https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/nyc-private-school-tuition-tops-70000-this-year/502601#:~:text=according%20to%20Bloomberg.-,At%20least%20seven%20NYC%20private%20schools%20will%20charge%20over%20$70%2C000,these%20days%20about%20financial%20aid.

NY is $70-75k now for the elite schools. And SF is hot on their heels…

Yet, this does not make 60k feel like a discount.

Depressing.

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Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

Not difficult, I am so glad you can afford $60K for your child.

I am just concerned about what this means for society.

What does that mean to you?

Some people get a much higher education?

Or are you more concerned with the existing wealth disparity? There are worse places to put money than into education.

Yes, I am concerned with the disparity. I am also worried, although I could afford this for my kid (thanks for help from grandparents). What it means for them to socialize with the ultra-rich and privileged on a daily basis. I also want an excellent education for my child. I am simply lost at what cost it could make the difference?

I do send my kids to a $60k school and I’m very concerned about societal wealth disparity. Education is one of the places I prefer to spend money, and im surprised it’s so controversial for people. I could be investing it into businesses and getting richer and richer. Everyone here loves talking about their investments - but when you invest in your kids future people get upset.

BTW I’m very sad about the state of public education - just not sad enough to sacrifice my kids to it.

But most people can't afford it. I don't think it is because they spend on vacation or their house. Again, nobody who makes less than 200K a year can realistically afford a school this expensive.

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Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

Not difficult, I am so glad you can afford $60K for your child.

I am just concerned about what this means for society.

What does that mean to you?

Some people get a much higher education?

Or are you more concerned with the existing wealth disparity? There are worse places to put money than into education.

Yes, I am concerned with the disparity. I am also worried, although I could afford this for my kid (thanks for help from grandparents). What it means for them to socialize with the ultra-rich and privileged on a daily basis. I also want an excellent education for my child. I am simply lost at what cost it could make the difference?

Given the background of what happens in the country (e.g., Epstein was a Dalton teacher, etc., his social climbing). And this $60K tuition for an elementary school. And knowing they pay their teachers $60k a year (yes, the same as the tuition). And knowing some people in the country makes less than 60K a year.
I can't help but feel depressed. I wish I were just an ultra-rich person who feels so happy to send my kids to the most expensive schools, hoping for the best.

Do you realize sexual misconduct rates at public and private schools are the same?!

Teachers at private schools get a vetted set of kids with fewer disruptions. They also get perks, like need based scholarships for their children and priority in the admissions process. Their pay is higher than public schools - but still way too low for the service they provide to society.

This is simply not true. I actually checked on Glassdoor. For example, MCPS/DCPS teachers are paid more than GDS teachers.

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof. [/quote]

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people? [/quote]

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.[/quote]

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth. [/quote]

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.
[/quote]

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class. [/quote]

We certainly don’t. [/quote]

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position. [/quote]

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.[/quote]

Sounds like we are in violent agreement. [/quote]

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools. [/quote]

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right. [/quote]
100%[/quote]

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)[/quote]

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do. [/quote]

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?



[/quote]

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.[/quote]

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools. [/quote]

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions. [/quote]

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8? [/quote]

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.[/quote]

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.[/quote]


"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

[/quote]

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?[/quote]

This works well as long as your kids don’t want to play high level sports. Yes, schools have after-school sports too, but you have to play travel/club/AAU to play at a high level or even in high school these days. Schools really can’t replicate that experience with just their PE and after school sports.[/quote]

I’m the PP you responded to and you are 100% correct. I was a junior olympian and competed at the highest levels - I don’t want my kids to do that. I learned the hard way there is ZERO future as a woman in most sports - my kids are girls. (Sure, sure, go ahead and name the handful that you can think of - many many more are nameless). I want them to have fun, learn to compete with the people they compete against. No need to be the best. Plus it’s so much easier to make varsity as a freshman in a small school. [/quote]

Some small schools, maybe, but some of the most prestigious private schools in DC (ie the ones charging 60K) recruit for sports, and it’s much harder to make their sports teams than it is at your average public. Most kids who play in high school these days play travel/club/AAU before that.[/quote]

Well, I have more than one kid (if I said their ages and number I’d give myself away). My HS kids made varsity as freshman - one even went to state as a freshman! It really depends on the sport. DH was a D1 swimmer, and 2 of my kids followed him in that they are very competitive! The school has a pool, so the kids can use that during the week and on the weekends they train at the club. The kid who went to state did so in a sport she learned completely at school during MS - it was a total surprise to me that she had any talent in that area at all.

I know you want to find an argument to prove me wrong (or whatever your goal is) but this works well for us. I know it doesn’t for everyone. And honestly I’m not pushing my kids down the sports hole. My older kid is the most mediocre in sports and theater - still gets to do everything - maybe not front and center but that matters very little to us.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s kind of delusional for people to think social disparities only happen when people send their kids to private schools.

What do you think it means when people pay more to buy a house districted to a “better” school? When they make that choice, they’re paying for that “better” school. It might not be tuition, but they’re paying nonetheless.

And if they’re paying $60,000/year more on their mortgage so their kid can go to Whitman, for example, then how is that different than someone paying $60,000/year to a private school?

People who are paying $60k a year for private mostly live in areas as nice (or nicer than) the Whitman district. It’s not like they live in a bad part of town and then magically can afford full pay tuition. Kind of a dumb argument.

That’s not always true. We live in a cheaper area, in part so we can afford private school.

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Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

This works well as long as your kids don’t want to play high level sports. Yes, schools have after-school sports too, but you have to play travel/club/AAU to play at a high level or even in high school these days. Schools really can’t replicate that experience with just their PE and after school sports.

I’m the PP you responded to and you are 100% correct. I was a junior olympian and competed at the highest levels - I don’t want my kids to do that. I learned the hard way there is ZERO future as a woman in most sports - my kids are girls. (Sure, sure, go ahead and name the handful that you can think of - many many more are nameless). I want them to have fun, learn to compete with the people they compete against. No need to be the best. Plus it’s so much easier to make varsity as a freshman in a small school.

Some small schools, maybe, but some of the most prestigious private schools in DC (ie the ones charging 60K) recruit for sports, and it’s much harder to make their sports teams than it is at your average public. Most kids who play in high school these days play travel/club/AAU before that.

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:

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:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

This works well as long as your kids don’t want to play high level sports. Yes, schools have after-school sports too, but you have to play travel/club/AAU to play at a high level or even in high school these days. Schools really can’t replicate that experience with just their PE and after school sports.

That’s true for private and public schools, so I’m not sure how it’s relevant here.

Because the PP was claiming that all her kids’ activities could be handled after school on campus at a private school and that is why she is happy to pay more for it, and I was pointing out that she would have to pick them up and shuttle them around no matter what if her kids played high level sports.

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Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

This works well as long as your kids don’t want to play high level sports. Yes, schools have after-school sports too, but you have to play travel/club/AAU to play at a high level or even in high school these days. Schools really can’t replicate that experience with just their PE and after school sports.

I’m the PP you responded to and you are 100% correct. I was a junior olympian and competed at the highest levels - I don’t want my kids to do that. I learned the hard way there is ZERO future as a woman in most sports - my kids are girls. (Sure, sure, go ahead and name the handful that you can think of - many many more are nameless). I want them to have fun, learn to compete with the people they compete against. No need to be the best. Plus it’s so much easier to make varsity as a freshman in a small school.

Anonymous wrote:It’s kind of delusional for people to think social disparities only happen when people send their kids to private schools.

What do you think it means when people pay more to buy a house districted to a “better” school? When they make that choice, they’re paying for that “better” school. It might not be tuition, but they’re paying nonetheless.

And if they’re paying $60,000/year more on their mortgage so their kid can go to Whitman, for example, then how is that different than someone paying $60,000/year to a private school?

People who are paying $60k a year for private mostly live in areas as nice (or nicer than) the Whitman district. It’s not like they live in a bad part of town and then magically can afford full pay tuition. Kind of a dumb argument.

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Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

This works well as long as your kids don’t want to play high level sports. Yes, schools have after-school sports too, but you have to play travel/club/AAU to play at a high level or even in high school these days. Schools really can’t replicate that experience with just their PE and after school sports.

That’s true for private and public schools, so I’m not sure how it’s relevant here.

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

This works well as long as your kids don’t want to play high level sports. Yes, schools have after-school sports too, but you have to play travel/club/AAU to play at a high level or even in high school these days. Schools really can’t replicate that experience with just their PE and after school sports.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

Not difficult, I am so glad you can afford $60K for your child.

I am just concerned about what this means for society.

What does that mean to you?

Some people get a much higher education?

Or are you more concerned with the existing wealth disparity? There are worse places to put money than into education.

Yes, I am concerned with the disparity. I am also worried, although I could afford this for my kid (thanks for help from grandparents). What it means for them to socialize with the ultra-rich and privileged on a daily basis. I also want an excellent education for my child. I am simply lost at what cost it could make the difference?

Given the background of what happens in the country (e.g., Epstein was a Dalton teacher, etc., his social climbing). And this $60K tuition for an elementary school. And knowing they pay their teachers $60k a year (yes, the same as the tuition). And knowing some people in the country makes less than 60K a year.
I can't help but feel depressed. I wish I were just an ultra-rich person who feels so happy to send my kids to the most expensive schools, hoping for the best.

Do you realize sexual misconduct rates at public and private schools are the same?!

Teachers at private schools get a vetted set of kids with fewer disruptions. They also get perks, like need based scholarships for their children and priority in the admissions process. Their pay is higher than public schools - but still way too low for the service they provide to society.

It’s kind of delusional for people to think social disparities only happen when people send their kids to private schools.

What do you think it means when people pay more to buy a house districted to a “better” school? When they make that choice, they’re paying for that “better” school. It might not be tuition, but they’re paying nonetheless.

And if they’re paying $60,000/year more on their mortgage so their kid can go to Whitman, for example, then how is that different than someone paying $60,000/year to a private school?

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

Not difficult, I am so glad you can afford $60K for your child.

I am just concerned about what this means for society.

What does that mean to you?

Some people get a much higher education?

Or are you more concerned with the existing wealth disparity? There are worse places to put money than into education.

Yes, I am concerned with the disparity. I am also worried, although I could afford this for my kid (thanks for help from grandparents). What it means for them to socialize with the ultra-rich and privileged on a daily basis. I also want an excellent education for my child. I am simply lost at what cost it could make the difference?

I do send my kids to a $60k school and I’m very concerned about societal wealth disparity. Education is one of the places I prefer to spend money, and im surprised it’s so controversial for people. I could be investing it into businesses and getting richer and richer. Everyone here loves talking about their investments - but when you invest in your kids future people get upset.

BTW I’m very sad about the state of public education - just not sad enough to sacrifice my kids to it.

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Anonymous wrote:Tuition increase email came out. Holton next year will be $60,535 for all grades. Any other schools cross the $60k threshold?? Woof.

I understand DMV is full of ultra-rich people. But for most UMC families without generational wealth, this is shockingly expensive for an elementary school. I mean, it is college tuition price.

How do one justify this? No matter how much you emphasize education, isn't this ridiculous? How can such a school (including those with $57k) have any
Is social justice a value and inclusive? Doesn't make all DEI statements totally empty words as the price will shut out diverse people?

The same way people justify spenidng on any luxury good. Do you ask people how they justify buying a Mercedes?

As for being inclusive, at our private, 25% of students are on financial aid. I won't pretend it's as diverse as our nearby public, but it's not entirely lacking either.

It is just so hard to process these numbers. The result is that even richer people will be able to make this investment. It used to be like HHI for 400K is possible. Now it will be 500K. Then, in the future, it will be 800K. That means only MDs, JDs, and hedge fund people can afford it. People with regular jobs or PhDs will not be able to afford it unless they have family wealth.

Which is what the rich people want. And there are enough of them to fill these schools. The schools know this and will keep increasing tuition Supply and demand.

Yet in 60k schools parents still supplement math and music class.

We certainly don’t.

There is no need for math, unless your student can't keep up. Music, perhaps, especially if seeking to go to a conservatory or similarly advanced program for college. View it the same as athletics which we definitely do supplement through club sports and private lessons for our daughter's specific position.

That’s irrelevant to private school, though. That would be true no matter what.

My sister went to Juilliard pre-college. That doesn’t mean her NYC private school was somehow deficient.

Sounds like we are in violent agreement.

Maybe, but the person who brought up math and music supplementation at private schools clearly meant it as a slight on private schools.

That person is clearly an idiot. Public schools are cutting music and arts left and right.

100%

True, but sending your child to public school frees up 60k that can be used to buy a lot of high quality privately provided enrichment (including music and art lessons.)

Music and art lessons can’t replicate what a good private school can do.

These discussions are so random. It is, of course, not about music and art. Parents should expect a $60k education to be of the highest caliber, with strong academics, including strong writing, math, and science; strong foreign language; strong art and music; and ample opportunities for sports; strong social emotional development. Simply comparing it to a free public school and determining whether it is "better" is not enough. Can it really deliver on its promises? Can it be justified for the huge tuition increase?

+1. Everyone is just trying to justify their decisions to themselves.

Which is fine. What annoys me is anytime we question the value of the very expensive Big 3 or the equivalently expensive schools , they yell at us to go back to Public schools.

I don’t care if you question the value.

I care that you question it from a place of ignorance.

It’s very clear you don’t have experience with these places.

I’m more than happy to answer questions. What I don’t have patience for is posters making it obvious they’ve never done more than maybe read a website or talk to a neighbor with a kid at one of these schools.

So if you want to engage in a measured discussion, let’s do it. But ask substantive questions.

The substantive question is what makes a 60K school worth is for the lower school experience than a 20K cheaper K-8?

I’ll state as previous PP - driving to extracurriculars is a huge unrealized cost. At our private my kid gets private 1:1 executive coaching for her ADHD. The (school approved) coach literally comes to the school and integrates DD’s coursework into her sessions. We also get private 1:1 piano lessons. She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery. There are a ton more activities to choose from. We pick her up at 5p (after work) - by then she has her homework completed (or mostly completed). Then it’s just dinner and quality time.

Sure, but that applies at a $60K and $40K school.

"She also takes group cooking lessons, strategic games (incl chess), and archery." These worth 60K? This is so dystopian. Are private schools more expensive than those in the USA? We pay $$$ so the kids can have some fun activities and be safe. The more you guys reply, the more I see the disparity and darkness.

Is that what you interpreted from that?

Let me spell it out for you. She does these after school:
- we don’t have to pick her up at 3:15
- we don’t have to drive her to activities
- we don’t have to wait through those activities
- we don’t have to waste our weekends driving either

The alternative is to hire a driver we trust with our children or a nanny. Our old nanny made $80k/year. Maybe we could get a part time driver for $40k. However, given the quality of education and simplified logistics for our family it makes sense.

I understand not everyone can afford it. We can. I understand some people prefer to have a SAHM instead - not our preference. We prefer quality time by simplifying logistics.

Is that also difficult to understand for you?

Not difficult, I am so glad you can afford $60K for your child.

I am just concerned about what this means for society.

What does that mean to you?

Some people get a much higher education?

Or are you more concerned with the existing wealth disparity? There are worse places to put money than into education.

Yes, I am concerned with the disparity. I am also worried, although I could afford this for my kid (thanks for help from grandparents). What it means for them to socialize with the ultra-rich and privileged on a daily basis. I also want an excellent education for my child. I am simply lost at what cost it could make the difference?

Given the background of what happens in the country (e.g., Epstein was a Dalton teacher, etc., his social climbing). And this $60K tuition for an elementary school. And knowing they pay their teachers $60k a year (yes, the same as the tuition). And knowing some people in the country makes less than 60K a year.
I can't help but feel depressed. I wish I were just an ultra-rich person who feels so happy to send my kids to the most expensive schools, hoping for the best.