families switching from private to public?

[Anonymous]

Hello all –

I posted this in the independent schools forum, but the topic really is both public and private schools, so I'm putting it up here as well. I hope this doesn't offend anyone.

I cover private schools for the Washington Post, and I’m working on an article about private school families switching to public schools this year. The numbers are way up, where they’re tracked, and I can only assume that the economy is a large factor in decisions. That there are some really great public schools in the area – Montgomery County, Fairfax, and elsewhere – can only ease the decision, I’d think.

But I’m trying to put a face on the numbers. Has anyone here switched from private to public this year? Or know anyone who has who might be willing to tell me a little more about the decision?

I’m certainly interested in people moving the other way, too, either because of the big budget cuts in all the public school systems or for other reasons. But the numbers seem to show a big movement from private to public.

Also: the full-time coverage of private and religious schools is new, part of the Post’s revamping the way it covers education in the Washington area. If ever you have concerns, tips, or thoughts about the topic, please don’t hesitate to let me know at birnbaumm(at)washpost.com or 703-443-6850. I look forward to exploring the ins and outs of private schools as the year progresses.

Best,
Michael Birnbaum