Anonymous wrote:I imagine parents who had to switch to public school and now aren't happy don't read this forum much -- it'd be painful. Not be able to afford something for DC is fucking depressing in a way that not be able to afford something for myself never was. If our school ever discontinues our FA, I'll be right there with them.

I'm happy for those for whom public school has worked out well, and sad for those for whom it hasn't. We all just want the best for our children.

Anonymous wrote:
One private may be better than another, one public could have been better than a private.

Anonymous wrote:The tuition is out of control. More power to them if they can find families willing to pay this amount. We put one through a few years of private but the younger wanted public (and we thought it would be a good fit). Much to our surprise and delight, the public was amazing. Academics were on par with the private and the size and vibrancy of the public school community was an extra benefit. Needless to say, we pulled our child from private and she joined her brother at Whitman.
Based on our experience, I could never justify the expense of private when our public option is so extraordinary. Granted our public option is a great one and that isn't the case for everyone.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I have 2 children at one of the schools you mentioned.

If you search the threads, there are many opinions and spirited debates on this topic. Some people are really outcome-focused and will feel that their child's private education is only "worth it" if their kid lands an ivy school. Others feel that private is only worth it to avoid the tough middle school years and still others think it's only worth it for high school and navigating the college application process. Others have crummy local publics and don't feel like they have the option to move, etc. There are so many variables at play.

We are fortunate that - while a bit painful to write the check - we are not making major lifestyle adjustments to send our kids. Our kids are doing well and are happy. We live in a good school district and think that our kids would likely be fine at our local public too.

We send our kids to our private because we like the school's mindset and approach to education. We think the curriculum is developmentally appropriate and we like the school's approach to social/emotional learning. The vast majority of the time, we like the way the school addresses problems as they emerge. We like the smaller class sizes and feel like the teachers really know our kids. We like the community and the traditions. It's the right fit for our children now, and we evaluate our choice each year.

Since there are so many variables and needs that are unique to each family (and kid), my suggestion is to talk with as many people as possible at the schools you are exploring, attend community events where possible, and do what you can to learn about the prospective schools. I think it boils down to what feels right.

The real secret is there is nothing more depressing than hanging out with the likes of you and your kind with your values: Cheap, unrefined, lacking in humility, low brow and lacking in intellect, wrapped up in status that is meaningless and but a mirage. I assure you quality people with humility and class do not want their children socially poisoned around folk like you. That's why we elect not to send our kids to your schools from birth. That's the secret and many know this already.

And you just smack of envy. I thought the pp made a reasonable point. Why do you need to judge parents that send their kids to privates? Their decision does not affect you. Be happy with your own decision.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I agree and what I want to know is why they are on the private school forum all the time then? It seems sketchy to me.

How about for general information big dummie ... just like those who religiously read and scan Bloomberg, Huff Post, Drudge, WSJ, Wash Post, Economics, Foreign Affairs, SI, GQ, for lovers only ...
Only a dummie thinks only a private school parent or wannabel scans DCUM. I thought you were a little more well rounded (in the figurative sense)?

So it is normal for people who used to send their kids to private but now public to come read posts here all the time? What is the point? I moved my kids to private and I don't spend my days scanning the public school forums anymore. Heck, I barely come here and only click on links relevant to me or my kids school.

But I guess I am in the minority. I didn't realize scanning every forum on DCUM daily is the norm. Maybe it was wrong to assume bitter people come here to force their "couldn't be happier" onto others. I think if people are truly happy, they wouldn't be scanning the "what was" catagories. To me it is looking up an ex boyfriend to tell him how you "couldn't be happier" in your marriage.

Anonymous wrote:

I imagine parents who had to switch to public school and now aren't happy don't read this forum much -- it'd be painful. Not be able to afford something for DC is fucking depressing in a way that not be able to afford something for myself never was. If our school ever discontinues our FA, I'll be right there with them.

I'm happy for those for whom public school has worked out well, and sad for those for whom it hasn't. We all just want the best for our children.

The real secret is there is nothing more depressing than hanging out with the likes of you and your kind with your values: Cheap, unrefined, lacking in humility, low brow and lacking in intellect, wrapped up in status that is meaningless and but a mirage. I assure you quality people with humility and class do not want their children socially poisoned around folk like you. That's why we elect not to send our kids to your schools from birth. That's the secret and many know this already.

Anonymous wrote:

I imagine parents who had to switch to public school and now aren't happy don't read this forum much -- it'd be painful. Not be able to afford something for DC is fucking depressing in a way that not be able to afford something for myself never was. If our school ever discontinues our FA, I'll be right there with them.

I'm happy for those for whom public school has worked out well, and sad for those for whom it hasn't. We all just want the best for our children.

The real secret is there is nothing more depressing than hanging out with the likes of you and your kind with your values: Cheap, unrefined, lacking in humility, low brow and lacking in intellect, wrapped up in status that is meaningless and but a mirage. I assure you quality people with humility and class do not want their children socially poisoned around folk like you. That's why we elect not to send our kids to your schools from birth. That's the secret and many know this already.

Anonymous wrote:

I imagine parents who had to switch to public school and now aren't happy don't read this forum much -- it'd be painful. Not be able to afford something for DC is fucking depressing in a way that not be able to afford something for myself never was. If our school ever discontinues our FA, I'll be right there with them.

I'm happy for those for whom public school has worked out well, and sad for those for whom it hasn't. We all just want the best for our children.

The real secret is there is nothing more depressing than hanging out with the likes of you and your kind with your values: Cheap, unrefined, lacking in humility, low brow and lacking in intellect, wrapped up in status that is meaningless and but a mirage. I assure you quality people with humility and class do not want their children socially poisoned around folk like you. That's why we elect not to send our kids to your schools from birth. That's the secret and many know this already.

Anonymous wrote:

I agree and what I want to know is why they are on the private school forum all the time then? It seems sketchy to me.

How about for general information big dummie ... just like those who religiously read and scan Bloomberg, Huff Post, Drudge, WSJ, Wash Post, Economics, Foreign Affairs, SI, GQ, for lovers only ...
Only a dummie thinks only a private school parent or wannabel scans DCUM. I thought you were a little more well rounded (in the figurative sense)?

I imagine parents who had to switch to public school and now aren't happy don't read this forum much -- it'd be painful. Not be able to afford something for DC is fucking depressing in a way that not be able to afford something for myself never was. If our school ever discontinues our FA, I'll be right there with them.

I'm happy for those for whom public school has worked out well, and sad for those for whom it hasn't. We all just want the best for our children.