Anonymous
Post 02/24/2012 16:21     Subject: Dilemma: Current school wants 12% deposit for next year, but DD applied to a different school

I think your current school is being unreasonable and it will come back to bite them in the ass. Sounds like they're in trouble financially.
Anonymous
Post 02/24/2012 15:53     Subject: Dilemma: Current school wants 12% deposit for next year, but DD applied to a different school

There are actually AISGW rules that prevent schools from informing students early if the child is admitted. OP, sorry neither school would work with you.
Anonymous
Post 02/24/2012 14:54     Subject: Dilemma: Current school wants 12% deposit for next year, but DD applied to a different school

For a smaller, not as competitive but still well-knownish school here's the trick:

Don't return the money or sign anything. They WILL follow up. It's easier to keep the body you have rather than go out and find a new body to fill a spot. Also it looks better for retention rates so they'll want to keep you.

When they follow up wait up to 24 hours and then send an email saying "yes, we just forgot" or "omg hubby took the checkbook and I couldn't leave a deposit" and then tell them you will send it in a backpack.

Then don't send it in for another day or two. That should buy you enough time.