Reply to DD 15 overly judgmental towards schools fundraising

Forum Index » Private & Independent Schools

Reply to "DD 15 overly judgmental towards schools fundraising "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]I’m hoping for some perspective. We’re in the DC area at a (very) expensive independent school, and while I knew what we were signing up for financially, I don’t think my 15-year-old DD fully understands the economics of it all.

Lately she’s been extremely critical of the school’s fundraising efforts, parent emails asking for donations, the “100% parent participation” push, even smaller things like spirit days and giving days. Her comments range from “Why are they asking for more money when tuition is already insane?” to “This just feels greedy.” She rolls her eyes at the emails and has even made snarky remarks about it in front of other parents.

I’ve tried explaining that tuition doesn’t cover the full cost of educating each student, that financial aid is a major priority, that teacher salaries(our private pays the teachers very well), facilities, arts, athletics, etc., all require supplemental funding. I’ve also explained that strong fundraising keeps the school competitive and allows for the programs she enjoys (which she very much does enjoy!).

Her response is basically: “Then why is tuition so high in the first place?”

Part of me admires that she’s thinking critically about money and equity. Another part of me worries she just doesn’t grasp how expensive it is to run a school like this  especially in the DC area and that she’s being a bit naïve and judgmental without understanding the bigger picture.

Has anyone else dealt with this? Is this just typical teenage idealism? Do I lean into the conversation about privilege and economics, or shut down the snark and insist on basic respect?

Would love to hear how others have navigated similar attitudes or if it’s just me.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics