Private Schools 2023 (Dallas, Paris, Howe: kids, admission, water)

[Salinas81]

Originally Posted by DFWTeacher

I teach at one if the “elite” privates and have no doubts that the kids at Travis and Sudie could academically outperform 1/2 of the grade. Being at a place where it’s cool to be challenged, put in the work, and to excel academically can’t be overlooked.

So do you think Travis is a equally good option when compared to private schools?

[Salinas81]

Originally Posted by AverageParent

I understand what you are saying, and I think we agree. Financial aid availability at these schools and its distribution is definitely a privilege, for those to whom it is awarded. Attending any of these schools in and of itself is an immense privilege, and in fact I had to convince my spouse that it was worth the effort to apply even though we can't afford it outright. We decided to take their stated recognition of the burden of tuition on middle class families at face value and have gone through both applications with forthrightness.

I was becoming frustrated with some earlier comments that appeared to be equating families with recently acquired home equity with those who are have poor cash flow due to lifestyle extravagance or those that "sacrifice" a vacation home they would otherwise be able to afford. In our financial position, we expect to pay a significant amount for private school, (if admitted) but I truly don't see how we could pay full tuition for all of our children.



First, even though we may never directly benefit from your largesse, I think it's great you contribute to the education of other children at your school as you are able to. If I were in your position, I might also have misgivings about whether tuition assistance is supporting my economic equivalents who are squirreling away their assets while I paid full freight and made such contributions. Judging by SSS's family contribution estimate for us, I feel that is unlikely to be occurring.

We live within our means, lifestyle-wise, (combined income in the mid 100k range) just one sensible car, in a modest home in a safe neighborhood, but like most houses in the metroplex since 2020 has risen in value (and of course with it our property taxes). We are not considering selling it to "downsize" and capture that equity, because like I said before, even if we did, with current rates we'd likely have higher monthly payments in a less valuable house than we do now and increased costs related to transportation, and repairs/upkeep that a less expensive home may require. A HELOC would only get us so far in contributing to tuition, and then after that we could be in worse long-term financial shape than we are today; it could hurt us financially to the degree if we reapplied for tuition assistance, we'd be eligible for more than we are today... Of course like many, our wages have not stayed ahead of inflation and any eligible bonuses have been underfunded and delayed indefinitely. So while I don't think we are entitled to tuition assistance by anyone, as our children are not entitled to a private school education either - I was surprised to see that home equity appeared to be a significant factor in our SSS calculation. Obviously, I can't change their assessment and it may be irrelevant if we aren't offered spots and given an actual financial aid determination. Right now it's something to ponder on waiting on admission results.

Whilst your post is sensible and balanced, I must say some of the other posters were a little disingenuous in the feigned indignation of even having their home equity considered for paying their children's private school tuition. I personally know someone who is doing just that to fund one of his kids tuition and paying himself for the other. Reasonable minds can disagree-sure, but to outright deny having 6 figure wealth in your home even being considered for paying for your own children for a life style choice you are making that is not available for the vast majority of this country (sending them to private school) does seem borderline entitled. Having said that I wish everyone the best of luck for the decisions ahead including getting whatever financial aid you need.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by AverageParent

-I was surprised to see that home equity appeared to be a significant factor in our SSS calculation. Obviously, I can't change their assessment and it may be irrelevant if we aren't offered spots and given an actual financial aid determination. Right now it's something to ponder on waiting on admission results.

I’m sure home equity has become a big convo at the financial aid decision round tables. I do know SSS is not the final word at most area schools. Many do their own calculations or modify the SSS forms with the metics they want to consider. Some schools provide a chart of income ranges & average financial aid awards in each range. That’s probably the best estimate until Friday.

[Grlmomdallas]

So - who is finding out today??

Good luck to you all.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by DFWTeacher

I teach at one if the “elite” privates and have no doubts that the kids at Travis and Sudie could academically outperform 1/2 of the grade. Being at a place where it’s cool to be challenged, put in the work, and to excel academically can’t be overlooked.

Could or do? Do as in you have something objective to go by?

[waterboy191]

Hi All,


My boy got ISEE score 6 5 6 7 in that order. What are his chances of getting into GH, ESD,and Parish?
I know decision is tomorrow but my anxiety levels are going up so would like know what you all think.


Thank you

[Grlmomdallas]

Originally Posted by waterboy191

Hi All,


My boy got ISEE score 6 5 6 7 in that order. What are his chances of getting into GH, ESD,and Parish?
I know decision is tomorrow but my anxiety levels are going up so would like know what you all think.


Thank you

What grade is he applying for? Where is he currently?

[waterboy191]

Originally Posted by Grlmomdallas

What grade is he applying for? Where is he currently?

He is applying to 5th Grade.

[sps80]

Originally Posted by houstontodallas

Interesting...I assumed they mailed those out on the same day they send emails out so that everyone finds out on the same day.

And now I'm hoping to get a package in the next 2 days LOL

Sorry, my reply might have sound confusing. She received package soon after (maybe 2-3 days) she got her admission decision, but before she accepted the school of her choice.

[waterboy191]

and he is in Alcuin