Anonymous wrote:K-6 is an option as well, which we fond to be best.

for transitioning during a less competitive time, yes. but research shows that moving after 8 is better for confidence/self esteem, etc. than moving after 6. even public school systems have started to reintroduce k-8 because they've learned that the middle school model that most of us endured is a disaster.

Though attractive doesn't mean the best possible academic experience. But I do get why people settle for a sure thing. I am not sure the sure thing actually provides the best experience for a child. Plus, lifers sometimes (but not always, of course) end up being the weaker students, which means the sure thing might not pay off in the end.

The kids who come in at 9th have to be strong, which means the k-8s have to have strong programs. Otherwise, the k-8s would sputter and die.

K-6 is an option as well, which we fond to be best.

Anonymous wrote:I like that you get a chance to find the right HS fit for kids rather than guessing the right fit for your 4- or 5-year old. I totally get the appeal of people wanting a k-12 to reduce uncertainty. Without the fear factor (of potentially not getting into a top high school, parents would actually be foolish not to see that k-8 is probably in their kids' best interest from both a pedagogical and social/emotional perspective. Too many parents are actually doing a disservice by making decisions either based out of fear or out of some misguided desire for status.

But if it’s not the right fit, you can always apply out, and people do all the time. You’re not actually obligated to attend the high school if you attend the lower in middle school. You’re just starting your applications from the place of having one sure thing. That is attractive!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like that you get a chance to find the right HS fit for kids rather than guessing the right fit for your 4- or 5-year old. I totally get the appeal of people wanting a k-12 to reduce uncertainty. Without the fear factor (of potentially not getting into a top high school, parents would actually be foolish not to see that k-8 is probably in their kids' best interest from both a pedagogical and social/emotional perspective. Too many parents are actually doing a disservice by making decisions either based out of fear or out of some misguided desire for status.

this

To be fair, many of the K-12 around here are very competitive and turn away many very qualified applicants every year for 9th-especially when you factor siblings and other hooks. Not getting in at 9th is a real possibility even if your kid is highly qualified. Some parents would rather not run that risk. And if their kid really can’t hang as they get older, the school will definitely tell them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A top K-8 is the way to go. It should have good machinery in place and good relationships with all the local private upper schools. It also will focus all of its resources on those critical years. Plus, middle school kids get to be leaders and not, well, in the middle and sometimes overlooked.

+1

I also find it interesting that almost every poster here championing K-12 says a significant concern about the K-8 is the stress of leaving it and getting into go to the right private high school??!?!?. I mean, seriously, really? Everyone is more concerned with getting into a private high school, than what is the better environment for their kids? I find it so so so DCUM and so dumb. I mean, if a specific K-12 is the best fit for your kid, that's great (although how would you know in K or 1st or 2nd grade). But there are so many other factors that should matter other than where you can get your kid into high school. SMDH. Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees....

Agree. How can you know the right fit esp. from K when you have no idea what the class make up is or anything. And the right school for the parents sounds more like the K-12 choice. Too many people here are caught up in the Big 3 or 5 or whatever they are. I'm not even sure they are worth the hype except for the top performers of the class.

Anonymous wrote:I like that you get a chance to find the right HS fit for kids rather than guessing the right fit for your 4- or 5-year old. I totally get the appeal of people wanting a k-12 to reduce uncertainty. Without the fear factor (of potentially not getting into a top high school, parents would actually be foolish not to see that k-8 is probably in their kids' best interest from both a pedagogical and social/emotional perspective. Too many parents are actually doing a disservice by making decisions either based out of fear or out of some misguided desire for status.

this

Anonymous wrote:A top K-8 is the way to go. It should have good machinery in place and good relationships with all the local private upper schools. It also will focus all of its resources on those critical years. Plus, middle school kids get to be leaders and not, well, in the middle and sometimes overlooked.

+1

I also find it interesting that almost every poster here championing K-12 says a significant concern about the K-8 is the stress of leaving it and getting into go to the right private high school??!?!?. I mean, seriously, really? Everyone is more concerned with getting into a private high school, than what is the better environment for their kids? I find it so so so DCUM and so dumb. I mean, if a specific K-12 is the best fit for your kid, that's great (although how would you know in K or 1st or 2nd grade). But there are so many other factors that should matter other than where you can get your kid into high school. SMDH. Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees....

I understand why some gravitate to a K-8, and that makes sense for them. However, in terms of OP’s original premise, it seems to me if anyone is questioning the decision from the start they should just choose a K-12 and not fret.

Anonymous wrote:I went to a K-8 through 8th then moved to a K-12 for high school. There were a lot of maladjusted lifers. I think there's something to be said for having to be the new kids, learn a new system and meet new people. You don't get the chance to do that if you're at the same school until college.

K-8 graduate here. Based on personal experience you can also find maladjusted kids at K-8s. When the class size is small the disruption those kids cause can affect the whole class. It's hard to get away from it.

I went to a K-8 through 8th then moved to a K-12 for high school. There were a lot of maladjusted lifers. I think there's something to be said for having to be the new kids, learn a new system and meet new people. You don't get the chance to do that if you're at the same school until college.

I’m curious about counseling out in K-12 for kids who aren’t thriving ( grades, trouble, etc) Is it really a thing esp 8th to 9 th?

There’s some ferocious hair-splitting going on here. both models are perfectly good, and chances are that your kid will have a fine experience at either.

Remember that if you choose a K - 12, there’s no law saying that you can’t apply out for 9-12 if that school no longer is a good fit. And if you choose a K – 8, there’s no law that you can’t apply out until eighth grade, if you want to avoid the crash.

Look for the school that seems best for your family now. Your kid will be fine either way.

This is a thread highlighting a “grass is always greener” dynamic. Terminal 8s may well have social emotional developmental benefits because of the sole focus being on primary and middle school years. K-12 May dedicate greater resources per child at the HS level, but neither of these mean the younger years get the shaft or are disadvantaged in a K-12 bs a K-8. That is ludicrous. We have some exceptional terminal 8s as well as lower school programs in area K-12 schools.

The one point I do think may be valid is that different profile of families actively choose terminal 8s vs K-12. For the most part, those who choose K-12 are committed to private for the duration. In terminal 8s there are many families actively choosing a terminal 8 fully intending to go into the public system @ HS. Some of the best known area terminal 8s send 1/4 to half of their graduating classes to public. It leads to a more diverse perspective among the families, which many appreciate.

When you are new to any private school community you explore all of your options, apply where you think there is a strong fit, and assess paths based on admissions offers.

I like that you get a chance to find the right HS fit for kids rather than guessing the right fit for your 4- or 5-year old. I totally get the appeal of people wanting a k-12 to reduce uncertainty. Without the fear factor (of potentially not getting into a top high school, parents would actually be foolish not to see that k-8 is probably in their kids' best interest from both a pedagogical and social/emotional perspective. Too many parents are actually doing a disservice by making decisions either based out of fear or out of some misguided desire for status.