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Er.. let me just say that if you're even considering Waldorf, do a LOT of research into it first.
I agree. To me, it seems like one of those schools that kill people with high tuition so that "under priveldged" kids can get free rides. I don't like that at all.
That's not the issue at all (well, it might be for the GC one specifically but not for Waldorf generally). It has a very specific curriculum and philosophy and not all Waldorf schools are very clear about this or what it means. Parents see the creative and natural sides of it and are very impressed but don't understand the underpinnings.
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There is (or at least there were ) : The Stonybrook School and The Knox School. Both of these are really for the types who can not get into Andover or the better prep schools. The Knox School for Girls was filled with the daughters of minor celebs such as Zsa Zsa Gabor. How do I know ? I went there for a very very short while.
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I agree. To me, it seems like one of those schools that kill people with high tuition so that "under priveldged" kids can get free rides. I don't like that at all.
Oh GCGuy, you just make me chuckle buddy. Do you seriously think that tuitions are so high in the private schools so the "poor" kids can get a free ride?
Do you have children in private school? Are you on the board of a private school?
Reality is, and I only come from my sibling going to private school and being a headmaster for several private schools, that private school, like public school and any other business is a BUSINESS. Tuition is set by number attended, saleries paid, and cost of doing BUSINESS. Notice key word is business-like hospitals, stores, real estate, businesses, etc.......it is a BUSINESS. We are in a capitalist society. There is a price to pay, you set the price, people are willing to pay it......ding ding ding.
Granted, each private school does offer a discount on tuition for a certain amount of gifted, well-deservng children (as they should for our damn future) just like EEO sets the rules in the "grown up world," but I can not in good standing allow your comment that the "poor kids getting a free ride" are the reason that private school costs are what they are.
Costs are what they are to cover costs, build fancy buildings so the parents feel proud, employ capable teachers, pay insurance, taxes, field trips, yadda yadda yadda. Don't blame the less fortunate that happen to have children that have better minds than perhaps you and me and could go on to shape the future of this country with a good education. As a country, we all should be applauding the nuturing of our greatest and strongest minds-they are our future-regardless of economic status. They may be your kids' bosses some day. Please, do not blame tuition on the "poor kids."
[quote=I_Love_LI_but;3593190]Friends Academy is EXPENSIVE and EXCLUSIVE and located in Locust Valley (also E&E). It is also a Quaker (like the religion) school but I think the clientele are not actually Quakers nor does the school "teach" the religion, but just kids whose parents have big money.
QUOTE]
You are correct. You do not have to be Quaker to attend Friends...Mom and Dad just need a fat checkbook
They do not teach the religion, but you do go to, at least up to the early 90's, the chapel (or whatever it is) across the street from the main campus to attend a "service" or two.
Ivy League has a beautiful campus. The curriculum is outstanding, and so is the tuition. It is a family-run school and summer camp, and they are such a nice family. They even live on the grounds. We sent our son to the camp, and it was absolutely one of the best experiences for him. I will say again...the tuition is very expensive. So once we went from one child to three children, we had to figure out something else for the summers. They do, however, offer summer camp tuition exchange if a parent works there. If you work there in any capacity, you can have 2 children attend the camp for free. And that works out to a little more than $10K...I know, I know, outrageous! It could be put away for college tuition!
That's not the issue at all (well, it might be for the GC one specifically but not for Waldorf generally). It has a very specific curriculum and philosophy and not all Waldorf schools are very clear about this or what it means. Parents see the creative and natural sides of it and are very impressed but don't understand the underpinnings.
Can you elaborate on this? Most of what I have read about Waldorf is very appealing in many ways, especially coming from a rigid public nyc school environment.
Ok... i'm not sure how far to get into this. Waldorf is all based on anthroposophy and the writing of Rudolf Steiner. You NEED to investigate what that means, and you should go read for yourself. Some schools don't explain it very well. I can't emphasise this part enough. Every decision, curricular and otherwise, ultimately comes down to anthroposophy, so if you don't agree with it, Waldorf is not for you. You should look up his views on race (hotly debated) and special needs children.
Some issues: kids don't learn to read until 7 (at some Steiner schools it can take a lot longer). All the art is carefully directed by the teacher (yes, it's pretty, but many new Waldorf parents don't understand how much guidance is involved; it's not free form, and even the colours may be dictated). In the early grades, there's a lot of sitting and listening to the main lesson, and they just copy since they don't really have the ability to 'create' their lesson books the way the older children do. TV and the internet is not allowed for young children. Science isn't taught in any mainstream way in the elementary grades. You have the same teacher for years, which can create problems if your child doesn't get along with the teacher. Some Waldorf schools have serious bullying problems because they don't believe in interfering.
Really--I can't tell you Waldorf is wrong for you, because some children and parents are very happy there. But i HAVE seen problems that stemmed from parents not truly understanding what they were signing up for.
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Can you elaborate on this? Most of what I have read about Waldorf is very appealing in many ways, especially coming from a rigid public nyc school environment.
