$60k

[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:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

That's your opinion, not a fact. The serious musicians I know spend time training with private teachers, with their school orchestras/bands being more social in nature.

You’re not understanding what I’m saying.

I’m a semi-professional musician who has played music since I was 5. I play piano, cello, guitar, bass, drums, and I can sing.

My point was that private music lessons cannot replicate a strong music program; they supplement it.

Good school orchestra/band programs aren’t social; they fulfill the essential purpose of giving musicians ensemble playing experience.

Sorry, I have to add something:

No shit they took private lessons. It’s very hard to learn proper technique on a band or orchestra instrument without private lessons. That’s obvious.

I think the group violin lessons for little kids are a joke. Violin technique is too difficult and it’s too easy to learn bad habits. If a kid wants to learn violin, they should take private lessons, and for the vast majority of kids, that isn’t going to be productive until they’re 7 or 8.

But it is equally true that no violinist/clarinet player/oboe player/etc is going to develop well without high quality ensemble playing.

Every single private music teacher will tell you that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ll take “Things that aren’t worth $60k/year for $1000, Alex.”

Considering the waitlist is a mile long I’d guess a lot of people disagree with you.

I sincerely doubt it’s a mile long but if it is, good for Holton. Most people will wait and spend that money on college, not a no-name private school.

Jackie Kennedy went there, but ok.

Good enough for the Kennedy’s but you’re better.

Jackie Kennedy went to Holton only 2 years until her parents sent her to a more prestigious boarding school.

But yes I am better, because I know Kennedys shouldn’t have an apostrophe in it.

Yes, my typo absolutely means you are better.

As an Andover alumna, I have no knowledge of elite schools and should prostrate myself in front of you.

Besides being an Andover alumna (gasp!), you also have magical knowledge of what schools other posters have attended, and have deemed yourself superior. That makes you truly special.

I really didn’t. I never claimed knowledge of where anyone else went and never once said I’m superior.

I pushed back on the person calling Holton a “no name private school” because it’s a ridiculous claim.

[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:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

Yes it can.

But to make that determination requires direct knowledge of both options.

It’s obvious to me that the people bashing private schools on this forum have zero direct experience.

Maybe they went on a tour once. Or they have a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

But that’s about it.

Instead of bashing public school? Let s articulate why 60k school
Is better to ha a 42k k-8? In key ways?

Who’s bashing public school? This whole thread has been people bashing private school.

NO, you misunderstood. The thread is bashing the $60K tuition. We love our small private school.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It must be nice to be able to afford that kind of tuition for your child.

Yes, however as a person who can easily no thanks.

Holton is fine just not worth $60,000

Another question is, is it good for social-emotional well-being for a kid to be surrounded by such great wealth, ambition, and elitism?

[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:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

That's your opinion, not a fact. The serious musicians I know spend time training with private teachers, with their school orchestras/bands being more social in nature.

You’re not understanding what I’m saying.

I’m a semi-professional musician who has played music since I was 5. I play piano, cello, guitar, bass, drums, and I can sing.

My point was that private music lessons cannot replicate a strong music program; they supplement it.

Good school orchestra/band programs aren’t social; they fulfill the essential purpose of giving musicians ensemble playing experience.

"Good school orchestra/band programs" should be free and accessible to all the kids.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

My kid goes to a K-8. We turned down a K-12. So for us it wasn’t worth it.

But I can understand why someone would want it. The LS curriculum is developed with US in mind. So you’re getting scaffolding that ideally means a kid gets a coherent trajectory throughout their entire school career.

There’s stability that can be great for a kid who might struggle with transitions.

No need to go through the 9th grade admissions rigmarole.

A good K-12 will give the lower school kids some access to the US facilities.

So while it isn’t going to be worth it for every kid in the lower school, there are real reasons to pick a K-12.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

That's your opinion, not a fact. The serious musicians I know spend time training with private teachers, with their school orchestras/bands being more social in nature.

You’re not understanding what I’m saying.

I’m a semi-professional musician who has played music since I was 5. I play piano, cello, guitar, bass, drums, and I can sing.

My point was that private music lessons cannot replicate a strong music program; they supplement it.

Good school orchestra/band programs aren’t social; they fulfill the essential purpose of giving musicians ensemble playing experience.

"Good school orchestra/band programs" should be free and accessible to all the kids.

When did I say otherwise? Plenty of public schools have great orchestra and band programs.

I pushed back against the person claiming that serious musicians do private lessons and that they get no real benefit from band/orchestra. That’s honestly laughable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It must be nice to be able to afford that kind of tuition for your child.

Yes, however as a person who can easily no thanks.

Holton is fine just not worth $60,000

Another question is, is it good for social-emotional well-being for a kid to be surrounded by such great wealth, ambition, and elitism?

Ever been to a Bethesda or Potomac public school?

I think you’ll find plenty of wealth and elitism there.

And I happen to think ambition is a good thing.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

My kid goes to a K-8. We turned down a K-12. So for us it wasn’t worth it.

But I can understand why someone would want it. The LS curriculum is developed with US in mind. So you’re getting scaffolding that ideally means a kid gets a coherent trajectory throughout their entire school career.

There’s stability that can be great for a kid who might struggle with transitions.

No need to go through the 9th grade admissions rigmarole.

A good K-12 will give the lower school kids some access to the US facilities.

So while it isn’t going to be worth it for every kid in the lower school, there are real reasons to pick a K-12.

+1 We faced this choice last year. While saving $20k for 6 years was obviously enticing, we ultimately thought the scaffolding and environment at the k-12 was more important. We also really wanted our kid to attend the k-12 for Upper School and didn't know if we'd get accepted again in Upper School if we turned them down for Lower School.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It must be nice to be able to afford that kind of tuition for your child.

Yes, however as a person who can easily no thanks.

Holton is fine just not worth $60,000

Another question is, is it good for social-emotional well-being for a kid to be surrounded by such great wealth, ambition, and elitism?

Ever been to a Bethesda or Potomac public school?

I think you’ll find plenty of wealth and elitism there.

And I happen to think ambition is a good thing.

You didn’t answer the question.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

Yes it can.

But to make that determination requires direct knowledge of both options.

It’s obvious to me that the people bashing private schools on this forum have zero direct experience.

Maybe they went on a tour once. Or they have a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

But that’s about it.

We have direct knowledge of both.

Are the walls of your bubble holding?

Some posters on here — like the one claiming school orchestra/band programs are “mostly social” — obviously don’t have direct experience with both. Or if they do, they don’t have direct experience with excellent public or private schools.

So your previous post about people bashing private schools was wrong?

[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:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

Let me chime in as a household with 2 working parents. Driving your kids to all those extracurriculars and picking them up, usually in traffic, is worth the extra tuition to me. Because the alternative is a driver or a nanny. Out kids are too like for a nanny and a driver I trust with my girls is more than the tuition difference and driving time sink.