Hammond.

Because DH likes the idea of sending our child to catholic school, as he went to a Jesuit school himself. We got a spot at ATS - the only reasons I’m not too annoyed about giving it up are the uncertainty around aftercare, the many days I understand APS has early release, and the closer distance to our home.

Fewer Democrats in private.

So many reasons:

- Religion
- Values
- Academics
- Less problem children
- No info gatekeepers or vying for limited opportunities - information is shared with all, and opportunities available to all.
- School not closed 1.5 years during pandemic

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because for a few years my child couldn’t handle public school and needed the extra supports and nurturing a class of 10 and a school of 100 provided that a class of 30 and a school of 700 couldn’t (no IEP/learning disability, just emotional/extreme sensory struggles in early elementary)

The goal was always to transition back to public ($$$) but for a while it wasn’t an option.

Our situation is not identical, but somewhat similar. Need a small class size for now. Fingers crossed thar things improve.

I'm crossing my fingers for you too! When DS was in kindergarten I thought there was no chance he'd ever survive in public school, but by 3rd grade he was a different kid and was able to handle it. It's still not perfect, it's manageable.

I hope your child sees similar growth and improvement.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many reasons- Google ACHS.

This. To avoid metal detectors and the occasional stabbing.

This. But really because I’ve heard of too many kids just doing nothing with their lives. I went to private school and everyone went to college and became productive members of society. No drugs addicts.

Started because of Covid closures, stayed for the lack of screens and chair throwers.

Because in the public schools half the kids don't speak English as a first language

OP is probably asking about NOVA because she lives in NOVA.

Publics are too big and they don't know your name.

PP- sorry I forgot to mention religious schools. I definitely know a few families who choose those because thats important to them.

I’m guessing OP chose to ask about NoVa because the private schools in NoVa aren’t that great (I live in NoVa). There’s not a great selection and the ones that are here honestly don’t seem worth it, apart from 1-2. Even those are arguably not better than the best options at public (eg Langley, McLean high). But I think the answer is mostly the same across the board, and is usually one of these—have so much money so what better investment is there; cultural- ie a mix of parents grew up in private school and want the same for their kids / parents want kids to associate with people who are like them financially or in an environment that is predominantly white culture; parents are anxious that their kids won’t stand out in competitive public schools or will be precluded from social networking, elite opportunities etc that happen in private. I think there are some who genuinely l need it for the reasons others listed here but in my experience, those are not as common as parents convincing themselves that their kids need small class sizes etc.

We send our kids to private for small class sizes.

Wanted a religious school with no screens.

Anonymous wrote:Started because of covid closures, stayed for the strong music program and public speaking experience. This is at a K-8; kid will return to public for HS.

And, since there are always replies about avoiding woke public schools - public school is not woke enough for me. I'm glad our private school teachers can talk about current events and the librarian doesn't have to deal with any nuttos trying to ban books.

Gross