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[quote=Anonymous]OP, we're an Alexandria family that decided to go private from PK on, and we get a lot of resentment from our DC's preschool classmates' parents.  We're even zoned for what is supposedly the best public elementary school in Alexandria (according to test scores).  What we found when we visited was a school that is stronger than most, but still lacks many of the things we were looking for in our DC's education.

I think the resentment is due to three things:

1) despite the veneer of friendship, people in this area are highly competitive.   The idea that you'd drop $30,000-$40,000 per child on a private education alone generates resentment.  Some parents can barely conceal their envy.  I think it's ridiculous.  I don't resent them for having bigger houses or more expensive cars.  I figure they chose to invest in different things.  Unfortunately, not everyone is mature enough to see it that way.

We have one of the smaller houses in our neighborhood, we drive more modest cars, and we haven't been on an expensive vacation since we started sending our children to private school.  However, we will spend money on education, because we value it above these other things.  Yes, we also have a higher income than some of our neighbors, but we've made major trade-offs to be able to afford private school for our children.

2) The fact that you are making a different choice suggests to some insecure parents that their choice is somehow not "good enough."

3)  You are making a choice that will make your day-to-day life and routines different from theirs.  You'll no longer see them at public school events or have the same concerns.  You won't really be part of their everyday social circle.

Your real friends will stick with you no matter what.  The rest, I wouldn't worry about, unless you're willing to compromise what you think is best for your children for the sake of acquaintances' approval.

Also, in Alexandria, there is a sizable cadre of private school parents, to try to connect with them.

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