What do we get for $30k per year?
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Anonymous
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We are zoned for a top elementary but are looking at private school options, just to be thorough. Both DH and I are a little dazed by the whole process. The private schools look pretty, sound good, the kids seem happy, the open houses have been pleasant. But $30,000/year is a hell of a lot of after-tax money. (It's more than I spent for my entire undergraduate education!)
What are we going to get for $30,000 per year that we wouldn't get at our top-ranked DC elementary school? I'm not trying to stir the pot, but we're just feeling a bit paralyzed by the whole thing. If you're speaking from experience, naming your child's school would be helpful, too. Thanks! Signed, Dazed and Confused |
Anonymous
| A nice bumper sticker and folk that r alike socio wise. Small classes, a nuturing enviro, challenging, etc... Bragging rights, tons of hw in the later kids, and maybe a shot at a top tier college. Developing the chile as a whole bien, challenging them in every way to be the best at whatever. |
Anonymous
Is this a response or a chili recipe? |
Anonymous
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You get relatively little. We learned after blowing the equivalent of a fully-funded 529 that the publics in this region are generally at least OK, that the curricula in the privates is positively no better, and that the college records that some privates develop is really a function of family wealth (it's not hard to develop a good placement record when you have high-sophistication parents and kids and essentially 100% pay-capability). Actual, objective, life advantages to private: none.
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Anonymous
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Depends on the school. Some things you may get:
-- smaller class size, better student:teacher ratio -- more diversity than your typical Bethesda/McLean public school -- less risk of disruptive kids -- top notch teachers -- lots of responsiveness from teachers/admin to any concerns you may have -- no worries about standardized teach-to-the-test stuff -- an interesting and 100% engaged group of parents I view public vs. private as it sort of like the difference between a Toyota and an Audi. Both will get you where you want to go. The Audi will make the ride a lot more enjoyable. Whether that extra enjoyment is worth the cost is a personal question you have to answer for yourself. |
Anonymous
Great answer. |
Anonymous
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I went to a "Big 3", graduated in the 90s, have strong family connections and have decided not to send my children there. Granted, we live in a very well-regarded MoCo district. That said - the benefits of the top private schools in this area are largely in the realm of social connections, etc. When I went there, it was a very different place focused on learning, societal generosity and personal growth. Now there's an air of elitism (see 15:16), teachers are no more qualified than in the best publics, etc.
The two main benefits I see are somewhat smaller class sizes and a "big name" on a college application, which doesn't mean much in the long run. Very few of my high school friends (I can think of only one of a group of at least 10) are considering sending their kids to our alma mater. |
Anonymous
| Regarding those "top notch" teachers, just have to note that my DC's public elementary school recently lost a teacher to a Big 3. No one that I know considered it that big a loss. |
Anonymous
I went to the most exclusive private school in my large Midwestern city. My dad LOVED that he was able to send us there and rub elbows with the city's elite. I was not up for the social pressure and would have been much better off in a lower-key environment. However, my brother and sister both thrived in the private environment and turned out wealthy and entitled. Not unlike my father. Which I believe is what you are paying for. 
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Anonymous
One word - C O N N E C T I O N S. |
Anonymous
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I don't think you should look at it as "What can I get" so much as "What do I want". Personally, I wanted 100% phonics based reading, a traditional rigorous math curriculum, and basic Latin instruction. I was able to find these things at a reasonably priced Catholic school. If I had wanted student-led learning with small class sizes and lots of field trips I would have ended up in a completely different school.
Know thyself. It's the only way to be happy with your decisions, |
Anonymous
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It isn't about connections.
It is about developing a love of learning where that is the culture. You don't have to worry about your smart kids being ignored because they are "fine" relative to the other kids (we know many of those in DCPS). No "teaching to the test" Small classrooms and student-teacher ratios. You have to simply weigh the options and see if it is worth it for your child and your family. If you are in a good public school option, then there is no reason not to try it out and see if your kid does well. If so, then great. If not, then there are options that will cost money. |
Anonymous
How have you seen this play out? I have witnessed nothing. In fact I think this is the stupidest reason for sending your kids to private. Unless you, as parents are looking to connect with other parents. I can tell you right now that it really does not help the kids. Do you believe going to these schools will give your children access to opportunity they would not have had otherwise? Or do you mean that it is social climbing for adults? |
Anonymous
Well, this is what it is about for you. For others, it may definitely be about connections. For some, as noted above, it isn't about loving learning but rather about learning phonics and Latin. |
Anonymous
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Op,
It is a nicer environment but really not worth the money. Unless you are rich. But I must tell you there are plenty of rich kids in public school. |