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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Our oldest of 3 is in a wonderful independent school for kindergarten. Or middle child is in preschool at a top school discussed on this Board. Our youngest is still a baby.

Our kindergartener is a hesitant and sometimes anxious kiddo and has been doing really well at his school. He's really thriving. We love our preschool and have seen both kids thrive there. We've never experienced public school so we have nothing to compare to but our oldest in particular is the kind of kid that I think could get lost in a big public school.

That said.... the price of all of this is pretty crushing. Our income is in the $500K range and the cost of 3 kids in private school for 15 years each (including preschool, before college) is kind of mind blowing. I believe these are special schools that will be great for my kids and it's been my approach to do everything I can to support their development.... but I also feel really, really tired and like we are always striving for something more... and that this private school choice leaves us no space to do less intense jobs or take some time off if we need it. (I am admittedly feeling professionally burnt out right now and started a new job without taking some much-needed time off because we couldn't afford the lack of income.) I'm just not sure if it's worth it. We aren't behaving irresponsibly by making this financial commitment but we absolutely are not saving much beyond retirement.

For those who are making good income but not uber wealthy / in a situation where money is no object -- and are toward the end of the journey, would you make the choice again?

Please don't pick apart if we should feel this way based on the income we are bringing in. That's not the point. The point is that we do feel stretched and I am surprised by the emotional toll of it. I feel tired and I don't really want to feel this way for the next 20 years. But I also know that my kids are my world and I would regret it if it pulled them out of an excellent environment and then saw them struggle so that my life felt easier. [/quote]

We recently decided to withdraw our son from one of the $50K+ schools in DC. While they have impressive facilities thanks to their resources, the curriculum is similar to what you’d find at DCPS NW or a Catholic school.

We’re opting for a much more affordable school now and plan to save the $50K+ for high school and college. Like you, we’re tired and want to use the money for other things like more traveling, buying vacation houses, more activities for us and the kids. I met a mother last week who plan to do the exact same things this year with her daughter.

The funny part is that many of our very wealthy friends (I’m talking $50M+ net worth) are sending their kids to affordable schools or public schools and refuse to go for the ‘big three,’ for example. 
It’s a choice you have to make based on what you feel comfortable with. Start by slowly visiting more affordable schools and public schools—it will give you an idea of whether it’s the right decision for you.[/quote]

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