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Would anyone turn down a TT private for Lower Lab? We were planning to do so, but now are in a panic about our decision. $ would be a stretch for private, but we could do it. And yes, I feel terrible about the possibility of taking a spot from someone else.
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OP: Why? How can I compare LL to this amazing school that will offer DC so much more: smaller class sizes, better sports/arts/enrichment? Scared I will feel guilty if we don't do it.
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Last year, we were faced with the same situation - a great G&T or a private. The classes were so tiny, the language was every day, the facility was beautiful. Money was a stretch but we could do it. Now, a year later, I thank my lucky stars that we decided to go with the G&T. Dd is thriving, the education is amazing, and we are able to save money, too. I think when you get down to a really great G&T vs a private, there are tradeoffs to each decision, but you can't go wrong with either.
[ Reply | Options ]If you keep comparing the TT and LL all year long through the first year at LL, please, stay away. We still have so many whiners at LL.
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Money is the main reason. Some people are also a little concerned about fitting into a private school world. How difficult that is depends on both you and the particular school.
[ Reply | Options ]We have this option(not LL but polular district G&T). Turn down G&T. Go to tt private! No comparison(DOE is cuttin budget so much next year).
[ Reply | Options ]I don't get this. My incredibly expensive, well endowed private college is also slashing its budget. Are you telling me that no privates are tightening their belts with endowments down so much and financial aid requests at all time highs? The DOE budget cuts really are no big deal, FWIW.
[ Reply | Options ]There's a big difference between cutting a fat budget and one that is already tight.
[ Reply | Options ]Why don't you ask the parents here at A, N, or LL what will be cut next year because of budget cuts before jumping to conclusions? And I don't think the private budgets are all that fat - either that or the admin is lying to you when they beg for your annual fund contributions.
[ Reply | Options ]okay, what will be cut next year at publics? Aren't you jumping to conclusions about privates, too? At ours the endowment is down, but it had a large one to begin with. Annual fund raised slightly more this year than last. No tuition increase this year. Increased budget for financial aid. No budget cuts for staff or salary, tiny increase in teacher salary instead of the usual increase. School examining non-curriculum items in budget like how to save on utilities.
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Honestly, which school is the best fit for your child? Ask yourself, labels aside, what did you like/dislike about both schools...only you know the answer. When I considered that we would still be on the hook for the private, that there would still be costs with the public (afterschool, transporation, pta dues, etc) and that the program in the private was better suited for my child, the answer was v. clear...good luck.
[ Reply | Options ]Do LL for elementary - save tons of $ - then do private for middle. That is what I did and do not regret for one minute.
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i have heard exactly the opposite from friends who moved kids into private in 4th-6th grades, more kids come from public elem. than from other private schools, bc of all the red tape dealing with isaagny's deadlines and signed contracts with other privates. privates know they don't have to deal with that when they take smart public kids.
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DF and I were just talking about our kids' K experience this year - one in LL and one in TT private. Both of us were very happy. She felt the class size was a big difference and I was whining about having just had to put down 50% tuition for 1st grade. I think maybe it boils down to how much of a stretch it would be to do private for one (private for two sounds really far down the round - first will already be almost done with LL at that point). If you can do it without alot of cutbacks and the private was one you really felt was a good match for DC, go with the private.
[ Reply | Options ]LL parent here: I think class size is an issue, but only for K or maybe 1st grade. Still there are several teachers per class (2 teachers, plus a student teacher for many classes). The other factors made it a wonderful experience here. My child got plenty of one-on-one time and attention from a wonderful K teacher.
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I don't think it's a good idea to "stretch" to afford private. I know 2 families that are pulling kids out of tt because of finances, and in both cases the kids are old enough to be aware of the reason (money), and that they are going to a "less good" school, while their friends remain in tt. It's an AWFUL situation. I would only send to private if it's comfortable.
[ Reply | Options ]np: I think it really depends on your child/ren. Some kids do just fine with big public school classes, while others really benefit from smaller classes are more personal attention. Some kids do fall through the crack in publics, while others have no trouble getting the attention they need.
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We turned down Hunter for TT. Financially, we should have gone with Hunter. It was really really hard to make the decision. Dc is very, very happy, though and if dc continues to be so over the top happy, then we can live with financial regret. Dc's school went over backwards to make sure money is not tight for us by giving steep discount on everything. I'd say it depends on which TT. Are they overly generous? Which one is it?
[ Reply | Options ]LL parent here...private was not an option for us financially, but I can not imagine my child being more engaged , challenged or socially happy in any fancier environment. Wonderful peer group and very loving, small family scene. Only drawback is that it ends at 5th but almost all kids got into excellent selective pub and private schools. I don't think anyone of our friends at school would disagree. At any price, I would pick this school in a heartbeat.
[ Reply | Options ]Another LL parent. I'd take LL if $$$ are a concern, especially with #2 on the way. LL kids get into absolute great ms (both public and private). They graduate well prepared for middle school, curious and still loving learning.Save your money for ms, hs and college. LL is a great school -- maybe not as fancy as a TT private, but the education is top notch. Class size hasn't been an issue for us with the ass't teachers. Teacher really knows DC.
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