Totally undecided about where to send DC. Pulling overpriced highlighted hair out....

[Anonymous]

DH says do not worry about it until we get the letter....our decision may be made for us!

If I watch enough CNN, I am running to my local public.

If I follow my heart, I am running to a private.

When I look at my kid, I have no friggin' clue because the kid is FIVE. What do you know about a kid at FIVE to make such a decision?!?!?

Anyone else going crazy? Anyone thinking it is time to move somewhere in the midwest, where I always fantasize life is sweeter and simpler...(I know it isn't, but don't shatter my dreams)

No need to flame me, but feel free. Maybe it will take my mind off of this mess.

[Anonymous]

You won't get any flames from me.

If the decision is so difficult to make, that necessarily means that none of the choices is far better or far worse than any of the others. Qualitatively different, perhaps, but if there was wide enough variation in quality, you would know which one you wanted most.

You are actually being more clear-headed than many people when you state that it is hard to know what is right for a five-year-old child. Some people would have you believe that there is one right choice and that you are risking your child's future by selecting otherwise. That's nonsense.

The fact is, you are not choosing forever. You are making the best decision based upon what you know about your child now and if it does not work out (which it most likely will), you can make a change.

Relax. Have a nice weekend. Bake cookies with your kid. It's all going to be okay. If any of your choices were inadequate, you would know and have a strong opinion already.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Geez, thanks PP. That was awfully nice of you. I thought an advocate of one or the other would get on here and flame the hell outta me....thanks. I feel a little better.

[Anonymous]

OP, love your subject line...this process is quite agonizing. I have had cold sores flare-up about four times since October, and I have not had one since college finals. I also have no idea what kind of student my 4-year old will make even in kindergarten this Fall, let alone middle or high school. Perhaps it is just gut and prayer. I ask myself regularly if the top schools in the area are best for my child or is it because they are considered the best schools, regardles of fit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You won't get any flames from me.

If the decision is so difficult to make, that necessarily means that none of the choices is far better or far worse than any of the others. Qualitatively different, perhaps, but if there was wide enough variation in quality, you would know which one you wanted most.

You are actually being more clear-headed than many people when you state that it is hard to know what is right for a five-year-old child. Some people would have you believe that there is one right choice and that you are risking your child's future by selecting otherwise. That's nonsense.

The fact is, you are not choosing forever. You are making the best decision based upon what you know about your child now and if it does not work out (which it most likely will), you can make a change.

Relax. Have a nice weekend. Bake cookies with your kid. It's all going to be okay. If any of your choices were inadequate, you would know and have a strong opinion already.

I like this. Take it year by year....

[Anonymous]

Think about it this way: If your kid doesn't get into a private school, you can highlight your hair all you want.

[Anonymous]

Hey former midwesterner here. Just chiming in to reassure you that things aren't any better there, and in a lot of ways can be worse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey former midwesterner here. Just chiming in to reassure you that things aren't any better there, and in a lot of ways can be worse.

Use public until middle or high school. Then if you can move to a small school district outside NY or Philadelphia. If not be prepared to color your own hair. Does anyone notice that Obama's tax proposals unfairly categorize families in high cost of living areas as wealthy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey former midwesterner here. Just chiming in to reassure you that things aren't any better there, and in a lot of ways can be worse.

Use public until middle or high school. Then if you can move to a small school district outside NY or Philadelphia. If not be prepared to color your own hair. Does anyone notice that Obama's tax proposals unfairly categorize families in high cost of living areas as wealthy?

Yes. That's why I'm probably the only person in D.C. who did not vote for him. If he's going to raise my taxes, he'd better also do something to help improve the public schools in D.C.

[Anonymous]

Dh is right. Try to let go of your anxiety and your need to make a decision until you get the letter.

Good luck!