Reply to Westland or Holton for 6th Grade?

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[quote=Anonymous]Our daughter was accepted to 6th grade at Holton.  Rather than feel ecstatic, I feel anxious about sending her.  My husband and I are usually in sync about big life decisions, but the prospect of sending our daughter to an independent school hasn't been one of them.  My husband grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Shady Side Academy (on a scholarship), which he loved and credits with giving him great advantages that he wouldn't have otherwise had.  I grew up in the Northeast and had a great experience in public schools.  We both attended comparable colleges and graduate school.

While I have no doubt that Holton would provide our daughter with an exceptional education, I worry about:

1. Cost -- tuition would take most of our annual savings, and I worry about retirement
2. Environment of privilege -- I worry that being exposed to girls from wealthier families will increase her sense of entitlement/expectations (I think my husband has more of this than I do, based on our different school experiences)
3. Next year's 6th grade class at Holton -- a Holton parent described this year's 5th grade class as "extremely intense and competitive."  My daughter is more on the mellow side, and this doesn't sound like a great fit.
4. Public alternative -- while I have concerns about Westland (particularly the large size and lack of individualized instruction and attention), I've heard that the academics are strong

Our daughter isn't a genious (frankly, we weren't expecting she'd be accepted at Holton), though she can do well when she applies herself.  Her real gifts are her social and emotional intelligence -- she has a great heart, is extremely sensitive to the feelings of others, is a natural facilitator in groups, is able to articulate astute observations about herself and others, and brings a great sense of humor to her experiences (including an ability to laugh at herself and situations that don't go well).  She also has a strong interest in music and singing.

I'd like her to be engaged and stimulated intellectually and also grow and develop in a supportive community.  AND I don't want to work until I'm 85!

Thoughts?  [/quote]

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