Newsflash! Word got out on Friday that the Obamas have chosen the prestigeous Sidewell Friends School for their daughters Sasha and Malia to attend come January. While some feel that the Obamas should attend public schools in DC for whatever reasons, I, personally feel the Obamas side of this situation. As a child bred in private schools (Kindergarten-12th grade, the first public school I set foot in was my first day of college at UMass Amherst), I have always (and probably will always) be an advocate for a private school atmosphere. The smaller class sizes, the closeness to teachers, the community that's built. It all sounds very cheesy, but I swear that it's true. Also true, however, the pricetag that a private school holds. Sidwell clocks in at about $29,000 per student for the academic year (the girls' current school, the Chicago Lab School, clocks in at a little under 20k/year -- note, most New England area prep schools clock in at about 30k-ish).
Elitest much? Yes. But, do we, and should we, expect much more from families that can afford the private school tuition? With the advantages that private schooling gives to students -- I can attest to a great work ethic, creative thinking, and an emphasis to detail -- why wouldn't the Obamas want the best for their girls?
-M
