait until end of march when other schools might get a spot open through attrition. If there is a spot we r okay loosing the 1000 as long as you tell the school by June.

Issues are new admin that isn't great, head of school leaving in a year and teachers that aren't up to par.

[Anonymous]

I am with both of you. Same school I am sure. Do not like the new administrator at all. There is nothing to like as far as I can see. Curriculum watered down. Too much change and not for the better. Don't like the board or the fact that they chose to force out head of school when there was already so much change. Yes, we are thinking public would be better as well. Nothing to keep us really.

[Anonymous]

Norwood?

[Anonymous]

Same here. We love our school, but the money really adds up. DCs are doing great, but the foundation is from public! We are also pending on some financials that really make a difference for us. I would love to push the date back a few months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Norwood?

Yup. Me too. They can't seem to fire the worst in the pack. Changes too slow.

[Anonymous]

When we were unhappy we didn't sign. For too long we hung on and it was a mistake.

[Anonymous]

Op. public school was the most liberating thing that I've done in years. I am not saying that we will never re-enter private school, but for now this is fine. If we do take a second look later it will be a more cautious process with a set goal in mind. The money adds up so quickly that I can't believe how much extra cash we have. The kids are fine. Teachers love them and we are much less stressed.

[Anonymous]

I feel exactly as you do OP, and we're in DC but it's not Norwood. Well, I don't feel bad about "a new administration" because there isn't one, but everything else you said hits very close to home.

Our only child is also not at a natural entry point for any school next year, but he will be the year after. We didn't apply anywhere private for next year because the odds for, say, 2nd or 5th grade are tiny. I can't see sticking him in local DCPS for 9 months and then a different private the following year. "Kids are resilient" is an average -- not all kids are resilient, and mine is not.

At least not enough to go to three schools in three years just because his parents are not completely, fully delighted with his school.

[Anonymous]

I am suspicious about why my school (possiy the same as OPs) has not yet released the ERB scores. Maybe they did badly and don't want us to know until after we sign?

[Anonymous]

Have you asked when scores will be released?

[Anonymous]

I am afraid we will not be coming back. It is with a really heavy heart that we must do this. It is nurturing, but there are too many problems with the academics that the administration has shown absolutely no inclination to address, particularly in MS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am afraid we will not be coming back. It is with a really heavy heart that we must do this. It is nurturing, but there are too many problems with the academics that the administration has shown absolutely no inclination to address, particularly in MS.

A Maryland school?