Are we crazy to turn down a "Big Three" for Potomac?

[Anonymous]

I am a PP with a child in LS. The school is challenging but warm and supportive. Meets each child, I believe, st his or her level, with some pretty precise solutions for a variety of kids. Gets more challenging as the students move ahead. Friends with kids in MS, IS, and US have similar feedback -- high achievers have great opportunities and are challnged and helped to grow. Middle of the pack are also challenged but without a sense that everyone must be striving to be number one. Greats arts program, good (to great) athletic opportunities. Seems to put out well rounded students with a lot of poise. In LS, they encourage public speaking and participation and I can already see a change in my kid's confidence.

Lots of families who have lots of choices (i.e. notable names, plenty of money and influence outside of the school community) seem to be choosing it, so I doubt it is the slackerville some want to portray it to be. I guess it is fine if some "Big 3" proponents think it is a lesser institution, but those wo do seem pretty uninformed.

[Anonymous]

It al turns on the child. What does he or she want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP -- I assure you that I'm quite sincere. I'm not trying to brag about my child, particularly since this is an anonymous forum and it would be fairly pointless to try to seek kudos or admiration when nobody has any idea who I am! I purposely have been vague because I'm trying not to identify my child or family, and it is a small private school world. We love both schools and feel that he/she would get a wonderful education at both. However, when we have told friends or work colleagues what choice we most likely will make (i.e. Potomac), most seem to be surprised. I'm not trying to bash either school, and our indecisiveness is a reflection of our genuine respect for each school. I think most people on this board don't have ulterior motives other than seeking advice from people who have more experience with a particular school. If it helps, our child is at the older end of Lower School, so Middle School and Upper School are clearly factoring into the decision.

I appreciate your response. But if you don't identify the other school, and simply ask "Am I crazy?," you're not going to get much substance in the way of responses. I haven't posted before 9:42, but my gut reaction is that while I'd not call you crazy, I'd almost certainly pick the Big 3 if I were in your shoes. But that's just my viewpoint, based on knowing my kids, knowing where I live, and knowing what I want out of a school. You haven't provided any details about your situation, so it's impossible for any of us to know what makes sense for you.

For all we know, you (1) live down the street from Potomac, (2) have several family friends there, (3) have done several shadow days and love it there, (4) expect your child to excel in some sport that's more popular there than whatever Big 3 you're comparing to, and (5) are somewhat worried about your child's ability to meet the academic challenges at the Big 3. I sort of doubt all that's true -- I'm obviously making it up. But without any info from you, how is anyone else supposed to answer the question?

[Anonymous]

As you've just demonstrated, one could answer by listing good/sane reasons why one might make the choice OP is making.

Presumably, OP isn't really asking DCUM to pass judgment on her sanity -- she's trying to figure out if the opinions she's hearing at work are widespread and, if so, whether they're based on something she's overlooking or undervaluing.

I read this as basically asking for a reality check -- Could a smart and rational person make this decision? Short answer -- yes, and for a host of different reasons.

[Anonymous]

Actually, OP if I knew you irl I would make a few arguments why the choice you are making is preferable.

Go forit. My hunch is that the opinions you are hearing that are negative are the prestige wh*res that think there is a very rigid hierarchy to the ranking of the local schools. Many of us know this to be silly.

[Anonymous]

The reaction you are getting at work and on this board reflects the fact that many people, including Virginia residents, perceive Potomac as a back up choice to the "Big 3."

If you or your child prefer Potomac, go for it! I wouldn't second guess your decision based on which school is more prestigious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reaction you are getting at work and on this board reflects the fact that many people, including Virginia residents, perceive Potomac as a back up choice to the "Big 3."

If you or your child prefer Potomac, go for it! I wouldn't second guess your decision based on which school is more prestigious.

Depends on which part of VA. My nephew went to Potomac and told us that many were not interested in schools downtown. I found the same to be true when DC went to another school in VA. If you go to Potomac it may be a different group of kids than you would have at a Big 3. That's OK if that works for your family.

[Anonymous]

TO OP: sounds like you and your family are leaning towards Potomac, but just want to make sure you're not missing out because of the reactions you've received from others (people at work, etc).

Go with Potomac! I doubt the people at work have invested the time and effort you have put in researching these schools.

[Anonymous]

Ditto above!

If you can think about it this way - sounds like you and family are thinking Potomac is the right fit. While others at your or your husband's work are surprised which has caused you to pause. Those people either 1- have kids at "said" Big 3 school and of course think it is a great place otherwise why would their kids be there. Or 2- they don't have kids in school age, or their kids are out of school and are going solely on the concept of the 3DC schools being the "best" and others are clearly less. Don't let these others change your mind OR at least, ask them why they are surprised about your possible idea. I gather is you simply were to ask them to tell you more, their expertise may end there.

Its hard when you are in it, but you will feel clarity and happy come fall when school starts. I have friends at potomac who love it! Great for all ages.

[Anonymous]

Potomac is a great school. OP, if you are thinking that you want more political connections at a different school, then you should go for that. But as far as education goes, it is a fine, excellent school. I know that you always do feel a little weird taking a perceived 'lesser" school. We did it and have been very happy. We cant make the trek to DC every day.

[Anonymous]

OP, go with your gut. Even if people here are correct about which schools are more prestigious or have edges in various categories, all of them are excellent schools where your child will get a first-rate education. You have your reasons why you're feeling a bigger pull to Potomac than to the others, and you should respect that because it reflects your values, priorities, and other life circumstances (and don't dismiss commute or socializing as insignificant, they matter). I've personally been there, done that with several life choices (turning down the "obvious" answer in favor of a different option), and those have some of the best life choices I've made.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Potomac has always felt like a public school that charges 35k to attend. There is nothing they do that differentiates them as unique or special.

You have never been there, that is clear.

Why are your knickers in a twist over this?? Yes, I have been there and that is why I have the opinion I do.

[Anonymous]

If Potomac feels like a public school, what DO you think a private school should look like? Were the kids poorly behaved? Honestly if you think Potomac or frankly any private in the region "feels like a public" you should visit a real public school not Langley or Whitman. Visit Annandale or Stuart High.

Potomac is strong for a private and is probably the strongest one in VA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Potomac has always felt like a public school that charges 35k to attend. There is nothing they do that differentiates them as unique or special.

You have never been there, that is clear.

Why are your knickers in a twist over this?? Yes, I have been there and that is why I have the opinion I do.

Wow, I'd love to find a public school w/ those low student/teacher ratios, huge gorgeous campus, athletic facilities, technology, amphitheater, black box theater, endless art studios, science lab beginning in LS, squash courts, photography studios, languages, no bullying or mean girls, one on one reading & math support beginning in K, no worksheets, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:TO OP: sounds like you and your family are leaning towards Potomac, but just want to make sure you're not missing out because of the reactions you've received from others (people at work, etc).

Go with Potomac! I doubt the people at work have invested the time and effort you have put in researching these schools.

Exactly. You're an adult not a lemming.

Potomac is an excellent school.