Aren't enrollment contracts due in by now? OP, did you decide to accept?

OP, how do you know the school will be a poor academic fit? Your reaction to the poor academic fit is either based on your fear or merely hearsay. Your son hasn't attended classes yet, so you are going by hearsay.

The school certainly tested him before offering admission, correct?

So, realistically, the choice is between a school that isn't working (no challenge) and a school that you're not sure will work and that is a long commute?

Two questions: (1) is your DS currently in HS (if not, can you choose among public HS or are their programs within the HS that be more demanding and engaging than what he's experiencing in public school now)? (2) what, specifically, is the academic fit issue at the Big 3 school?

Is it really the asthma and the distance that have YOU concerned. My ds also has asthma and will be starting at a new school. He's fine/excited about it and I'M filled with anxiety. I'm trying not to let my worries impact his feelings. Could that be your issue too. Btw, it is so very normal and understandable if it is. Maybe talk to the nurse and get more comfortable with the protocols. Just a thought.

Good marketing vs what's good for your son? Find him something that's better for you both, and ignore the "Top 3" rating absurdity. All that is, in the end, is bragging rights for you among your peers and family.

Anonymous wrote:I assume that we are talking about St. Albans....

Me, too.

OP give it a year, either he will love it, like it or cry on more than one occasion telling you he wants to leave. By the way, the crying can occur even if he's of upper school age. Don't let the congratulatory reactions overpower your mom intuition.

Be strong for your son, he'll love you even more for it.

Thank you everyone. I realize I left out one of the most important facts: we have substantial FA at this school. No FA at the other one. Public school is not work for DS. He says (its true) on Monday we get the work for the week. On Monday afternoon I am finished. The rest of the week I spend waiting for the class to catch up. He is sweet about this and never says it to others -- they do not know this about him. He truly wants to do more -- always having his head into a project. I do not want to deny him, but ...

BTW, yes, I know pp was just being snarky, but SO many people suggest it you KNOW people think it.

Anonymous wrote:You could move to be closer to the school.
He doesn't have to do sports if he doesn't want to, right? More time for academics! Generally it's not the QB who cures polio. Also there are lots of chicks in drama club.
Stop worrying. You could always go back to your relatively shitty public school.

This has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Pack up your life, sell your house, move (at considerable time, stress and expense for the ENTIRE FAMILY), pray that you find a house you like closer to the school, so that for 4 years the commute is easier and DC is closer to friends. BTW, if it doesn't work out at that's hook or if siblings don't get in, I guess you can always move again. Never mind the new mortgage while your paying for that fancy new school.

I never understand why families apply to schools that they don't want their children to attend.

OP,

Yes very important years. What about giving it one year? Is DS on the fence? Or is DC more on board than you? If it's not a good academic fit, you should NOT have bothered to apply. Sorry but that's true!

Anonymous wrote:My son turned down a Big 3 HS for a smaller school which was a better fit, with our support. Why spend 4 years at a place you don't want to be?

OP: My thought also. It is HS! Very important years.

Anonymous wrote:I assume that we are talking about St. Albans....

Meh. I know a smart, hardworking kid who is miserable at Sidwell. There are lots of potential problems - supercompetitive classmates, money, disconnect between service message and reality at all the top threes.

I assume that we are talking about St. Albans....

My son turned down a Big 3 HS for a smaller school which was a better fit, with our support. Why spend 4 years at a place you don't want to be?