So Tired of the Competitiveness at DC's Preschool

[Anonymous]

I imagine we're all applying to the same schools. Anyone have any strategies for dealing with the next two months of this insanity? By insanity, I mean brown-nosing and jockeying for positions with the teachers and head of school; the 20 questions super sleuthing (in an oh-so-unintentionally transparent way) about where you're applying, WPPSI scores, admission playdates, first choice preferences; etc.

[Anonymous]

Don't apply to the same schools. Do you think the competitiveness will end with preschool?

[Anonymous]

I feel you, OP. I'm in and out of there at pick-up like my pants are on fire.

But think about it: if they DIDN'T ask 20 questions of everyone, how on Earth do we think they'd get that useful data posted on DCUM after March?

[Anonymous]

Here is a quick way to stop it all. Just mention that your child is going to public school (GASP!) You won't be interesting anymore (and no competition either).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is a quick way to stop it all. Just mention that your child is going to public school (GASP!) You won't be interesting anymore (and no competition either).

public school?

The OP will be shunned, and no one will want to schedule play dates with her ever.

[Anonymous]

If you are tired already, perhaps choose a different, more suitable route for you family (not being snarky).The competition will only get worse!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I don't understand. How can there be competition for pre-k and kindergarten? It's not like children that age can accomplish anything. Are the parents so bored with showing off their cars, homes, and careers that they're turning the kids into status symbols?

Run, run away.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Perhaps it's not the competition of the admissions process itself that's bothersome. I think it's more related to the associated drama that's unfolding, the seemingly insincerity in some "relationships", the ulterior motivations of people's behavior. It just grows old.

[Anonymous]

Um, care to share the name of this preschool?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Perhaps it's not the competition of the admissions process itself that's bothersome. I think it's more related to the associated drama that's unfolding, the seemingly insincerity in some "relationships", the ulterior motivations of people's behavior. It just grows old.

OP, the school sees this stuff every year. If all the sudden somebody who has never volunteered or donated a thing starts trying to cozy up to the head, I think they will notice. They have seen the DC jockeying many times before.

[Anonymous]

Rise above it....

I am totally transparent about where I am applying and how I feel about it. When people try to get all sneaky about what they are asking, I just turn and answer them directly, about testing scores, how interviews went, etc. I do not give a shit and anyone secure doesn't either.

Something that HAS occurred to me lately (as a result of these annoying conversations) is that when a lot of these mothers and I are applying to the same schools, it is beginning to make me think that my local public school is the better option. Mothers do not seem to be as paranoid, snobbish, rude, and obviously insecure. I find these conversations to be enlightening. Shows what the culture of some certain schools will be like and I wish I could withdraw some of my apps.

[Anonymous]

You can withdraw your applications. Just write a letter or call. I've done it better. But I'll bet you won't! Easier said than done.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I won't withdraw b/c I paid all these fees and did all this legwork and am honestly too cheap to withdraw at this point...I guess I should have said "I wish I would have never applied." That being said, how was I to know then what I know now?

[Anonymous]

I attended one of the Big 3. I'm SO HAPPY that I attended one of the Big 3 so I know what my children will (thankfully) be missing by attending our public schools. I am cringing reading about this craziness with the private school admissions process. It is just a reflection of many years to come. Who wants that in their life? In their child's life?

[Anonymous]

Have you thought that not everyone attending these schools are currently going to these pre-schools? Really, it is only a rat race if you get caught up in it by listening to the other parents or reading these message boards.

It is supposed to be about what is best for our kids, it is not a brass ring that you can show off to, whoever.