Murch v Lowell School

[Anonymous]

We're trying to decide for DD which of these schools. There are pros and cons to both. We're concerned about the high tuition for kindergarten. Does any at Murch have experience with this?

[Anonymous]

If you got into Lowell go to Lowell. No question.

[Anonymous]

When I toured Murch two years ago, (I am OOB), several parents on the tour were in boundary, considering pulling their kids from privates and returning to Murch in ~2nd grade or 3rd. When I toured Lowell, the same year, most of the parents had selected Lowell because they felt their child could not handle the larger class size at a public, and needed the small class size. The number of parents (perhaps my particualr tour experience) that described their child as having a special need concerned me. What else would you do with the money? Lowell is a lot, particularly if you need after care. College savings? Retirement? High mortgage? Certainly I would pick Murch and college over Lowell and no college.

[Anonymous]

I absolutely loved Lowell when I toured but the to me the cost just isn't worth it. Especially if you can find a public school that works for your family. But if you really have money to spend then go to Lowell.

[Anonymous]

I am inboundary for Murch. If my only two choices were Murch or Lowell, I would go with Murch without further consideration. (we are at a different private).

I agree with 6:41 that Lowell is a "lot." A whole lot. If money is absolutely no object for you whatsoever, then it might be a toss-up. Our family determined that while other private schools might -- might -- be worth $182,000 K-6 (based on current tuition) .... Lowell was not worth that.

[Anonymous]

We chose Lowell over a NW DC public, although I think that either one can be a good choice for a family. We are big fans of the progressive educational philosophy and the small class sizes/individual attention for our kids. I agree with the others that if money is tight for your family then I would consider trying the local public first before foregoing savings, etc. But we have been very happy with the Lowell experience and the education our kids are getting there (and that we are avoiding a lot of the competitive DC craziness for these years). So if your fnancial situation allows you to send your child to Lowell, I would definitely go for it.

[Anonymous]

Also one in three students at Lowell gets Financial Assistance, so that may be a possibility for you if you qualify.