What is the bottom line with this private school thing?

[Anonymous]

Not all are top. Many mediocre schools might go the way of Newport if they don't start explaining what they give us for the money. Also, if DC public schools' test scores bump up again next year and the census of young children drops, the top schools might also have some 'splainin' to do.

[Anonymous]

Not likely. There will always be people who expect to send their kids to private school as a matter of course, no matter how good or bad the public schools are. Look at Landon and Holton-Arms. Most of their students come from Bethesda/Potomac, where the schools are great. And sure, a few mediocre or low performing schools might disappear, but I don't think the top 10 schools are worried about declining enrollments. As long as there are high-paying professions in this area (and I don't think the law and lobbying firms are going anywhere), there will be a demand for private schools. And as long as demand outstrips supply, the schools don't have to publish test scores.

[Anonymous]

Here is the bottom line, as I see it:

Yes, private/ independent schools -- in general -- are "better" than public schools. Of course this is not true in every case, and with every teacher, but overall, private schools do produce better-educated students.

The question is, how much better. $20,000 - $25,000 worth a year, which comes to a mind-blowing $300,000 per child just for grades 1 - 12? Are they THAT much better?

That is the question we are struggling with.

[Anonymous]

That is exactly the question we are struggling with as we contemplate moving our two dc from top-tier private schools into public. We know dc would be pretty devastated about moving, but we just don't have the sort of money it takes to pay these tuitions, and we probably never should have started out on the private school track. Basically, I think what you are paying for at private schools is peace of mind, in terms of your child not falling through the cracks and being actively supported in any endeavor they pursue.

[Anonymous]

And I am willing to make that financial sacrifice for my children. Bottom line.

[Anonymous]

I am also willing to make a financial sacrifice for my children. But the bottom line is, I cannot live in a car. My kids will need a roof over their heads. They will need food and clothing.
My financial sacrifice will only stretch so far, being one calamity or step away from homelessness is not a way to raise kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Are you considering St. Albans for the alum network and access to families in the ruling class? That is a payoff for attending St. Albans. Only you can decide if it's worth it.

This is an anachronism, is it not? I'm not sure if the "ruling class" still populates STA. I'm also not sure that gaining access to whatever approaches the ruling class that attends STA will necessarily ever pay dividends, can it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Are you considering St. Albans for the alum network and access to families in the ruling class? That is a payoff for attending St. Albans. Only you can decide if it's worth it.

This is an anachronism, is it not? I'm not sure if the "ruling class" still populates STA. I'm also not sure that gaining access to whatever approaches the ruling class that attends STA will necessarily ever pay dividends, can it?

it's not an anachronism if people still believe and support it....
like the RC church...lol

[Anonymous]

Back to the OP, I relate and I am struggling with my own experiences growing up. I attended ONLY Catholic schools growing up (literally up through college, but am not religious). I do not know how great it was, but it is all I know. I have to weigh what I know against what is realistic and good for my child and I really don't know. My comfort level is a small private school but I know it does not guarantee much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the OP, I relate and I am struggling with my own experiences growing up. I attended ONLY Catholic schools growing up (literally up through college, but am not religious). I do not know how great it was, but it is all I know. I have to weigh what I know against what is realistic and good for my child and I really don't know. My comfort level is a small private school but I know it does not guarantee much.

Thanks for your honesty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is the bottom line, as I see it:

Yes, private/ independent schools -- in general -- are "better" than public schools. Of course this is not true in every case, and with every teacher, but overall, private schools do produce better-educated students.

The question is, how much better. $20,000 - $25,000 worth a year, which comes to a mind-blowing $300,000 per child just for grades 1 - 12? Are they THAT much better?

That is the question we are struggling with.

You might want to take at the research...there is not a lot of evidence that they produce better educated kids. As a matter of fact, some studies have shown an overall poorer outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is exactly the question we are struggling with as we contemplate moving our two dc from top-tier private schools into public. We know dc would be pretty devastated about moving, but we just don't have the sort of money it takes to pay these tuitions, and we probably never should have started out on the private school track. Basically, I think what you are paying for at private schools is peace of mind, in terms of your child not falling through the cracks and being actively supported in any endeavor they pursue.

With NCLB, at the elementary and middle school level, no one falls between that cracks anymore (except possibly in DC).

[Anonymous]

You're kidding, right?

[Anonymous]

The way I see it, there is no longer a ruling "class", you can come from any bush league school and still be VP (hint). But realistically, none of the most successful Americans can point to great private school as the thing that made the difference, but many can say that a poor education let them down.

That said, I put my dd in private school, but not blindly. She was a premie and is just starting to get to the level of her peers. She has to be engaged, classes have to be small. MC won't offer that, at least not in Potomac. My son will attend an inexpensive Montessori school. We just don't have the money for two kids in private school. I also like the diversity in public, but admittedly, I don't want my kids picking up any bad behavior.

[Anonymous]

To the PP, I learned the MOST dangerous behaviors, bought the best drugs, and drank myself senseless in the smallest all-girls Catholic school. KIDS PICK UP BAD BEHAVIORS EVERYWHERE!!!!!! And those private school kids? A lot of them have more money for better drugs and liquor. Trust me. Have taught in local private and public....cannot escape it.