How much of a tuition increase will make you leave the private schools that you are enrolled in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going back to the original question, what do people consider their cut-off point in terms of tuition? With many schools now nudging the 30k mark, are people willing to stick around as tuition goes to 35k, or even 40k? These sorts of tuition increases don't seem impossible considering the trends so far.

My thoughts? If the tuition increases are for staff salaries then I would not object. If a portion of the increase is to cover costs for scholarship students who legitimately cannot pay 100% then I am OK theoretically. I would expect such students to be gifted academically, of good character, and contribute in positive ways to the school culture.

Tuition flows into operating expenses and schools should tighten up who gets financial aid. None of these schools are the scope of a Princeton so if a family has expensive vehicles, elaborate vacations flying guests , second homes, then one would think NO financial aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, in this area, the declining student volume helps the public schools more than the private schools.

Where are the public enrollments declining? In close-in Bethesda (Westbrook, Woodacres), they seem to be climbing every year.

Wyngate now has a bunch of new trailer classrooms in what used to be the grassy play area - looks like 10 or so in all. This part of Bethesda certainly sees no drop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going back to the original question, what do people consider their cut-off point in terms of tuition? With many schools now nudging the 30k mark, are people willing to stick around as tuition goes to 35k, or even 40k? These sorts of tuition increases don't seem impossible considering the trends so far.

No way for 40k. 30k in a bad economy is sending families running.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My thoughts? If the tuition increases are for staff salaries then I would not object. If a portion of the increase is to cover costs for scholarship students who legitimately cannot pay 100% then I am OK theoretically. I would expect such students to be gifted academically, of good character, and contribute in positive ways to the school culture.

"Charity kids" are no different from other kids. They are expected to meet the same requirements as other 'paying' kids. I doubt that they are that much more gifted, of good character etc.
I have not heard of 100% tuition breaks. Parents still have to contribute. For the schools it is still a win situation. They make some money instead of no money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also think that the Sidwell quote was nauseating.

We'll be paying $26K next year for our eldest child to attend a top school. My DH makes around $300K, and we thought that we could afford the school. If tuition held steady, I think we'd stay the course. But looking into the future at $30K+ tuition has me rethinking all of this. And I almost have DH convinced as well.

I'm like the other PPs who have thought of the annual summer-long trip to China, India, or Africa that we could afford if we don't stay in independent schools. That kind of exposure combined with the great MC or Fairfax schools should suit Junior just fine.

The disparity between public and private just isn't great enough to justify the rising cost. And I don't want to have to return to work and hire a nanny just to pay the college-size tuitions.

Your spouse has the flexibility to miss two or more months or work and spend $30K on a summer-long trip?

I was the poster saying that I'd rather go public and spend tuition money on great summer trips.

No, my spouse doesn't have the flexibility to be overseas for 2 months. But if I don't have to go back to work to pay for private school, then I can. My husband would come for 2 weeks to see us in the middle of the summer. (He says that he wouldn't resent our being away for so long, because it would be good for the kids).

And of course, travelling for 2 months won't cost $30K. Maybe we could bank the rest of the money for, I don't know, retirement? College?

Anyway, it's just an option we're considering because our child's school will hit $30K in two years at the current rate of tuition hikes.

[Anonymous]

We just attended an Open House at the newly renovated Hardy Middle School in Georgetown. It's beautiful! Hopefully, our 2 elementary kids will go there for middle school.

[Anonymous]

My daughter attended Hardy and finished 8th grade in 07. She had some fantastic teachers there -- and some duds (as always in DCPS you have to be vigilant) -- but overall it was a good experience. I only wish she could have attended after the renovations had been finished! It's definitely worth checking out.