Anonymous wrote:We could have afforded it easily (Biglaw) but I place Trump supporters and (non religious) private school parents living in average or better public school districts in the same category: people whose values I don’t share and who I will have nothing to do with.

The feeling is mutual!! How about that. I have absolutely no respect for families who have wealth and instead of spending it on a good education, they choose multiple homes, trips, etc. We have a net worth of $12M plus $1M annual income, and we have only one home and basic cars. We spent $120K on education last year between my college and HS students. Money well spent and they are great kids with wonderful friends. Wouldn't have it any other way and glad they are away from families like yours!!

Public all the way. I have had kids in both. A large percentage of private school teachers are not certified, they do not have a background in teaching, and they make WAY less than public school teachers. In addition, there is no job security. There is no consistency in what is being taught, few professional development opportunities, and basically, there is no curriculum. Teachers can teach whatever they want and however, they want. Smaller class, I get that. But if you have a class of 10 and a terrible teacher, you are getting nothing. There are many advantages to public schools. Do not let a price tag fool you into thinking you are getting more- you're not. Oh, and if you can pay full tuition, private schools will take you and promise you the world and then not be able to deliver. I've been on both sides- very prestigious private schools and public schools. Furthermore, there are many more courses offered in public schools including IB and AP. These are not the private schools of years ago. Much has changed in education. Lastly, I have been in college admissions at some very elite schools. Admissions officers love public school students- sorry, but that's the truth!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With grade inflation through the roof all over MCPS (yes even W schools), I would 100% choose private.

I see stark differences in what my child is learning and doing in school vs. her public school friends...especially in language arts. My daughter is also ahead two years in math, although I understand that math is one area MCPS does somewhat better than their language arts. It's great if your kid is a math whiz, but when they get into the real world, they need to be able to communicate. I have observed that kids in private schools are much better writers and public speakers than kids in public schools, and consequently are much better prepared for college.

Grade inflation is 3 times higher in private schools

PP here. Um, no. For one thing, students don't automatically get put into honors for all classes. Teachers need to recommend them. Also, getting a 79.5 and an 89.5 for each quarter would not give her an A. For one thing, she would need to take a final exam and get an A on that. Plus, you need a 93 to get an A in her school. It is so so so very different...if only you knew lol.

Depends on which private. If it’s a good private that is a good fit for my kid, then that’s the way to go. No way a boarding school though.

We could have afforded it easily (Biglaw) but I place Trump supporters and (non religious) private school parents living in average or better public school districts in the same category: people whose values I don’t share and who I will have nothing to do with.

Anonymous wrote:I would do private! As a teacher in MCPS I know how truly dire things are even in the W schools. When students have no attendance requirements and very low standards, the kids don’t have a reason to try. I’d much prefer that my kids had higher standards and more teacher attention at a private.

Fair, unless you are in APs and honors courses at the Ws.

Anonymous wrote:You left out what kind of kid you have and where do they want to go.
Any decent public school for us. We are in one and the kid is happy. Loves going there and loves his friend.
Schooling can get in the way of what he wants to do as he grows. Would be crazy to pay for such interference.

Schooling gets in the way? What?

Anonymous wrote:The only difference from the w schools and the others is wealthy families. It depends on the child and their needs and the private but I would consider it.

Surely you are mistaken.

You left out what kind of kid you have and where do they want to go.
Any decent public school for us. We are in one and the kid is happy. Loves going there and loves his friend.
Schooling can get in the way of what he wants to do as he grows. Would be crazy to pay for such interference.

I would do private! As a teacher in MCPS I know how truly dire things are even in the W schools. When students have no attendance requirements and very low standards, the kids don’t have a reason to try. I’d much prefer that my kids had higher standards and more teacher attention at a private.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With grade inflation through the roof all over MCPS (yes even W schools), I would 100% choose private.

I see stark differences in what my child is learning and doing in school vs. her public school friends...especially in language arts. My daughter is also ahead two years in math, although I understand that math is one area MCPS does somewhat better than their language arts. It's great if your kid is a math whiz, but when they get into the real world, they need to be able to communicate. I have observed that kids in private schools are much better writers and public speakers than kids in public schools, and consequently are much better prepared for college.

Grade inflation is 3 times higher in private schools

Yes, but at least they actually have to do some schoolwork to get them.

I am in this position and send my kids to a non-W school. Gasp.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With grade inflation through the roof all over MCPS (yes even W schools), I would 100% choose private.

I see stark differences in what my child is learning and doing in school vs. her public school friends...especially in language arts. My daughter is also ahead two years in math, although I understand that math is one area MCPS does somewhat better than their language arts. It's great if your kid is a math whiz, but when they get into the real world, they need to be able to communicate. I have observed that kids in private schools are much better writers and public speakers than kids in public schools, and consequently are much better prepared for college.

Grade inflation is 3 times higher in private schools

Lol no it’s not. Actually that’s one of the reasons people on this forum give as to why they think private school kids are at a disadvantage in college admissions. Of course, that’s BS.

Depends on the kids and particular schools. A couple of spokes of my family have had siblings go to different high schools in DC (Big 3, good public) and in the NYC area (a top private, good public). The personalities, peer groups, and EC and leadership opportunities were quite a bit different. Thus far, all ended up at highly selective private colleges (1 is still in HS).

Anonymous wrote:With grade inflation through the roof all over MCPS (yes even W schools), I would 100% choose private.

I see stark differences in what my child is learning and doing in school vs. her public school friends...especially in language arts. My daughter is also ahead two years in math, although I understand that math is one area MCPS does somewhat better than their language arts. It's great if your kid is a math whiz, but when they get into the real world, they need to be able to communicate. I have observed that kids in private schools are much better writers and public speakers than kids in public schools, and consequently are much better prepared for college.

Grade inflation is 3 times higher in private schools