More Affordable Quality Independent School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can’t afford it, sorry.

Not OP, but this is unnecessarily rude and uppity. They are just asking about more affordable schools, like in the 20k range rather than 45k range. I am sure there are some religious private schools in the lower range. You also have no idea their overall financial picture, whether they have family support, large savings, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish this idea weren’t a unicorn. I saw preciously someone post tuitions for top schools from the 90’s and tuition has far outpaced inflation by whole lot. Why? Did the top private schools used to have fewer frills? I would love it if there were quality secular private schools that mainly focused on quality in academics rather than on posh tennis courts.

I went to a private elementary school that is extremely popular here back in the late eighties and early nineties. The school now has a math specialist, two reading specialists, a learning specialist, director of studies, division heads, various counselors, a nurse, DEi person, safety person, and admissions , communications , and development all have "teams." Additionally, there is endless "support staff." None of those positions existed when I was there. Kindergarten for me was less than $2,000. There is a lot of competition between schools to keep up with each other, and that has lead to this kind of growth. Not long ago I was talking with someone on STA faculty who said that the reason their athletic facilities renovation was so elaborate was because they had to compete with Prep. Private schools spend more to stay comparable to peers, that is constantly increasing at a rate much faster than inflation, and tuition reflects it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish this idea weren’t a unicorn. I saw preciously someone post tuitions for top schools from the 90’s and tuition has far outpaced inflation by whole lot. Why? Did the top private schools used to have fewer frills? I would love it if there were quality secular private schools that mainly focused on quality in academics rather than on posh tennis courts.

I went to a private elementary school that is extremely popular here back in the late eighties and early nineties. The school now has a math specialist, two reading specialists, a learning specialist, director of studies, division heads, various counselors, a nurse, DEi person, safety person, and admissions , communications , and development all have "teams." Additionally, there is endless "support staff." None of those positions existed when I was there. Kindergarten for me was less than $2,000. There is a lot of competition between schools to keep up with each other, and that has lead to this kind of growth. Not long ago I was talking with someone on STA faculty who said that the reason their athletic facilities renovation was so elaborate was because they had to compete with Prep. Private schools spend more to stay comparable to peers, that is constantly increasing at a rate much faster than inflation, and tuition reflects it.

+1 This is the equivalent of the HGTV effect on home ownership, or the arms race in college dorms/facilities/administration. Everyone is expecting a certain aesthetic and level of customer service, which pushes up the price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s called Catholic school.

Most Catholic schools are not independent and most people who specify independent are not looking for a Catholic school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s called Catholic school.

Most Catholic schools are not independent and most people who specify independent are not looking for a Catholic school.

Parish schools are not, the rest are.

[Anonymous]

Try Springwell School. They are more affordable than larger privates ($28k) and have indexed tuition, including for multiple kids. They do inquiry- and project-based learning, great for those curious and who love learning. Small classes and focus on social emotional learning are lovely for those who are more sensitive (my son has some anxiety and he thrives there). That's also a separately run daycare in the basement for Pre-K. My younger kids have gone there, they are play based as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s called Catholic school.

Most Catholic schools are not independent and most people who specify independent are not looking for a Catholic school.

Parish schools are not, the rest are.

Ok and the key point remains that people who specify independent generally are not looking for Catholic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This may be an oxymoron, but we are seeking a more affordable quality independent school. We have 3 children and have tried upper NWDC public schools, but we have reached our tipping point. And yes, our children have different needs. Our rising 5th grader will thrive in any learning environment. He’s just wired that way, loves learning and is curious. Our rising 2nd grade needs a smaller classroom size and more individual attention than we can get in a 30-student DCPS, even with the best educators. Our prek kid still naps and loves friends, snacks, imaginative play, colors and numbers.

We are on one income at $250k/year and would love a school in NWDC or not too far in MD or VA on the west side (e.g. Bethesda or Arlington)

Thank you for your help with possible schools to consider in the fall for 2024-2025 enrollment.

https://www.friendscommunityschool.org/admissions/tuition--financial-aid

[Anonymous]

I’m not OP but for those of you saying apply then see if you get FA, for those of us on a lower income ( lower than OP) just the application fee is a barrier. If I knew my kid would get in and it would be affordable for us it’s worth it. But to blow $$ just to apply then wait and see is money down the drain needlessly.,

[Anonymous]

If application fees are a hardship, you should reach out to the FA departments and see what kinds of application fee waivers are available.

As far as FA application fees, each platform will have a fee. Income based waivers may apply.

However, I would not look into fee waivers unless my income was well under $100k and/or I knew significant FA would be required.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not OP but for those of you saying apply then see if you get FA, for those of us on a lower income ( lower than OP) just the application fee is a barrier. If I knew my kid would get in and it would be affordable for us it’s worth it. But to blow $$ just to apply then wait and see is money down the drain needlessly.,

I don't disagree with you.

Think strategically. Do not apply to schools you have no interest in attending. My DC def applied to schools that would not have worked for us all logistically because we were curious-- those ended up being a waste of time/money.

Another, potentially bigger, expense is taking time off of work to attend open houses, interviews/playdates, and other admissions events.

[Anonymous]

Parish schools: $10,400 seems to be the starting place

Christ Episcopal School $23,000

Woods Academy $26,000

[Anonymous]

With your income and three kids, you should be able to get a scholarship at one of the "fancy" DC privates. I would apply to schools that you like and they will work with you on the cost.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about all, but the ones we explored won't offer aid if only one spouse works. They expect both to be contributing to the HHI, unless there are special circumstances.

The other thing is not all private schools are created equal. Some might not offer much more than what you're currently getting, except for smaller class sizes. Some might be worse. Determine what's worth your money, even if it's less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With your income and three kids, you should be able to get a scholarship at one of the "fancy" DC privates. I would apply to schools that you like and they will work with you on the cost.

You forgot to say that this is a very low probability thing. Only a few percent of the students get significant FA.

I guess it doesn’t hurt to try. But expectations should reflect the reality.