The Obama Girls Go To Sidwell
What about you? Are you thinking about private school for your child? Now's the time to start the process.
Why Ranks Don't Matter
Private schools have traditionally circled the wagons when it comes to revealing SSAT/ISEE scores and other benchmarks for their applicants. That's why it is virtually impossible to rank private schools. Of course, everybody knows that Exeter, Andover and all the other top prep schools are some of the best in the world. But they are very, very selective and hard to get into.
So, what about all the other private schools? How do you know you have chosen the best school for your child if ranks do not matter? Because the best school for you will be the one which suits your needs better than other schools. In other words the best school for your child is the one which is the best fit.
Spotlight On Middlesex School
Today's spotlight takes us to Concord, MA, the home of Middlesex School. One of the top prep schools collectively and affectionately known as St. Grottlesex, Middlesex enjoys a reputation as one of America's finest private schools. It's hard to get into but if you make the grade, superb academics with a sports program to match are yours. Oh, and did I mention the sweet greater Boston location?
Read Middlesex School's profile. If you went to Middlesex, we would like to hear about your experiences and what you thought of the school. Please post your response here.
Private Online High Schools
Check out Distance Learning Guide Jamie Littlefield's All About Private Online High Schools.
Time To Trade Up?
Many schools have substantial endowments which, even with a 20-30% drop in their book value, will enable them to survive. These schools will continue to offer generous financial aid packages and attract more applicants than they have places for. Other schools will not be so fortunate.
What does this mean for parents? This just might be the time for you to trade up to that school you really wanted your children to attend. As enrollments decline and the application pool shrinks, boards will get jittery. The admissions offices will be more inclined to sweeten the financial aid pot and/or discount tuition. After all, they cannot have unfilled places in their incoming classes and survive for long.
Do your research. Make sure your child offers every last thing the school of your dreams wants. Start the search process early. Then go for it!
Completing Your Applications
Make sure that all teacher recommendations and your parent's questionnaire have been completed and mailed by January 5 so that your child's file can be closed. SSAT test results should be on file by now assuming that your child took the test on December 13 or earlier.
Spotlight On Girard College
Today's spotlight takes us to Philadelphia, PA, the home of Girard College. Only a few schools in America offer a free education. Girard is one of them. The school came into being as the result of the gift of one of the richest men in America in his time. Stephen Girard lived from 1750-1831 and believed that fatherless boys from poor families deserved a better chance at receiving a good education. The school boards students from 1st grade through 12th grade. All expenses paid.
Read Girard College's profile. If you went to Girard College, we would like to hear about your experiences and what you thought of the school. Please post your response here.
Have A Wonderful Holiday!
So many things are uncertain as we pause to celebrate Christmas 2008. One thing is sure: friends and family are the center of our celebrations. I wish you and yours a most peaceful and happy holiday.Postcard From Mexico City
Then everything started looking up. Apart from the long lines at Mexican Immigration at Terminal 1, the rest of the process was just fine. I got cash from the ATM, scurried over to the counter to buy my Taxi Autorisado ticket. And shortly was ensconced in a spotless SUV with a very courteous driver enjoying the sights as I was driven to the Zona Rosa. I marveled at how vibrant the city looked. Christmas decorations everywhere. The skywas a warm pink as the sun set. Everywhere I looked there were cars and more cars. I think Mexicans have more cars than anybody and they drive them with great gusto.
Now, down to business: let's say, for example, the CEO suggests that you need to spend a couple of years in Mexico City taking care of the Mexican operations. Don't think twice about it. Your children will have lots of excellent schools to attend. Mexican private schools fall into two categories: the parochial and small owner-run schools and the international schools. You will focus on the international schools simply because they offer the academic programs your children will be expected to have had when they return home. Go for it. Mexico has all the amenities a great, world-class city offers. It's only a short 2 1/2 hour flight back home too.
Feliz navidad!
Two Weeks Of Tranquility
Also, if you are on a parents' committee of the board at your school, take a few minutes to review my energy saving suggestions. Oil is very cheap right now, but we all know that will not last. Tightening things up will help your school's bottom line which is probably looking more precarious these days anyway thanks to the financial turmoil. (I hope your school didn't have any of its investments with that scoundrel Madoff!)

