Can We Afford Private School?

just something to think about- my mom put me in private school being a single mom (who NEVER received child support for neither my brother or i) and making HALF of what you make. she was also very smart with her money and spent it well, not carelessly. so, it's not about the income you have but about how you manage the money you have. we lived in fairfax county, then too... and she sent me to Browne Academy- NOT CHEAP!

and there are some fantastic public schools -especially in fairfax county- just check them out, they are not all the same.

Private school is usually a matter of family choices and priorities rather than income.

Also, shop around. There are church-run Montessori programs and other high quality preschool programs that are VERY affordable as they are only 3 hours/day.

My neighbor sent her two kids to Montessori school here in Fairfax Co and she swears by it. Having come from somewhere outside of VA, I can't understand why anyone would consider sending a child to private school here when the best public schools in the country are located in this county! We pay huge property taxes here, so I think you should consider the local schools first. If you are unhappy with the local school, consider moving to a better school pyramid before you jump into a private school.

I don't think the people on this board can tell you whether or not you can afford private school - that's up to you and your husband. You need to first find a school that you like. Then, take a look at your overall finances. If you need to make sacrifices, make a list of things you can cut out - eating out, going to the movies, cutting back on cable, etc. Then decide if you can afford to send your child to montessori school.

Just so you know - yes, Montessori school is great, but a kid can thrive in any environment if you as the parent spend time with your child, help them to enjoy reading and learning, and foster an open learning environment in your home.

I don't believe $99 is enough to really be comfortable in a private school. It starts off expensive and doesn't get cheaper. I would start out in the public and see how it goes, if your child needs extra help you can easily afford a tutor or testing. If you go the private school route and your child needs extra help, you still have to pay for tutor and testing. It doesn't come with the program. We are now in a Catholic school which is 1/2 the price of reg private schools in the area. We did nonCatholic private for 6 years and now, recession and we have no savings. My husband was always against it and now throws it in my face..... Take each grade after you see what happens with the one before. It is NEVER to late to put them in private if need be. Good Luck