New STA parent seeking advice, suggestions, or just plain "I wish I had known X" info

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

This is very anecdotal. My son has absolutely worn stuff from the exchange, and I have worked it as a volunteer and I always had parents picking stuff up during my shift. I don’t think the boys shop there but parents do on their behalf. There are a lot of reasons to shop secondhand: convenience, frugality, ease - whatever. My son’s experience has been that the boys really don’t care what they wear, by and large.
Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

You'd be surprised at the super wealthy moms who shop at the student exchange. I know a few who volunteer to work there so they can get first dibs on the super nice stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

I call fake poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

PP I appreciate your response. Our profiles are similar. I don't expect you to state what grade your son is in but I do wonder. The DC private school world has become an increasingly flashy one, it didn't used to be that way. There are plenty of families who are as you describe them but there are also families of varying backgrounds. I'm sorry you haven't encountered them yet but you will. And maybe you will run into some of the more down to earth families at the exchange, I'll be there. Remember that water seeks it's own level. Pettiness, meanness, and insecurity know no difference in a persons wealth. I've seen these qualities in the richer parents and the not so rich. Same with truly kind and secure people. I know it's easier said than done but try not let the wealth get to you. The St. Albans community on the whole is a nice one and again, on the whole, the teachers are wonderful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

I call fake poster.

Fake poster? This is my reply and I'm not fake or a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

PP I appreciate your response. Our profiles are similar. I don't expect you to state what grade your son is in but I do wonder. The DC private school world has become an increasingly flashy one, it didn't used to be that way. There are plenty of families who are as you describe them but there are also families of varying backgrounds. I'm sorry you haven't encountered them yet but you will. And maybe you will run into some of the more down to earth families at the exchange, I'll be there. Remember that water seeks it's own level. Pettiness, meanness, and insecurity know no difference in a persons wealth. I've seen these qualities in the richer parents and the not so rich. Same with truly kind and secure people. I know it's easier said than done but try not let the wealth get to you. The St. Albans community on the whole is a nice one and again, on the whole, the teachers are wonderful.

Thank you for your reply! I do think it varies by grade. The grade below ours seems to have a more down-to-earth parent group. I have a good friend in that grade (whom I met long before STA) and have met multiple parents in her grade through her and they are more of the normal DC crowd--high level professionals but not ultra monied. I didn't not fall off the turnip truck yesterday--I've been in DC professional circles a long time and actually had a daughter at NCS (since graduated). I can navigate the DC social scene. But man, the STA crows can be HARD.

Again, I have experience with one grade. There are probably easier grades. My experience is that the down-to-earth families (and especially the financial aid families) don't come to social events with any regularity. So the social events are dominated by the mega-wealthy.
The teachers are by-in-large wonderful. I agree 100% with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do new C formers handle their ties? Do kids wear the pre-tied clip on kind or is that just not a thing? Do people teach their kid how to tie a tie before school starts in case it comes undone during the day? Also, do any parents of older kids have suggestions on what you've found to be the most comfortable shirts and pants to buy that will hold up to the abuse that the boys put them through (we know about the exchange shop)?

Welcome! Some wear clip ons, some learn how to tie a tie, some have parents tie their tie, and quite a few wear turtlenecks the minute there is a chill well into warm spring. As for clothes, we buy Landsend, great sales.

Your son needs to learn how to tie a tie from Day 1. YouTube can help if no one in the household can. Second Lands End. But really the best clothes are available at the STA Exchange. It is a bit jarring to see Armani and Polo and Brooks and Press ties for $5, and you can easily score blazers for $20.

Most kids don't shop at the student exchange. That is not accurate to say they do.

Correct I don't know anyone who does and the one time I went the pickings for decent stuff was vey slim. Most STA boys would never wear used clothing, it is an exceedingly wealthy school especially in many of the younger grades.

Umm I have two boys at STA and we love the exchange. Not that it matters, but we are not on FA. I always shop at the exchange. My boys don't care AT ALL, doesn't even cross their minds that their blazers, belts, etc are used. And if anything, they get really stoked to find vintage tee shirts. PP I hope you aren't really a parent and are just a troll.

To new families, the pp is not a typical parent. Never thought about being judged for going to exchange, and don't care of I am, but really its those who don't who are missing out. Used clothing makes so much sense for kids and adults. Different conversation, but I never ever pay retail for anything, if it's $2,000.00 or $20, I find it for much cheaper. Love free stuff too!

sorry---I did not mean to suggest that one shouldn't shop there. We are not wealthy which is why I went there. But I honestly don't know anyone who does--my son's classmates all spend a lot of money of clothing.
My son's grade is exceedingly wealthy. I honestly always wonder where all the down-to-earth STA posters on here are hiding during the school year. We can't seem to find you and feel chronically out-of-place at school because we're not club members, don't have a CEO level job, don't have multiple homes, etc. I'm sure I'll get trashed now but I'm being vulnerable so please be kind. The wealth there is insane (and I have another kid at another top DC private).

I call fake poster.

Fake poster? This is my reply and I'm not fake or a troll.

Some parents at STA assume anyone that doesn’t like the community is a troll. Ugh. I am a different poster and yes we are wealthy and full pay etc but definitely feel out of place at STA as the social set all belong to the same clubs so I agree with previous poster. STA has doubled down in this regard in recent years.

[Anonymous]

I would keep looking for your people, pp. we are not club members, drive old cars etc. the group of kids my son hangs out with could care less. And most are in similar situations. The boys are all very talented, smart, involved - those sorts of attributes seem to matter more. My son did enter in an older grade. Maybe that makes a difference?

I am not trying to gaslight your experience but mine (and my kid’s) has been very different.

And I confirm as a volunteer at the exchange lots of families shop there. I have never seen boys come in when I work but I think that is because most don’t buy their own uniform clothes any where.

[Anonymous]

The boys themselves don’t shop at the exchange. It’s the moms. The trick is to go the first week the store opens up.