Do I dare ask what "regressive development" means?

I did that very thing but went strait to Blair after private. It sort of sucked as most of the kids had established connections and it was my first time around poor kids and kids who were legit tougher than the future lacross bros I had previously encountered. It took a couple of touch and go years to adapt. There was absolutely some regressive development but I got over it.

Takoma middle might work out better for them as it isn't as much of a SES melting pot as Blair and it will be more familiar to them especially if they can get into the magnet program. Good luck

No longer true. They very rarely let kids move ahead. Very rarely.

My DC joined MCPS in 8th grade after private. The hardest adjustment has been that those who have been in MCPS all along and are bright were pushed ahead in math when they were young. Private schools tend to have a different pace for math than MCPS does. If you need to go public, the earlier the better.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you first look at why the child would consider TPMS a sacrifice, and work your persuasion from there. Presumably the problem is leaving all of their friends?

Friends. The foreign language she's already started. The sport not offered there. Traditions throughout the year and overall culture of the school.

Friends would be the hardest thing to get around. I'm surprised her language and sport aren't offered. (I didn't know lower schools around here taught anything other than Spanish and French and I figured they just did common sports like soccer and basketball.) But then again I have a kid who refuses to consider leaving his public for private so I haven't encountered your situation before.

Anonymous wrote:If money is tight, then I would send him or her to K. Or, do private K. What is the point of a five class?

For your parents, there are low income assisted living programs and other supports. There is no such thing as low cost nursing homes. There is long term medicaid, but income has to be very low as well as assets.

DC was in private pre-K through grade 5. We could wait out 2 more years until 100% FA is available at the HS, but it is putting a big burden on my SIL who is delaying having kids as a result of being point person for my dad.
My parents make too much for all the low income programs we looked at except one that really was just for people in very, very bad shape. They make too little to hire someone to drive them to appointments, cook, clean, etc.

Anonymous wrote:I think you first look at why the child would consider TPMS a sacrifice, and work your persuasion from there. Presumably the problem is leaving all of their friends?

Friends. The foreign language she's already started. The sport not offered there. Traditions throughout the year and overall culture of the school.

I think you first look at why the child would consider TPMS a sacrifice, and work your persuasion from there. Presumably the problem is leaving all of their friends?

If you do do this, I think you have to frame it purely in terms of the kid: that going to TPMS will provide X advantages and opportunities. I don't think it's fair to make it about the grandparents and expect the kid to sacrifice on the grandparents' behalf. It's not really an either or, since it also involves you changing jobs...I would separate these decisions from each other.

If money is tight, then I would send him or her to K. Or, do private K. What is the point of a five class?

For your parents, there are low income assisted living programs and other supports. There is no such thing as low cost nursing homes. There is long term medicaid, but income has to be very low as well as assets.

We're exploring this idea. The switch would give us the financial means for me to work part-time and, thus, help my poorly-aging parents on a regular basis. DC would consider it a considerable sacrifice, but loves grandparents. No other wiggle room in budget. My parents are not in a financial position to hire help or do a senior assisted living facility, but not fragile enough for low cost nursing homes.

If any one else has made this switch, can you tell me whether you would do it again?