What's the chance to get re-accepted at Potomac

[Anonymous]

DS was accepted to Potomac a few years ago, when DH timely lost his job. I put DS in public school, but secretely regret the decision ever since. I love Potomac, which is my dream school, and I can see DS thrive in the cozy environment. Now that our financial situation has improved, I dream of sending her to Potomac. How do schools treat former applicants who turned down the acceptance before? Do we have any chance? I did not handled the turn down process well last time - in the frustration of DS's job loss I simply called the school saying we would not attend and did not follow up with any letters. What shall I do to improve her chance?

[Anonymous]

You need to personally connect with the AD and explain what happened, tell them how you feel about Potomac and how things have changed for your family. Have an honest discussion and reassure them that the same thing will not happen. You should also tell them that Potomac is your first choice.

Otherwise, they will be going with what is in your child app record. Ideally, you should have written the AD a note with explanation and profuse thanks when you turned them down a few year ago.

But you need to be serious about applying to them. Schools talk with each other and down the road another potential rejection could come back to bite you with other schools.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PP. Give the AD or assistant AD at Potomac a call and just discuss the situation. They are very nice people and will certainly be willing to listen.

Do be aware that if you were originally applying for K, then you'd now be applying for 2nd or 3rd grade which I don't believe are typical entry points - so the # of available slots may be very limited. Potomac is one of the most competitive schools for admissions in the DC metro area, and with their beautiful new upper and lower school facilities I'd think it's only going to get harder to get in.

[Anonymous]

Thank you PPs. Very helpful advice. Do you know which grade is Potomac's expansion year, ie when the class expands so more spaces are offered?

[Anonymous]

Potomac expands at 6, 7 and 9th. Not sure if there are earlier years. They have built a new lower school so things could have changed.

[Anonymous]

Potomac takes a few new students in first grade and more in fourth grade.