Private is almost always a better option if you can afford it without financially difficulty. That's a big if for most people, and often people who can't afford private are the first to disparage it.

We just switched our daughter from a lackluster DCPS kindergarten that sounds like what you described to a very strong private for first grade this year. The difference in just one month is astounding. She does science in their outdoor classroom and comes home chattering about all of the types of things they see in nature, her reading has improved more this month than it did all of last year due to a ton of small class time, and she loves her interactive math classes. I agree with the posters who recommend you go to a lot of open houses and see what might be a better fit for your son. In my experience the difference is huge.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, we went to private and it is so much better in terms of the kind of work they do, the "interestingness" of the projects, the amount of writing, the science, the emphasis on critical thinking, etc. Even the types of books they read for school are more individualized to the child's level and more interesting. On the other hand, none of that is going to net you any tangible benefit besides a richer day-to-day experience, and it comes at an expensive price.

Are you saying you switched? Or always went to private?

Switched to private after lackluster K and first grade years. It's totally better--but the money is no joke, my kid would do "fine" in public in the sense that I doubt there will be any measurable differences in outcome compared to his peers who stayed in public, and once you go private it becomes extremely hard to decide to switch back. Almost everyone I work with has grown kids they put through private, and they all say it wasn't worth it. But we're doing it anyway, because it's worth it to us now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, we went to private and it is so much better in terms of the kind of work they do, the "interestingness" of the projects, the amount of writing, the science, the emphasis on critical thinking, etc. Even the types of books they read for school are more individualized to the child's level and more interesting. On the other hand, none of that is going to net you any tangible benefit besides a richer day-to-day experience, and it comes at an expensive price.

Are you saying you switched? Or always went to private?

NP here. We have had some children go private the whole way and some start public and switch to private. We are not in your area, though, and, if we were, we might even be open to go out of the city in a weird reverse commute. There are lots of good options in this area. Be willing to attend a lot of open houses. We also found that as we honed in on schools we were interested in that we would go to sports events or community events (plays, concerts) just to get a 'feel' for the community.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, we went to private and it is so much better in terms of the kind of work they do, the "interestingness" of the projects, the amount of writing, the science, the emphasis on critical thinking, etc. Even the types of books they read for school are more individualized to the child's level and more interesting. On the other hand, none of that is going to net you any tangible benefit besides a richer day-to-day experience, and it comes at an expensive price.

Are you saying you switched? Or always went to private?

Honestly, we went to private and it is so much better in terms of the kind of work they do, the "interestingness" of the projects, the amount of writing, the science, the emphasis on critical thinking, etc. Even the types of books they read for school are more individualized to the child's level and more interesting. On the other hand, none of that is going to net you any tangible benefit besides a richer day-to-day experience, and it comes at an expensive price.

Anonymous wrote:I'd suggest going to a few Private School open houses this fall.

Which ones would you suggest? Based on location (upper NW DC), if I look at schools, we'll look at GDS, Maret, and Sheridan. Any others to consider?

I'd suggest going to a few Private School open houses this fall.

Anonymous wrote:Supplement at home. We do Kumon workbooks. We 2nd is just as slow.

Just drill and kill the pleasure out of math.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Supplement at home. We do Kumon workbooks. We 2nd is just as slow.

How does sitting and doing Kumon workbooks count as play or science?
Can you not supplement with actual fun science experiments or trips for social studies?
Stop torturung your kids with workbooks and sitting activities.

+1
Given the OP's post, I can't imagine that Kumon workbooks would align with her educational philosophy.

OP, we love those extras you mention at our children's private school. Maybe tour some schools to see firsthand what the differences are. Maybe you'll see that it isn't so different. Maybe it is significant and prompts you to consider private for later grades. Either way, you'll be able to see the schools in action for yourself!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
In my researched opinion, private school curriculae aren't that hot either. In some cases they are better, but never 40K a year better.

And don't be fooled by shiny new labs and luxurious facilities. It means they don't spend where they should, ie on teachers.

Your job as a parent is to supplement with intelligent dinner conversation, inspiring activities and get him into a magnet program.

OP here. We're in DC, so no magnet program, compacted math, or AAC.

This really was not the consensus I was expecting on the private school forum, which makes me appreciate the advice even more.

It is my undestanding that while DCPS elementaries do not have formal programs called "compacted math," they do in fact compact the math curriculum for kids who need it. Maybe that is changing? But in any case, the DC middle schools offer the same advanced math track as the suburban magnets. How have select Deal 6th and 7th graders been taking Algebra I for all these years otherwise?

You should move your son to priavte school - he will have a better, more joyful experience and that is worth any price. Just oick one relateively close to home.

Anonymous wrote:Supplement at home. We do Kumon workbooks. We 2nd is just as slow.

How does sitting and doing Kumon workbooks count as play or science?
Can you not supplement with actual fun science experiments or trips for social studies?
Stop torturung your kids with workbooks and sitting activities.

Anonymous wrote:
In my researched opinion, private school curriculae aren't that hot either. In some cases they are better, but never 40K a year better.

And don't be fooled by shiny new labs and luxurious facilities. It means they don't spend where they should, ie on teachers.

Your job as a parent is to supplement with intelligent dinner conversation, inspiring activities and get him into a magnet program.

OP here. We're in DC, so no magnet program, compacted math, or AAC.

This really was not the consensus I was expecting on the private school forum, which makes me appreciate the advice even more.

Do Johns Hopkins a stay starting in second, and sit tight