Is competition just as great for 1st grade admissions?

[Anonymous]

Did anyone actually get into one of the private's at first grade? Was it the first time they applied? We didn't go through the application process for Pre-K or K but applied for first grade this year to a few schools. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think only the ADs would be able to tell you the ratio, and I know for certain that the ratio of applicants to slots varies a lot among schools. So ask.

Our school has zero scheduled slots, and so does our second choice school. But I think GDS and Sidwell and maybe others expand the 1st grade class by a handful of students?

[Anonymous]

Thanks. When I ask the schools I get very vague answers. I assume they really don't know since contracts and such are not due until March or April. I was just trying to get a feel from other parents who were in this situation. I guess I'm getting anxious for March : (

[Anonymous]

Sidwell does not expand in first grade. There may be, on occasion, attrition which opens spots.

[Anonymous]

First grade is tough to get into at most schools since they're aren't many spots. Keep trying if it doesn't work this year -- good luck!

[Anonymous]

I know of 2-3 students who got in in first grade this year at various schools. Kind of luck, no way to know. Hope it works out for you!

[Anonymous]

We got into a top private for first garde. We applied to 7 were given admission to 2 and w/l'd at the remaing 5. What I will say is that there are very few slots at the 1st grade level. Most of the schools had little or no attrition, so your chance are slim, but there is some hope. Luckily for us, our first choice was one of the one's were admitted to. I think at this particular grade your student has to have that special component or whatevere it maybe that the schools are looking for. I remember around late February very early March DH and I were very anxious and wondering had we made the fatal mistake by forgoing this process for K. When the standard sized envelopes started rolling I thought we were doomed, but finally we received the large one's we had been hoping for. Try to stay calm and know that there is a chance for you. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP,
Didn't you discuss this when you applied?

[Anonymous]

Oops. Just saw that you'd gotten vague answers. That's odd. We wanted to apply on an off year and the AD told us the two slots were going to connected families and told us to come back the following year, an expansion year. Maybe they were vague because they're nervous in this economy ... Good luck. People do get in!

[Anonymous]

If you are speaking of first grade admissions to places like Beauvoir and Sidwell, it is just as difficult to get in. Maybe more so. First, because openings are only by attrition. At least the families I know who are at such places are willing to pay the mind-boggling tution only to serve as a place holder for high school. I've only known two families to leave at first grade - both due to work transfers. Second, unless you are coming from a public school, you will be relying on the current school to say nice things about you. It'll be harder for them to do so if you are perceived to be jumping ship so soon for greener pastures. Third, because there are so few slots, and still a huge number of applicants, the very small handful of kids who get in are usually the superstar kids (smarts, talent, etc.). In other words, connections seem to play less of a role. Just my observations . . .