How.do you afford private school? Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

This is the OP here. I'm honestly not the person from Chicago that you seem to have me confused with, and I haven't read that thread (nor do I want to, since it sounds like it involves a lot of insult slinging!). I was a little shocked at the tone of some of these messages until I realized that you all think I'm someone who posted something else about this and am continuing to harbor on it or said something stupid in a previous post. Anyway, I'm totally new to this part of the forum and usually hang out in the "General Parenting" zone.

So, I don't disagree that it may not be possible for us, but I'm considering options and was curious about how people make it work. I have considered the possibility of moving to cheaper area with worse public schools so that prices are cheaper. I have also considered going back to work and absolutely plan to do so eventually but would prefer to wait until my youngest is 2 or 3. I have no intention of being a SAHM while they are in school full-time.

As for earning potential, I love that people are slamming my DH and me for choosing low-paying jobs. Do you live in the real world? It's not like there are tons of $200K+ jobs out there. And it's not like we can just magically become lawyers or doctors who may make higher salaries based on our fields. Whether or not I wanted to, I can't think of a job I could walk into with my background and make even $150K. And I have some very good experience and a master's. But not every field pays that well, and education is not one that typically does. Is it my fault for choosing that field? Sure. But don't pretend I'm being lazy for getting paid a low salary because I didn't search in the right place for a job in my field.

Honestly, I appreciate the snark because you've convinced me that I probably don't want my children going to school with a bunch of people like you. Thank you to those we were nice and offered helpful suggestions, even if they involved some harsh realities.

[Anonymous]

I was planning on sending my DS to private, but we tried public, and he is thriving. Privates have to market and publics don't.

[Anonymous]

OP apply to the school's you like and apply for aid. There are one too many FA haters on this board who have nothing better to do but tell you what's not possible. #250KHHItwokidsandreceiving50%FA

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP who recommend seeking out schools that are upfront about how much aid they give out each year. We applied to 3 schools, got into all of them and received generous offers of aid from 2. Crossing our fingers that they will maintain the level of support, as they said they would.

[Anonymous]

OP, all you can do is apply, ask for FA and cross your fingers. If I understand correctly, most schools will add a sum to your income as your are a SAHM and the idea is you could earn, so they will increase your HHI by a certain amount and consider your need based on the adjusted HHI

[Anonymous]

Sorry if we're snarky op but many of us work long hours in stressful jobs to pay for private so it's frustrating when someone who gets to stay at home with their kids plus their DH has a govt job that's probably a lot fewer hours than our private sector jobs and they want FA so they can also attend the same schools for which we sacrifice a lot of time and money. The Chicago poster was pretty entitled, so I think you are getting unfairly blamed for some that. I think public schools are pretty great around here and in your situation i would try them first. If you really want private, I would research the ones that provide tuition remission for employees or offer generous FA packages to their employees, and see if you can get a job at the desired school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry if we're snarky op but many of us work long hours in stressful jobs to pay for private so it's frustrating when someone who gets to stay at home with their kids plus their DH has a govt job that's probably a lot fewer hours than our private sector jobs and they want FA so they can also attend the same schools for which we sacrifice a lot of time and money. The Chicago poster was pretty entitled, so I think you are getting unfairly blamed for some that. I think public schools are pretty great around here and in your situation i would try them first. If you really want private, I would research the ones that provide tuition remission for employees or offer generous FA packages to their employees, and see if you can get a job at the desired school.

+1. Would love to be a SAHM. We are putting two kids through private, and so it's definitely not an option. Both DH and I work full-time at the jobs that we like well enough, but do because they pay well enough (even though we'd love to work in non-profit, etc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the OP here. I'm honestly not the person from Chicago that you seem to have me confused with, and I haven't read that thread (nor do I want to, since it sounds like it involves a lot of insult slinging!). I was a little shocked at the tone of some of these messages until I realized that you all think I'm someone who posted something else about this and am continuing to harbor on it or said something stupid in a previous post. Anyway, I'm totally new to this part of the forum and usually hang out in the "General Parenting" zone.

So, I don't disagree that it may not be possible for us, but I'm considering options and was curious about how people make it work. I have considered the possibility of moving to cheaper area with worse public schools so that prices are cheaper. I have also considered going back to work and absolutely plan to do so eventually but would prefer to wait until my youngest is 2 or 3. I have no intention of being a SAHM while they are in school full-time.

As for earning potential, I love that people are slamming my DH and me for choosing low-paying jobs. Do you live in the real world? It's not like there are tons of $200K+ jobs out there. And it's not like we can just magically become lawyers or doctors who may make higher salaries based on our fields. Whether or not I wanted to, I can't think of a job I could walk into with my background and make even $150K. And I have some very good experience and a master's. But not every field pays that well, and education is not one that typically does. Is it my fault for choosing that field? Sure. But don't pretend I'm being lazy for getting paid a low salary because I didn't search in the right place for a job in my field.

Honestly, I appreciate the snark because you've convinced me that I probably don't want my children going to school with a bunch of people like you. Thank you to those we were nice and offered helpful suggestions, even if they involved some harsh realities.

It's fine that you chose a lower paying career and to stay at home. What is means is that you can't afford private schools, the same way you can't afford a mansion or a maseratti. It's weird that you even have to ask this. If you're middle class you can't afford rich people things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry if we're snarky op but many of us work long hours in stressful jobs to pay for private so it's frustrating when someone who gets to stay at home with their kids plus their DH has a govt job that's probably a lot fewer hours than our private sector jobs and they want FA so they can also attend the same schools for which we sacrifice a lot of time and money. The Chicago poster was pretty entitled, so I think you are getting unfairly blamed for some that. I think public schools are pretty great around here and in your situation i would try them first. If you really want private, I would research the ones that provide tuition remission for employees or offer generous FA packages to their employees, and see if you can get a job at the desired school.

So you are mad at someone who is receiving FA because of the choices you made? That's dumb. If you want to be a SAHM, then do so...and apply for FA. It's pure nonsense that everyone should make the same choices you made. It's also a bit snarky of you to think that being a SAHM isn't just as stressful, if not more, than your long hours job. Like seriously. I am not a SAHM, but I certainly don't profess to know what life is like for a SAHM. It's also pretty ridiculous that you think that everyone who works in a government job works a lot fewer hours than you. I work in the government and work at least 60 hours a week on the regular including long days and evenings. If you have never worked in the government you have NO idea what life is like for every government employee. If the only reason you are working those long hours in your crappy stressful job is to send your kids to private school, you have bigger issues than your long days. If you think the public schools are so great, why aren't you sending your kid to one? Oh let me guess, they are entitled to better than great because you work long stressful hours. Please, sounds like the way you deal with your guilt for being an absent parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the OP here. I'm honestly not the person from Chicago that you seem to have me confused with, and I haven't read that thread (nor do I want to, since it sounds like it involves a lot of insult slinging!). I was a little shocked at the tone of some of these messages until I realized that you all think I'm someone who posted something else about this and am continuing to harbor on it or said something stupid in a previous post. Anyway, I'm totally new to this part of the forum and usually hang out in the "General Parenting" zone.

So, I don't disagree that it may not be possible for us, but I'm considering options and was curious about how people make it work. I have considered the possibility of moving to cheaper area with worse public schools so that prices are cheaper. I have also considered going back to work and absolutely plan to do so eventually but would prefer to wait until my youngest is 2 or 3. I have no intention of being a SAHM while they are in school full-time.

As for earning potential, I love that people are slamming my DH and me for choosing low-paying jobs. Do you live in the real world? It's not like there are tons of $200K+ jobs out there. And it's not like we can just magically become lawyers or doctors who may make higher salaries based on our fields. Whether or not I wanted to, I can't think of a job I could walk into with my background and make even $150K. And I have some very good experience and a master's. But not every field pays that well, and education is not one that typically does. Is it my fault for choosing that field? Sure. But don't pretend I'm being lazy for getting paid a low salary because I didn't search in the right place for a job in my field.

Honestly, I appreciate the snark because you've convinced me that I probably don't want my children going to school with a bunch of people like you. Thank you to those we were nice and offered helpful suggestions, even if they involved some harsh realities.

It's fine that you chose a lower paying career and to stay at home. What is means is that you can't afford private schools, the same way you can't afford a mansion or a maseratti. It's weird that you even have to ask this. If you're middle class you can't afford rich people things.

I'm middle class and I am sending my DC to a "rich people" school. It doesn't take mansion or maseratti money to afford private school. More importantly, just because she chose to be a SAHM and her husband chooses to work for the government does not mean their kids don't deserve the best education available in the DMV. You need a reality check.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the OP here. I'm honestly not the person from Chicago that you seem to have me confused with, and I haven't read that thread (nor do I want to, since it sounds like it involves a lot of insult slinging!). I was a little shocked at the tone of some of these messages until I realized that you all think I'm someone who posted something else about this and am continuing to harbor on it or said something stupid in a previous post. Anyway, I'm totally new to this part of the forum and usually hang out in the "General Parenting" zone.

So, I don't disagree that it may not be possible for us, but I'm considering options and was curious about how people make it work. I have considered the possibility of moving to cheaper area with worse public schools so that prices are cheaper. I have also considered going back to work and absolutely plan to do so eventually but would prefer to wait until my youngest is 2 or 3. I have no intention of being a SAHM while they are in school full-time.

As for earning potential, I love that people are slamming my DH and me for choosing low-paying jobs. Do you live in the real world? It's not like there are tons of $200K+ jobs out there. And it's not like we can just magically become lawyers or doctors who may make higher salaries based on our fields. Whether or not I wanted to, I can't think of a job I could walk into with my background and make even $150K. And I have some very good experience and a master's. But not every field pays that well, and education is not one that typically does. Is it my fault for choosing that field? Sure. But don't pretend I'm being lazy for getting paid a low salary because I didn't search in the right place for a job in my field.

Honestly, I appreciate the snark because you've convinced me that I probably don't want my children going to school with a bunch of people like you. Thank you to those we were nice and offered helpful suggestions, even if they involved some harsh realities.

It's fine that you chose a lower paying career and to stay at home. What is means is that you can't afford private schools, the same way you can't afford a mansion or a maseratti. It's weird that you even have to ask this. If you're middle class you can't afford rich people things.

I'm middle class and I am sending my DC to a "rich people" school. It doesn't take mansion or maseratti money to afford private school. More importantly, just because she chose to be a SAHM and her husband chooses to work for the government does not mean their kids don't deserve the best education available in the DMV. You need a reality check.

Okay, if we need a reality check, can you please share your actual expenses, income, and savings? I am very curious how people actually afford private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the OP here. I'm honestly not the person from Chicago that you seem to have me confused with, and I haven't read that thread (nor do I want to, since it sounds like it involves a lot of insult slinging!). I was a little shocked at the tone of some of these messages until I realized that you all think I'm someone who posted something else about this and am continuing to harbor on it or said something stupid in a previous post. Anyway, I'm totally new to this part of the forum and usually hang out in the "General Parenting" zone.

So, I don't disagree that it may not be possible for us, but I'm considering options and was curious about how people make it work. I have considered the possibility of moving to cheaper area with worse public schools so that prices are cheaper. I have also considered going back to work and absolutely plan to do so eventually but would prefer to wait until my youngest is 2 or 3. I have no intention of being a SAHM while they are in school full-time.

As for earning potential, I love that people are slamming my DH and me for choosing low-paying jobs. Do you live in the real world? It's not like there are tons of $200K+ jobs out there. And it's not like we can just magically become lawyers or doctors who may make higher salaries based on our fields. Whether or not I wanted to, I can't think of a job I could walk into with my background and make even $150K. And I have some very good experience and a master's. But not every field pays that well, and education is not one that typically does. Is it my fault for choosing that field? Sure. But don't pretend I'm being lazy for getting paid a low salary because I didn't search in the right place for a job in my field.

Honestly, I appreciate the snark because you've convinced me that I probably don't want my children going to school with a bunch of people like you. Thank you to those we were nice and offered helpful suggestions, even if they involved some harsh realities.

It's fine that you chose a lower paying career and to stay at home. What is means is that you can't afford private schools, the same way you can't afford a mansion or a maseratti. It's weird that you even have to ask this. If you're middle class you can't afford rich people things.

I'm middle class and I am sending my DC to a "rich people" school. It doesn't take mansion or maseratti money to afford private school. More importantly, just because she chose to be a SAHM and her husband chooses to work for the government does not mean their kids don't deserve the best education available in the DMV. You need a reality check.

Every kid deserves "the best educaiton available in the DMV." OP doesn't deserve it just because she wants it. She has to pay for it. It's just weird that she's asking such as obvious question, as if there were a secret to how people do it. It's basic math and budgeting. It makes it seem like she feels like her kids are entitled to something extra just for being her kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry if we're snarky op but many of us work long hours in stressful jobs to pay for private so it's frustrating when someone who gets to stay at home with their kids plus their DH has a govt job that's probably a lot fewer hours than our private sector jobs and they want FA so they can also attend the same schools for which we sacrifice a lot of time and money. The Chicago poster was pretty entitled, so I think you are getting unfairly blamed for some that. I think public schools are pretty great around here and in your situation i would try them first. If you really want private, I would research the ones that provide tuition remission for employees or offer generous FA packages to their employees, and see if you can get a job at the desired school.

So you are mad at someone who is receiving FA because of the choices you made? That's dumb. If you want to be a SAHM, then do so...and apply for FA. It's pure nonsense that everyone should make the same choices you made. It's also a bit snarky of you to think that being a SAHM isn't just as stressful, if not more, than your long hours job. Like seriously. I am not a SAHM, but I certainly don't profess to know what life is like for a SAHM. It's also pretty ridiculous that you think that everyone who works in a government job works a lot fewer hours than you. I work in the government and work at least 60 hours a week on the regular including long days and evenings. If you have never worked in the government you have NO idea what life is like for every government employee. If the only reason you are working those long hours in your crappy stressful job is to send your kids to private school, you have bigger issues than your long days. If you think the public schools are so great, why aren't you sending your kid to one? Oh let me guess, they are entitled to better than great because you work long stressful hours. Please, sounds like the way you deal with your guilt for being an absent parent.

No, I don't think my kids are entitled to private school. I pay for it and don't expect someone else to pay for it when I'm capable of earning a salary to pay for it. Everything is about choices and if I chose to work for a non profit oR stay at home then I would put my kids in public school. Remember- there are many many great publics in this area where kids are getting a great education. No one is entitled to a private school education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or you can try a parochial school that doesn't cost 40K per year. Some are very nice and warm and provide good educations.

Yes. This. Outside of parochial there are other choices that do not cost 40k and may provide assistance. Still not easy on one income but it may be worth exploring these options.

This! We're full pay and not paying half of that 40k sum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry if we're snarky op but many of us work long hours in stressful jobs to pay for private so it's frustrating when someone who gets to stay at home with their kids plus their DH has a govt job that's probably a lot fewer hours than our private sector jobs and they want FA so they can also attend the same schools for which we sacrifice a lot of time and money. The Chicago poster was pretty entitled, so I think you are getting unfairly blamed for some that. I think public schools are pretty great around here and in your situation i would try them first. If you really want private, I would research the ones that provide tuition remission for employees or offer generous FA packages to their employees, and see if you can get a job at the desired school.

So you are mad at someone who is receiving FA because of the choices you made? That's dumb. If you want to be a SAHM, then do so...and apply for FA. It's pure nonsense that everyone should make the same choices you made. It's also a bit snarky of you to think that being a SAHM isn't just as stressful, if not more, than your long hours job. Like seriously. I am not a SAHM, but I certainly don't profess to know what life is like for a SAHM. It's also pretty ridiculous that you think that everyone who works in a government job works a lot fewer hours than you. I work in the government and work at least 60 hours a week on the regular including long days and evenings. If you have never worked in the government you have NO idea what life is like for every government employee. If the only reason you are working those long hours in your crappy stressful job is to send your kids to private school, you have bigger issues than your long days. If you think the public schools are so great, why aren't you sending your kid to one? Oh let me guess, they are entitled to better than great because you work long stressful hours. Please, sounds like the way you deal with your guilt for being an absent parent.

No, I don't think my kids are entitled to private school. I pay for it and don't expect someone else to pay for it when I'm capable of earning a salary to pay for it. Everything is about choices and if I chose to work for a non profit oR stay at home then I would put my kids in public school. Remember- there are many many great publics in this area where kids are getting a great education. No one is entitled to a private school education.

And if she chooses to be a SAHM and her husband chooses to work for the government and they get FA to send their kid to private school that's completely fine too. Last time I checked no private school is interested in having a non-diversified socio-economic student body.