Reply to Is it really as simple as "just go private for middle + high school"?

Forum Index » Private & Independent Schools

Reply to "Is it really as simple as "just go private for middle + high school"? "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Hi,
I live in a part of DC with decent elementary schools but bad middle and high schools. Something I hear casually said among the other parents at our elementary school is that they might "just go private" for middle or high school.

Is it really that straightforward? Are there just tons of private schools with openings in 6th grade? I think my fear is that we count on that and then end up not getting in anywhere. And what kind of criteria do they use to admit kids? Is it based on the kid's academic / extracurricular performance? Do siblings get in automatically?

I guess I just need a complete primer on privates. Thank you for any info and for taking pity on a total novice. [/quote]

Having just done this, moving from one DMV independent to the next (ie elementary to middle) feels like a bit of a "gentleman's handshake" with the previous school vouching for the child - given your child is a solid candidate and you have been a cordial/contributing family. I don't mean contributing lots of $, just positive and partnering overall.  Public to private seems very doable, but your child won't necessarily have someone who has a credible relationship with the next school vouching for their talents, so you (and your child) will have to fully "make the case" via interviews, application package etc. Admissions officers don't expect miracles and know "how kids act", but I would say our childs strengths came through in the admissions process via written responses - with weak interviews. It would have been a pity if it ended there, since that was totally normal shyness, but the school outplacement team easily reinforced how our child is "when warmed up". Child is thriving now at choice #1. So that being known and vouched for is the biggest advantage I see, but obviously children move laterally from public or out of town all the time. Is there anything specifically you are curious about? Having had children in both public and private in the DMV, and having worked  in both settings as well,  there are myriad good options in the DMV so dont overly stress, but I also applaud starting to do your research now when it doesn't feel super high stakes and pressured. That way you will be prepared and comfortable. Your children are lucky to have you looking out for them![/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