Wellesley, Concord, Lincoln, or Dover? (Boston, Framingham: fit in, new house, public school)

[jayrandom]

Originally Posted by porterhouse

You'd think. However 2 of the potential towns the OP mentioned were Concord and Wellesley. I have multiple friends and business acquaintances in both of these towns. Lot's of these people send their kids to private schools. There is a weird phenomenon of people convincing themselves there is a need to do so for various reasons. It's like a whole other level of elitist and snobby.

This isn't Dallas. Rich people aren't quite so showy with their money. Private schools are definitely one of the things they will spend on, though. I know a few people who are stretching themselves thin to pay for private schools and that's just crazy, but I'd guess for a lot of people in the upper upper levels $50k per kid per year is barely noticeable.

[OrganicSmallHome]

The public schools in every one of those towns is superb; it's unlikely that your children would be getting a better education at the private schools. I don't understand why people won't support public education. Ben Franklin is turning in his grave.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by jayrandom

This isn't Dallas. Rich people aren't quite so showy with their money. Private schools are definitely one of the things they will spend on, though. I know a few people who are stretching themselves thin to pay for private schools and that's just crazy, but I'd guess for a lot of people in the upper upper levels $50k per kid per year is barely noticeable.

If there is one thing people in this state are happy to spend money on, it's an education.

[porterhouse]

Originally Posted by jayrandom

I know a few people who are stretching themselves thin to pay for private schools and that's just crazy, but I'd guess for a lot of people in the upper upper levels $50k per kid per year is barely noticeable.

Some are certainly stretching themselves thin in the in the short term, however many more are impacting themselves in the long term to afford private schools and just do not realize it. If you look at the fully loaded cost of private schooling through 12th grade for 2 children, you're looking at the equivalent of about $3MM if that money was invested on an annual basis instead. Even by the standards of the W towns, this amount of money would be noticeable to everyone but the ultra rich.

[CaseyB]

There are lots of reasons for sending children to private schools. It's not really our business and the OP didn't ask for our opinions about it.

[mwbms28]

There should be a sticky - the "public vs. private school debate."

The header should read... "If you're thinking of taking yet another thread off-topic by ranting about how unreasonably expensive private school is, please just post your rant in here and not in the other thread."

[CaseyB]

Here's a thread right here that posters can contribute to:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/educa...tarting-k.html

It's in the Education forum.

[OldGrotonian]

Some clarifications:
I'm sending my son to Fessenden because I believe in single-sex education and early boarding. Also I'm a fourth-generation Fessendenian.
Unfortunately, there are not many all-girl's day schools left for younger grades in the area, which is why we're sending my daughter to Dexter-Southfield.
Both schools have buses that pick up from Wellesley. Southfield also picks up from Dover.
Quick update, my wife has now started working from home. Ironically enough, I may take a job in Cambridge, but she'll still be at home.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by OldGrotonian

Some clarifications:
I'm sending my son to Fessenden because I believe in single-sex education and early boarding. Also I'm a fourth-generation Fessendenian.
Unfortunately, there are not many all-girl's day schools left for younger grades in the area, which is why we're sending my daughter to Dexter-Southfield.
Both schools have buses that pick up from Wellesley. Southfield also picks up from Dover.
Quick update, my wife has now started working from home. Ironically enough, I may take a job in Cambridge, but she'll still be at home.

Wellesley to Cambridge is not a horrible commute. My wife commuted from Needham to Harvard Square for years. If you can come and go outside of rush hour that will certainly help a lot. That would certainly make it more convenient for you get your kids to school.

[Wendela]

OF the OP's choices Concord, specifically West Concord, is, as others have stated, the best bet. West Concord has a very laid back and non-elitist culture with many activities throughout the year. ..Events like a 'polar stroller' annual dinner, Christmas bonfires event, local farm events and fairs, Easter Egg Hunts, 4th of july events, Summer festivals, library speakers that are great, Block parties, and a halloween culture that brings in drop off kids from towns all around. I think the neighborhoods that are a close walk to the village center would suit you since you are coming from the city and are accustomed to walking out your door to shops etc. The people are generally uber educated, quick to talk about anything, and very conscious about not being too showy with wealth. There's a lot of money in the neighborhoods, new residents bringing in money, but residents seem to deliberately go low key and understated. You see this in landscaping for example, cars, and clothes. Seems most people are away much of the summer but it does have that summer screen porch nights mentality. Good luck with your search. One last thing...this all depends on where your children go to school too. Close enough to Concord? or carpooling or school has a pickup bus or you can drive them without and issue?