Anonymous
12/15/2015 02:15
Subject: Re:Most down-to-Earth school community
I'll share our experiences as a a family that did receive FA from two of the talked about schools. At Maret, it seemed like parents that shared interests connected, and level of wealth did not matter. We drove relatively new, inexpensive cars, and no one cared. Once my DC's friend stayed overnight in our modest home and remarked, "You have cute home." When we visited her home, it was a world away, but her parents kept asking how we made their daughter feel so loved and at home in our house. To them and to us, it did not seem to matter what size house they own. They were just happy that their DD had good friends and a kind 2nd family to be with sometimes.
At Maret, we went to all the events (homecoming, games, the auction), and we fit in with all the other adults. We sat with our family and friends, ate, drank, and had a good time. In our many years there, we didn't feel the wealthiest families cared about your finances or cars or size of home. They cared about their own. No snubs or snobbery, just kind, loving people at Maret.
At Sidwell, it was the same. Although for our youngest DC, we joined the US community. Even now, the big parties and dinners I remember were events for fun, down-to-earth conversations. People just did not care what you have or don't have. Teens at Sidwell are just like teens everywhere; they want expensive cars and trips; they want fancy jeans, but at the same time, they could care less about shoes and everyday clothing they wear to class. Yes, there are many well-connected, wealthy people there, but they care about their children and their families, not what you're doing next year or next month.
If you feel comfortable within yourself, and raise your children to feel comfortable within themselves, won't all of you make friends and fit in with the families that share your interests and values? I think that's how it worked us us at both schools.
At Maret, we went to all the events (homecoming, games, the auction), and we fit in with all the other adults. We sat with our family and friends, ate, drank, and had a good time. In our many years there, we didn't feel the wealthiest families cared about your finances or cars or size of home. They cared about their own. No snubs or snobbery, just kind, loving people at Maret.
At Sidwell, it was the same. Although for our youngest DC, we joined the US community. Even now, the big parties and dinners I remember were events for fun, down-to-earth conversations. People just did not care what you have or don't have. Teens at Sidwell are just like teens everywhere; they want expensive cars and trips; they want fancy jeans, but at the same time, they could care less about shoes and everyday clothing they wear to class. Yes, there are many well-connected, wealthy people there, but they care about their children and their families, not what you're doing next year or next month.
If you feel comfortable within yourself, and raise your children to feel comfortable within themselves, won't all of you make friends and fit in with the families that share your interests and values? I think that's how it worked us us at both schools.
Anonymous
12/15/2015 01:40
Subject: Most down-to-Earth school community
I am not sure why having money automatically precludes someone from being down to earth. In fact, I'd argue that anyone who decides a family is not down to earth merely because they take nice vacations, drive nice cars, and participate in expensive extracurriculars is the not down-to-earth one.
Now, if those families were turning their noses up at our Hondas and vacations to Florida, sure. I'd agree- not down to earth. But that's never been the case, and I have a hard time understanding the logic behind ruling out people on the basis of their income.
Now, if those families were turning their noses up at our Hondas and vacations to Florida, sure. I'd agree- not down to earth. But that's never been the case, and I have a hard time understanding the logic behind ruling out people on the basis of their income.
Anonymous
12/15/2015 01:20
Subject: Most down-to-Earth school community
Anonymous wrote:I'm very happy at Maret. We're one of those families who don't qualify for aid, but finances are tight after tuition. We're very comfortable at Maret and it's a very low key school. The kids don't dress up for school and the parents are typically in jeans whenever that's an option. There are a lot of wealthy families and sometimes it's hard not to notice (like when you have a pool play date or something), but almost everyone makes an effort to avoid any conspicuous displays of wealth.
BWAHAHA! Maret is not down to earth. Have you been to their auction? Have you seen the cars that pull up at pickup? Have you heard the kids talk about all their traveling? After school activities like fencing, horseback riding, sailing?
Being down to earth is not just about wearing jeans, FFS.
Anonymous
12/15/2015 00:42
Subject: Most down-to-Earth school community
OP, as you can see, you will receive lots of feedback on this forum. Some is helpful to you and your child. Some is just plain childish. Hope you find value in the former and are not discouraged by the latter. Good luck in your search.
Anonymous
12/14/2015 23:36
Subject: Most down-to-Earth school community
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:[
Got it now, sweetheart? I know if its too much for you go back to reading tabloids and drinking cheap wine.
Nice try. I have a doctorate from Harvard. F off.
Sure you do hon, just like every other loser who says that here.
Not your hon and by no stretch of the imagination a loser, and I certainly do. The diploma's hanging on the wall right behind me. If you want to pretend I'm lying because you can't stand to be wrong, then that's your prerogative. I'll just continue knowing the truth. Now go back to your little cave, sad person.
I saw a diploma hanging on the wall at the animal vet's office once. But other than that, who hangs their diploma on the wall behind them anymore?
