If you, your spouse, and your kid all have the same preference, I'd ignore others' opinions. If there's disagreement within the family, then seeking out more info, and thinking about how to make the best decision are worthwhile.

Do the people at work have kids in either of the schools you're choosing between? If not, then who knows what's driving their reaction. Could just be what they've heard is from people who made a different choice and talked it up.

How on earth does Potomac have a national reputation?

OP -- I assure you that I'm quite sincere. I'm not trying to brag about my child, particularly since this is an anonymous forum and it would be fairly pointless to try to seek kudos or admiration when nobody has any idea who I am! I purposely have been vague because I'm trying not to identify my child or family, and it is a small private school world. We love both schools and feel that he/she would get a wonderful education at both. However, when we have told friends or work colleagues what choice we most likely will make (i.e. Potomac), most seem to be surprised. I'm not trying to bash either school, and our indecisiveness is a reflection of our genuine respect for each school. I think most people on this board don't have ulterior motives other than seeking advice from people who have more experience with a particular school. If it helps, our child is at the older end of Lower School, so Middle School and Upper School are clearly factoring into the decision.

Potomac has a great national reputation. If your DC feels comfortable there, they will get a great education.

Anonymous wrote:Potomac has always felt like a public school that charges 35k to attend. There is nothing they do that differentiates them as unique or special.

You have never been there, that is clear.

We chose NPS over a Big 3. Our kids are happy and thriving and we have never regretted our decision.

of course not. I know many kids who are very good athletes and very good students and they can thrive at Potomac. In some ways I think it is the best of both worlds. It is a little kindler and gentler than some of the big three. I would do it and never look back.

Also might be a little easier for kid to be an academic superstar.

Anonymous wrote:This sounds like a troll post or someone who is bored and trying to rile people up.

My thoughts too as to this whole thread. OP's question seems really vague, and more smells like trying to stir up controversy. Or maybe she just wants to brag about her admission to a Big 3 school. Whatever the psychology behind it, OP's question does not seem like a sincere one.

Anonymous wrote:Potomac has always felt like a public school that charges 35k to attend. There is nothing they do that differentiates them as unique or special.

I don't know how you would know this unless you were there -- and if you are there, then why haven't you moved? This sounds like a troll post or someone who is bored and trying to rile people up.

Potomac has always felt like a public school that charges 35k to attend. There is nothing they do that differentiates them as unique or special.

Anonymous wrote:I think Potomac is a top-tier school - not at the level of Sidwell/GDS/STA/NCS, but a good school with top notch academics. If you live in VA it is worth considering over a big 3. If you live in DC and go to Potomac, I think the safe assumption is that you didn't get into a big 3.

Except we know several families who turned down a big three for Potomac, and apparently the OP is seriously considering the same thing, so your basis for this assumption is???

An equally safe assumption is that you chose the school that is best for your child. We picked Potomac over a Big 3 and have never regretted it. It is a great school.

I think Potomac is a top-tier school - not at the level of Sidwell/GDS/STA/NCS, but a good school with top notch academics. If you live in VA it is worth considering over a big 3. If you live in DC and go to Potomac, I think the safe assumption is that you didn't get into a big 3.

Potomac is one of the very few schools in the area that would be worth serious consideration over a so-called "Big 3." Potomac is an absolutely excellent school, and it's confusing to see people dismissing it so cavalierly.

We might choose Potomac over ncs. NCS LS didnt feel warm and joyful, which matter at that age.