Anonymous wrote:k to 8 = not hard

At certain schools it’s nearly impossible without hooks, especially if not a large expansion year. And even then, sometimes there’s not enough space for a sibling.

6 to 12 = hard.

k to 8 = not hard

Our kid went through this last year. Was finishing up fifth grade at a mediocre DC public school. Very good but not extraordinary student with a nice personality who does well with adults. We make pretty good money but would still need some aid.

We did not apply to the so-called Big 3. Kid got into all but one of the well respected privates a tier below them to which we applied, and we were offered some aid, but in our view it wasn’t eneough.

The kid was waitlisted at one popular school on this board, and we were flatly told that they would be admitted if they were full pay.

In the end, we stuck with public and it’s all good. The lesson we learned was that once you get beyond the Big 3, which we didn’t even consider, it really does come down to money.

Our K-8 looses kids in upper years because parents know to apply out to ensure spot. We love getting new kids in upper grades and unless there is an issue it is pretty much a sure thing your kid will be welcomed!

Good scores, grades, and recs will be important. Also, sometimes it’s a crapshoot based on profile of the class etc. I actually think K-8s are harder—as there are usually just a handful of spots. K-12 often expands at 6th so more spots. We applied to three, 2 K-8s and on K-12, and DC got in to all three coming from public. Not an athlete or musician but other extra curriculars, good recs, high test scores and grades.

Give some thought to the timing of applying. Pay attention to when their MS starts, not your public. Some privates expand for 6th, others for 7th. It's obviously easier to get in for the years they are accepting more students.

Prep your child a bit to speak with adults and have a mini interview (what subjects do you like? What do you like doing on the weekend? Do you think you would like this school, why?)
If they require standardized testing (ie ISEE), have your kid take some practice tests in advance and work with a tutor on test strategy if needed. Make sure your child is well behaved with their teachers as they will need a recommendation or two from their current school. Good luck!

I’m no expert but I would apply to a minimum of 5. Unless you find that you would rather attend your public option vs some of them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are heading into a private K-8, it’s very easy since many kids depart early. For a school that has high school, it’s probably a little more demanding depending on school.

Totally not true. Applied to a K-8 this year, NOT Big 3 or Big 5. All A's, sports, music, arts, etc and strong recs. Full pay. Was encouraged to and attended multiple admissions events, great feedback and positive vibes from multiple people. Rejected.

Yes, you were rejected from one particular school during one particular admission cycle. That's why you act interested but apply to several.

PP, How many should people apply to? 3-5?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are heading into a private K-8, it’s very easy since many kids depart early. For a school that has high school, it’s probably a little more demanding depending on school.

Totally not true. Applied to a K-8 this year, NOT Big 3 or Big 5. All A's, sports, music, arts, etc and strong recs. Full pay. Was encouraged to and attended multiple admissions events, great feedback and positive vibes from multiple people. Rejected.

Yes, you were rejected from one particular school during one particular admission cycle. That's why you act interested but apply to several.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is your definition of great private MS? Apply widely and your chances improve. Apply only to the big 3 or 5, much less chance.

This. It's a total numbers game without hooks, with tons of other DC area families trying the same "save money and wait until MS or HS to apply" strategy.

100%
Apply to many schools with an open mind. You'll get there!

Anonymous wrote:What is your definition of great private MS? Apply widely and your chances improve. Apply only to the big 3 or 5, much less chance.

This. It's a total numbers game without hooks, with tons of other DC area families trying the same "save money and wait until MS or HS to apply" strategy.

Anonymous wrote:If you are heading into a private K-8, it’s very easy since many kids depart early. For a school that has high school, it’s probably a little more demanding depending on school.

Totally not true. Applied to a K-8 this year, NOT Big 3 or Big 5. All A's, sports, music, arts, etc and strong recs. Full pay. Was encouraged to and attended multiple admissions events, great feedback and positive vibes from multiple people. Rejected.

If you are heading into a private K-8, it’s very easy since many kids depart early. For a school that has high school, it’s probably a little more demanding depending on school.

What is your definition of great private MS? Apply widely and your chances improve. Apply only to the big 3 or 5, much less chance.

Let’s assume child is smart and well-rounded across athletics and music, but not top of class.

Child would switch into private for MS and HS.