Circling back to the question at hand, I agree with the earlier poster that as long as you are OK taking a subway to school (which seems to be most of your options), I would definitely at least visit the UWS publics. With some lead time, it is not that hard to make them work, so if one really stands out to you, I would follow up. If none are interesting, then move on.

I know another family that lived in your general area and enjoyed it but once they had a school age kid they moved. It was just too hard as the school and friends and everything else were not close by. But too each his own.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

come on now. OP mentioned owning a brownstone in Manhattan, having GP pay for schooling and then applying for FA.

Feel like they knew exactly what they were getting with those three pieces of info.

FA is calculated based on the asset/income/expense mix. That number is a mystery that is calculated diffrerently depending on the school. They could be asset-rich but income-poor. We don't know OP, so yes, it's possible for a family that owns a home to still qualify for FA, whether we think it's fair or not.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

come on now. OP mentioned owning a brownstone in Manhattan, having GP pay for schooling and then applying for FA.

Feel like they knew exactly what they were getting with those three pieces of info.

A brownstone in upper Manhattan is not a Brownstone on the UES. It is not trivial but you need to re-center your mindset. I don't have the energy to dig into the details but if they put 20% down on a $1.2 million brownstone and have built up a bit more equity by paying down a 30 year mortgage for three years, that is not a huge asset.

To the other point, lots of kids have private school paid for by grandparents. As someone else noted, grandparents typically pay directly as it is a nice way to avoid the gift tax. Ideal world grandparents are paying tuition and giving gifts on top of that. I wish I was so lucky! I know people who run an overnight camp and they have told me that many kids have the bill go straight to grandparents. It is a nice way to accumulate generational wealth - if the family was going to inherit the money anyway, why not have grandparents pay for current expenses.

I agree that that submitting a financial aid application based on your personal assets, having the school give you money, then having grandparents cover your portion is not what the schools want. Pat yourself on the back for gaming the system but it's not cool.

OP here: not sure why this became a conversation about FA. We will let the schools decide how much or little our household qualifies for. I only added that point to provide context for our options to attend both public and private schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

"Under-enrolled private school"...how clever of you

i don't get it.

Another snarky comment from someone who drinks the TT koolaid and discredits schools they don't find worthy

Actually, that's you. I think they don't get it. Is that hard to understand?

I really don't get it. But granted I didn't go to a TT school but rather a suburban NJ public school. And not the Princeton/Chatham types!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

come on now. OP mentioned owning a brownstone in Manhattan, having GP pay for schooling and then applying for FA.

Feel like they knew exactly what they were getting with those three pieces of info.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

I’m the PP and I agree. If they’re trying to save money, they don’t have grandparents assist at all with tuition and then have grandparents pay for college or just inherit the money. It gets more complicated once grandparents contribute if they’re trying to get FA.

OP most likely got the brownstone through inherit money. You think the school couldn't figure it out?

You’re right, I missed their post that them owning a brownstone. Schools will look at their assets, they’re not that dumb.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

"Under-enrolled private school"...how clever of you

i don't get it.

Another snarky comment from someone who drinks the TT koolaid and discredits schools they don't find worthy

wait, what? i really don't get it. it's clearly going over my head. what does TT koolaid have to do with it?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

so each parent gets 15k and each kid get 15k - that's 45k.

depending on how little income OP has - it should be enough. Tuition $70k - school gives $25k, GP give $45k and OP can use salary to pay mortgage and renovation costs on Manhattan brownstone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

I’m the PP and I agree. If they’re trying to save money, they don’t have grandparents assist at all with tuition and then have grandparents pay for college or just inherit the money. It gets more complicated once grandparents contribute if they’re trying to get FA.

OP most likely got the brownstone through inherit money. You think the school couldn't figure it out?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

I’m the PP and I agree. If they’re trying to save money, they don’t have grandparents assist at all with tuition and then have grandparents pay for college or just inherit the money. It gets more complicated once grandparents contribute if they’re trying to get FA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

"Under-enrolled private school"...how clever of you

i don't get it.

Another snarky comment from someone who drinks the TT koolaid and discredits schools they don't find worthy

Actually, that's you. I think they don't get it. Is that hard to understand?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

"Under-enrolled private school"...how clever of you

i don't get it.

Another snarky comment from someone who drinks the TT koolaid and discredits schools they don't find worthy

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most schools' financial aid applications ask whether anyone else will or can pay tuition. This is presumably to prevent FA from going to families where grandparents will pay in full anyway.

I assume the GP will gift the $$ to the parents/kid which will then be used to pay any residual non FA tuition.

You are also obligated to report gifts for most schools. Level of detail on applications is very high and varies by school.

+1

Gifting above $19k per person is reportable to IRS. Grandparents typically get around this by directly paying tuition to schools, but I can’t imagine that working after the first year if you’re on FA.

If OP did not mention the grandparents' point...this wouldn't even be a conversation...same way they can apply for FA and simply not get a gift from grandparents...and it would not be an issue.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.

Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?

We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.

Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.

Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.

that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.

I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?

the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.

for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.

Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.

I don't see how the school will find out.

One would think there is zero chance they would know when you are applying. If once you are enrolled the payments are coming from the grandparents then there is a chance they might figure it out, but still not very likely. And grandparents can gift you some of the money to minimize that.

great life hack - own a manhattan brownstone but qualify for FA.

the schools might not care, who knows.

I wouldn't underestimate how much effort the schools put into researching families. OP takes a risk by going through a lot of effort only to be admitted at under enrolled private schools.

"Under-enrolled private school"...how clever of you

i don't get it.