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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] I am hearing from some acquaintances that the Potomac school is phenomenal, like head and shoulders
above what they expected. I hear the teachers are great, the curriculum is excellent and the facilities are awesome.

I know the price tag is $$$, but are there any downsides from an education perspective? I would consider the school for my two elementary school kids if it’s that great and if they could get  in. They go to public school currently and are doing fine.[/quote]

OP.  I will offer advice, as this thread has gone off the rails.

Private schools are, first and foremost, a business, and every school has its issues.  I've been around a while and have plenty of opinions of Potomac's strengths and weaknesses, but those insights have happened over time.  You won't get particularly get amazing insight from a new parent, or truthfully from the breezy booster types who "love" the school.  Look for parents who seem to be grounded and are willing to offer answers to concrete questions.  Your acquaintances' feelings about Potomac can be a data point but should be a relatively small one because your top goal is to figure out fit for your kids.  The reality is that the beautiful campus, lovely events, etc feel good for parents who are writing big checks.

No one can tell you if Potomac or any private school is "worth it" because there are many personal variables at stake.  Your job as a parent is to determine fit and quality of the program.  Stop your mindset of "getting in" and instead look at a range of schools to understand differing approaches, curricula, etc.  Even if the school isn't one where you'd like to apply owing to geographic and other factors, go to open houses, check out campuses.  Be an informed consumer.  If you think you might want to be there long-term, talk with US parents.  Ask about leadership, counseling support, the learning centers.  Also, if you do decide to go to a private school, stay plugged in and evaluate fit as your kids change. You can always adjust as needed, but really do your homework up front, as it does become more complicated to switch with friend groups etc.
[/quote]

+1,000,000.  Do your homework and research and look beyond the glossy prospectus and beautiful campuses.  Those are marketing and PR( and they work).  You have to determine fit for your child and family and constantly reflect.  Particular at each new level.  4th grade is not 9th grade and your kids won’t be the same at each point.  [/quote]

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